What Helpers--Production Workers do
The U.S. Department of Labor's O*NET database describes the work of Helpers--Production Workers this way: "Help production workers by performing duties requiring less skill. Duties include supplying or holding materials or tools, and cleaning work area and equipment."
The core tasks O*NET records for this occupation include: "Operate machinery used in the production process, or assist machine operators"; "Examine products to verify conformance to quality standards"; "Observe equipment operations so that malfunctions can be detected, and notify operators of any malfunctions"; "Lift raw materials, finished products, and packed items, manually or using hoists"; "Load and unload items from machines, conveyors, and conveyances".
Education, experience and training
According to the BLS Employment Projections, the typical education needed to enter this occupation is high school diploma or equivalent. Typical on-the-job training to reach competency is short-term on-the-job training.
Job outlook for Helpers--Production Workers
The Bureau of Labor Statistics counted 167,400 jobs in this occupation in 2025 and projects 153,600 in 2035, a decrease of 13,800 jobs (-8.2%). That is slower than the 3.5% projected for all occupations.
About 20,900 openings a year are projected on average, counting both new positions and positions vacated by workers who retire or switch occupations. Relative to today's employment that is 12.5% a year, against 10.3% for all occupations. BLS lists a national median annual wage of $39,070, compared with $50,980 for all occupations.
Where Helpers--Production Workers earn the most
Across the 2 states with published data, the employment-weighted average of local median wages for this occupation ranges from $36,881 in Texas to $43,786 in California, a gap of $6,905 (1.19 times). 1 of those 2 states average above the BLS national median of $39,070 and 1 average at or below it.
Texas employs the most people in this occupation among the states covered, 29,450, which is 64.1% of the 45,950 counted across them. California follows with 16,500.
Highest-paying states
California ($43,786) and Texas ($36,881) lead the ranking, while Texas ($36,881) and California ($43,786) are at the bottom. The table below lists every state with a link to its county-level detail.
Helpers--Production Workers: pay against the cost of living
We compare 3 labor markets, each represented by its most populous county. After federal, Social Security, Medicare and state taxes and the four basics (a one-bedroom rental, food, home energy and gasoline), the largest yearly margin is in Harris County, TX (Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX) at $9,892. The weakest market is Los Angeles County, CA, where the basics cost $2,878 more than take-home pay.
The median wage for this occupation covers all four basics in 2 of the 3 markets and falls short in 1. A one-bedroom apartment takes between 47.2% and 81.1% of take-home pay, depending on the market.
Occupations related to Helpers--Production Workers
Other occupations in the same SOC minor group (51-9000) include Chemical Equipment Operators and Tenders, Semiconductor Processing Technicians, Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operators and Inspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers.
Frequently asked questions about Helpers--Production Workers
How much do Helpers--Production Workers earn in the United States?
BLS lists a national median annual wage of $39,070. Across the states covered here the average local median ranges from $36,881 to $43,786.
Which state pays Helpers--Production Workers the most?
California, with an employment-weighted average local median wage of $43,786. Texas is next at $36,881.
Is Helpers--Production Workers a growing occupation?
BLS projects employment to shrink by 8.2% between 2025 and 2035, compared with 3.5% for all occupations, with about 20,900 openings a year.
What education do Helpers--Production Workers need?
The typical entry-level education is high school diploma or equivalent and short-term on-the-job training, according to BLS.
Where can Helpers--Production Workers afford to live best?
Among the markets covered, Harris County, TX leaves the largest yearly margin after taxes, rent, food, energy and gasoline: $9,892 on a median wage of $37,290.