According to The Illinois Manufacturer, “Machinists, autoworkers, welders, inspectors, assemblers and 3-D printers are expected to possess a high degree of STEM knowledge. Long gone are the postwar-era days when workers didn’t need college experience.

For highly skilled and trained individuals seeking employment in manufacturing, the rewards are significant. According to the National Association of Manufacturers, the average manufacturing employee’s salary was $77,506 in 2013 – almost $15,000 more than the average in all other industries. For employers, the benefits of having a highly skilled workforce means increased workforce productivity which leads to a stronger bottom line.”

I have talked to employer after employer about their employment math requirements and the above quote is so true. Technical math is a requirement, not an option. If you are contemplating a manufacturing career, ensure you bone up on your shop math early. The later you procrastinate, the later it will be to land that great job!