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What it’s like to work in manufacturing

Find out what to expect day-to-day, what people love about the work and how much you can earn.

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People who work in the manufacturing industry work with products that may be used locally and abroad. If you’re good with machines, and like practical work, manufacturing could be for you. Leadership skills, and an interest in science and technology, can also help.

What people love about working in manufacturing

Here are some of the benefits of working in manufacturing:

Where you can work

The manufacturing industry has a wide range of employers. For example, you could operate machinery at a factory, create metal parts for products, or package food products.

There have been major investments in Victoria in recent years, which is driving growth in advanced manufacturing. Jobs in new technologies, infrastructure and clean energy are growing. For example, you could develop products for wind turbines and energy plants.

Some of the manufacturing settings you could work in include:

Median salary

The median weekly earnings for people who work in the manufacturing industry in Australia is $1,531.

Source: Jobs and Skills Australia(opens in a new window)

Note that this salary is current as of January 2025 and is indicative only. A range of salaries apply to different roles across the industry.

Job demand in Victoria

Below are employment projections for the manufacturing industry in Victoria. Figures show the number of workers in 2024 and the new workers expected to enter the workforce by 2027 and 2034.

‘New workers expected’ accounts for workers adding new jobs to the economy and replacing retirees over the next 3 and 10 years. These projections are estimates only. There will be additional jobs available as people move between jobs and industries.

Region Workers 2024 New workers expected by 2027 New workers expected by 2034
Victoria 260,243 17,212 57,929
Melbourne – inner metropolitan 18,222 1,328 3,823
Melbourne – inner south-east metropolitan 5,663 261 766
Melbourne – southern metropolitan 61,764 4,097 13,492
Melbourne – northern metropolitan 41,270 3,218 11,617
Melbourne – eastern metropolitan 43,355 2,344 7,885
Melbourne – western metropolitan 33,648 3,233 11,009
Ballarat and surrounds (Central Highlands) 6,334 358 1,161
Bendigo, Echuca and surrounds (Loddon Campaspe) 10,136 452 1,757
Geelong, Colac and surrounds (Barwon) 11,694 834 2,444
Gippsland 7,982 349 1,367
Horsham and surrounds (Wimmera Southern Mallee) 1,372 37 133
Mildura, Swan Hill and surrounds (Mallee) 2,632 85 280
Shepparton, Seymour and surrounds (Goulburn) 5,293 224 770
Wangaratta, Wodonga and surrounds (Ovens Murray) 6,702 256 977
Warrnambool, Hamilton and surrounds (Great South Coast) 4,176 134 446

Source: Victorian Skills Authority Employment Projections Dashboard

Resources to plan your next steps

Visit our manufacturing industry profile to find out about:

Career success story

Greg Cole case study

Career gold mine: Greg’s tips to master a metal trade

“There’s a real shortage of skilled trades across the board. We’re looking for people who are mechanically minded. Manufacturing is an evolving industry, you can really be whatever you want to be.”

Explore growing industries in your region

Training and careers in your region

Explore training, skills and job opportunities in your area of Victoria. Find out where you could work, what kind of job you could do, and what training you’ll need.

Training and careers in growing industries

Learn about high demand industries in Victoria. Find out where you could work, what kind of jobs you could do, and what training you’ll need.

Updated 15 January 2025

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