Advanced Manufacturing
Careers

What is Advanced Manufacturing?

Advanced manufacturing uses cutting-edge science and innovative technology to make products that are better, more efficient and less expensive.

Advanced manufacturing is not limited to emerging technologies; it constitutes efficient, productive, highly integrated, tightly controlled processes across a spectrum of globally competitive U.S. manufacturers and suppliers.

Jobs in advanced manufacturing provide exceptional opportunities for rewarding work, earning great money, learning new skills and career advancement.

https://www.manufactureyourfuture.com/school

One manufacturing job in Arizona supports an additional 1.29 jobs, which means that there are 202,000 additional jobs in Arizona supported by manufacturing.
Over 80% of Arizona’s $22.6 billion in exports for 2015 were manufactured goods. The largest sectors for advanced manufactured goods were: electrical machinery, aircraft, spacecraft, machinery, and optics.
As of 2014, Arizona is home to more than 4,600 manufacturers, about 95 of which have fewer than 100 employees.
(BLS, QCEW)
Total manufacturing employment exceeded 157,000 in 2014.
(BLS, QCEW)
The average salary for an advanced manufacturing position in 2014 was $69,054 (BLS, QCEW). This is more than 50% higher than the average wage for all positions in Arizona.
Arizona’s total manufacturing output (contribution to State Real Gross Domestic Product or GDP) in 2014 was $23.12 billion, which accounts for nearly 9% of Arizona’s Real GDP.
(BEA.gov)
One manufacturing job in Arizona supports an additional 1.29 jobs, which means there are 202,000 additional jobs in Arizona supported by manufacturing.
Over 80% of Arizona’s $22.6 billion in exports for 2015 were manufactured goods. The largest sectors for advanced manufactured goods were: electrical machinery, aircraft, spacecraft, machinery and optics.
As of 2014, Arizona is home to more than 4,600 manufacturers, about 95 of which have fewer than 100 employees.
Total manufacturing employment exceeded 157,000 in 2014.
The average salary for an advanced manufacturing position in 2014 was $69,054. This is more than 50% higher than the average wage for all positions in Arizona.
Arizona’s total manufacturing output (contribution to State Real Gross Domestic Product or GDP) in 2014 was $23.12 billion, which accounts for nearly 9% of Arizona’s Real GDP. (BEA.gov)

Debunking Common misconceptions 
about advanced manufacturing careers

Disparaging myths have circulated about American manufacturing for decades. Parents have misconceptions of manufacturing jobs and have discouraged their children from pursuing careers in manufacturing because they think factories are dirty and dangerous, or lacking a solid wage and career opportunities.

The reality is that manufacturing is an advanced, high-value industry that represents innovation and technology. Working in manufacturing offers today’s workforce great compensation and benefits, a robust market of available jobs, challenging and cutting-edge work, and safe working conditions.

Dispelling the Myths

  • Many of today’s manufacturing environments look more like clean rooms, with laboratory-like settings. Thanks to sophisticated robots, important advancements in technology, and widely accepted best practices and required industry standards, shop floors have actually never been cleaner or safer.
  • Technological advancements are yielding well-paying careers – the average U.S. manufacturing worker makes $77,506 annually, including pay and benefits.
  • Manufacturing offers career opportunities for every education level ranging from skilled trades that require a high school diploma or GED, to engineers, designers and programmers with bachelor’s and master’s degrees, and researchers and scientists with PhDs.
  • Today’s manufacturing requires highly skilled workers to operate complex and expensive machinery, and the use of 3D design and computer-aided engineering software is attracting students interested in non-traditional careers, such as game design and animatronics.

Explore advanced manufacturing careers

Explore advanced manufacturing careers

Types of Careers
in Advanced Manufacturing

ROBOTICS

AVIATION,
AEROSPACE &
DEFENSE

COMPUTER
TECHNOLOGY

CLEAN ENERGY
TECHNOLOGY

AUTOMATION
& ELECTRONICS

SEMI –
CONDUCTORS

BIOSCIENCE

3D PRINTING
& ADDITIVE MANUFACTURING

FABRICATION
& WELDING

MACHINING

ROBOTICS

AVIATION,
AEROSPACE &
DEFENSE

COMPUTER
TECHNOLOGY

CLEAN ENERGY
TECHNOLOGY

AUTOMATION
& ELECTRONICS

SEMICONDUCTORS

BIOSCIENCE

3D PRINTING
& ADDITIVE MANUFACTURING

FABRICATION
& WELDING

MACHINING

ARIZONA MANUFACTURING MAP

YAVAPAI COUNTY

Education & Training Programs
Research degree and certificate programs in this region to earn education and training for advanced
manufacturing careers.

Employers
Explore advanced manufacturing businesses in this region.

Jobs
Search for advanced manufacturing jobs in this region.

PATHWAYS TO ADVANCED
MANUFACTURING CAREERS

Education, training and experience for jobs in advanced manufacturing.

Did You Know?

Most careers in advanced manufacturing do not require a four-year degree.

CAREER &
TECHNICAL
EDUCATION

Many schools offer CTE programs to allow you to explore different opportunities while acquiring valuable skills.

APPRENTICESHIP
OPPORTUNITIES

Provide a personalized, hands-on experience to learn skills from a certified trainer with years of industry knowledge.

COMMUNITY
COLLEGE

Technical Training provides the skills and certifications needed to perform many advanced manufacturing jobs. Training programs typically last less than a year and can be completed at a community college.

FOUR-YEAR
UNIVERSITY

Universities offer several options for degrees that can be applied to advanced manufacturing and allow you to specialize in different sectors.

CAREER &
TECHNICAL
EDUCATION

Many schools offer CTE programs to allow you to explore different opportunities
while acquiring
valuable skills.

APPRENTICESHIP OPPORTUNITIES

Provide a personalized, hands-on experience to learn skills from a certified trainer with years of industry knowledge.

COMMUNITY
COLLEGE

Technical Training provides the skills and certifications needed to perform many advanced manufacturing jobs. Training programs typically last less than a year and can be completed at a community college.

FOUR-YEAR
UNIVERSITY

Universities offer several options for degrees that can be applied to advanced manufacturing and allow you to specialize in different sectors.

HOW DO I GET STARTED?

Develop These Skill Sets

Quality Assurance

Good Manufacturing Practice

Lean Manufacturing

Quality Systems

Hazard Analysis & Critical Control Points

Preventive Maintenance

Bilingual

Work Order

Material Handling

Equipment Maintenance

Learn More About Employers