Three high-paying manufacturing jobs in Alabama facing Employment shifts over the next decade
Alabama's manufacturing sector is a hub of economic opportunity, offering numerous well-paying jobs that don't necessarily require a traditional degree. However, looking ahead, certain high-paying manufacturing roles may experience changes in job availability. Whether you're considering entering these occupations or already working in them, taking a look at the forecast can help you plan your career.
Here are three high-paying jobs in Alabama where employment growth is projected to be limited over the next decade.
CNC Machinist
What they do: CNC machinists operate and program CNC machines to cut, drill, and shape materials like metal and plastic with unparalleled accuracy. They interpret blueprints, adjust machine settings, and perform quality checks to ensure that each component meets exact specifications.
Job outlook and Average salary in Alabama: The job outlook for CNC machinists appears to be somewhat constrained due to advancements in technology. While machinists will still be needed to set up, monitor, and maintain systems like CNC machine tools, autoloaders, and high-speed machining, their employment growth is anticipated to be restricted. This limitation stems from the fact that as these technologies improve, they become more efficient, potentially reducing the need for additional human labor in these roles. However, it's essential to note that despite this forecast, skilled machinists will likely remain in demand, particularly those who can adapt to and leverage evolving technologies effectively.
The average salary for CNC machinists in Alabama is approximately $49,310 per year.
How to become one: Becoming a CNC machinist typically requires a high school diploma or equivalent, along with specialized training in machining or CNC technology. Many community colleges and technical schools offer certificate or associate degree programs in CNC machining, providing hands-on training in machine operation, programming, and blueprint reading.
Additionally, gaining practical experience through apprenticeships or on-the-job training can further enhance skills and job prospects in this field.
Welder
What they do: Welders use heat and pressure to join metal parts together, following blueprints and specifications to create everything from bridges and buildings to pipelines and machinery. They work with various welding techniques, such as arc welding, MIG welding, and TIG welding, to produce strong, durable bonds that withstand the test of time.
Job outlook: The career prospects for welders show little to no growth from 2022 to 2032. This is mainly due to automation becoming more common in manufacturing, which could decrease the need for human workers in these roles. As automation takes over more tasks traditionally done by people, individuals interested in pursuing a career in welding may need to adapt by acquiring specialized skills to stay relevant in the evolving job market.
The average salary for welders in Alabama is approximately $46,110 per year.
How to become one: Becoming a welder typically requires a high school diploma or equivalent, along with specialized training in welding techniques and safety procedures. Many vocational schools, community colleges, and technical institutes offer welding programs that provide hands-on instruction in welding equipment, techniques, and materials.
Additionally, gaining practical experience through apprenticeships or internships can further enhance skills and job prospects in this field. Welders may also pursue certification from organizations such as the American Welding Society (AWS) to demonstrate their proficiency and expertise.
Metal Fabricator
What they do: Metal fabricators work with various metals, including steel, aluminum, and copper, to create a wide range of products, from machinery and equipment parts to architectural elements and decorative pieces. They use cutting, bending, and welding techniques to shape metal according to specifications and blueprints, ensuring precision and quality in every project.
Job Outlook and Average Salary in Alabama
The employment of metal fabricators is projected to decline by 6 percent from 2022 to 2033. This aligns with broader trends in manufacturing, where increasing efficiency and automation are expected to reduce the need for human workers across various roles, including metal fabrication. With the integration of robotics and automation, machines can now handle intricate tasks that were once done by humans. Additionally, collaborative robotics, where humans work alongside robots, enhances efficiency but may reduce the demand for some metal fabricators.
To stay competitive in this evolving job market, individuals pursuing a career in metal fabrication may need to adapt by acquiring specialized skills, like operating and maintaining automated machinery, to meet industry demands and technological advancements.
The average salary for welders in Alabama is approximately $45,940 per year.
How to Become a Metal Fabricator
Becoming a metal fabricator typically requires a high school diploma or equivalent, along with specialized training in metalworking techniques and equipment operation. Many vocational schools, community colleges, and technical institutes offer certificate or associate degree programs in metal fabrication, providing hands-on training in cutting, welding, and fabrication processes.
Wrap up
Even if there might be fewer job openings or some jobs disappearing in these fields in the future, being really good at what you do is still super important. As the manufacturing world changes, it's essential for workers to keep learning and getting better at their jobs.
With more machines working alongside people, there's a chance for workers to do even better and get more done. But it also means they might need to do things a bit differently.
To do well in Alabama's manufacturing world in the future, People who want to be CNC machinists, welders, or metal fabricators should try to learn as much as they can, get hands-on experience, and be ready to adapt to whatever changes come their way. That way, they'll be all set for a successful career in an industry that's super important for the state's economy.
