industrial and manufacturing.

Australia’s manufacturing sector currently employs around 6.1% of the national workforce. Workers in manufacturing are employed in various industries, including food and beverage production, chemical processing, metal fabrication and more. The number of manufacturing jobs is projected to increase by 16.8%, adding over 120,000 workers to the current workforce by 2033. The anticipated growth is driven by advancements in areas like clean energy, advanced manufacturing technologies and defence. You can find career opportunities ranging from skilled trades to engineering and management roles.

Manufacturing is the process of producing goods on a large scale using machinery, tools and various forms of processing, including chemical and biological methods. It typically involves transforming raw materials into finished products. In Australia, the manufacturing sector spans a wide range of industries, including food and beverage processing, pharmaceuticals, textiles and metal fabrication. This sector plays a crucial role in the economy by supporting exports, driving innovation and creating skilled employment opportunities.

Manufacturing jobs are roles that involve the creation of products through industrial processes. Jobs in manufacturing span a wide range of sectors, including automotive, metal fabrication, renewable energy technologies, and food and beverage production. Depending on the role and level of experience, manufacturing workers may be involved in assembling goods, operating machinery, performing quality control or contributing to product design. Some jobs require hands-on trade skills, while others involve engineering, planning, or research and development. With Australia’s growing focus on advanced manufacturing and sustainable production, new roles are also emerging in robotics, automation and clean energy innovation.

The average salary for a manufacturing engineer in Australia typically starts at around $95,000 per year for entry-level positions. As you gain experience, specialisation and seniority, this can rise to over $115,000 annually. Salaries for manufacturing engineers may vary based on the location, the size and sector of the company, and whether the role involves advanced skills, such as automation, process optimisation or clean energy technology. Manufacturing engineers also often enjoy strong benefits packages, which reflect how in-demand their skills are in this fast-changing industry.

You can find factory jobs in Australia by searching online job boards like Randstad or by networking within the industry. Before applying for factory roles such as assembly line or production workers, make sure you have relevant experience and any required certifications, such as a forklift licence or safety training. Employers often look for reliable workers who can manage physical tasks, work well in teams and manage rotating shift schedules. Both full-time and part-time factory roles are commonly available through recruitment agencies like Randstad.

The highest paying manufacturing jobs are typically found in senior-level engineering, operations management and highly specialised technical roles. Positions such as manufacturing engineer, plant manager or operations director command top salaries due to the responsibility of overseeing entire production facilities, streamlining processes and ensuring quality and safety compliance. Specialised niche roles like automation engineers, robotics specialists and industrial designers also attract higher salaries, particularly when working with cutting-edge technologies. Jobs in high-demand sectors, such as pharmaceuticals, aerospace and precision manufacturing, tend to offer even greater remuneration due to the advanced skills and expertise required in these areas.