Aptly
Careers · Management

Industrial Production Managers

Industrial production managers plan and oversee manufacturing operations to meet production targets, cost budgets, and quality standards. They work in factories, plants, and other production facilities, coordinating workflows, managing staff, and monitoring equipment to ensure products are made efficiently and according to specifications.

$126,060median pay, U.S., per year
$98,160–$161,880middle half earn
246Kemployed in the U.S.
Certificate or training programtypical education · 29% hold a bachelor’s or higher
ModerateAI exposure · AI tools can speed up some tasks; the core of the job stays human.
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A day in the work

A typical week involves reviewing production schedules, analyzing quality reports, and meeting with supervisors and engineers about workflow issues. Managers walk the production floor to monitor operations, troubleshoot problems, and track output against daily targets. They also handle staffing decisions, review budgets, implement process improvements, and attend meetings with upper management on performance metrics.

Who this work suits

Enterprising
84Conventional
70Realistic
50Investigative
32Social
14Artistic
7

Holland code ECR. Enterprising work is leading, persuading and making decisions. Aptly’s interest assessment scores you on the same six scales.

You tend to be organized and detail-oriented, with a preference for clear procedures and measurable results. You likely enjoy managing operations and solving practical problems, and you're comfortable with both the analytical side of planning and the interpersonal demands of leading teams.

What it takes

Preparation: Considerable preparation (most need a bachelor’s degree and several years of experience). Most people in this occupation hold a certificate or training program.

Skills that matter most

SpeakingCritical ThinkingMonitoringCoordinationJudgment and Decision MakingReading ComprehensionActive ListeningTime Management

Knowledge areas

Production and ProcessingAdministration and ManagementCustomer and Personal ServiceEducation and TrainingMathematics (knowledge)Personnel and Human Resources

Pay by state

State25th pctMedian75th pctEmployed
Delaware$129,290$153,000$178,190370
Wyoming$125,420$151,490$170,900390
Massachusetts$125,390$148,050$184,0504,470
New Jersey$114,490$147,260$177,8706,780
New Hampshire$120,660$146,590$191,6201,540
Washington$135,210$145,210$172,1404,760
Colorado$108,170$141,020$189,3001,730
Connecticut$106,140$134,780$163,2703,360
Louisiana$103,880$133,210$168,5602,680
California$102,490$132,620$173,66025,130
Maryland$102,550$132,540$167,1102,480
Texas$98,260$130,890$165,98021,200
All 50 states, D.C. and Puerto Rico

Training

Aptly members see WIOA-approved programs, colleges and certificates near them, with completion and earnings data, on every Path plan.

Job titles in this occupation

Related occupations

Are you suited for this?
Four short assessments and your background, scored against industrial production managers and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
Find out in 15 minutes See openings

O*NET-SOC 11-3051.00 · O*NET OnLine. Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025, annual, U.S. Employment counts are national.