The Top-Paying Manufacturing Certifications for Professionals

Want a higher paying job in manufacturing?

Looking for ways to gain a competitive edge as a manufacturing candidate?

Want to qualify for top-paying manufacturing jobs?

There is no shortage of manufacturing jobs in most areas. Employers are eager to get jobs filled as the economy recovers from the COVID-19 pandemic. With plenty of options to choose from, why not earn a certification that can make you a top candidate for the best jobs and boost your income?

Check with organizations in your field to see if there are technician certifications or engineering certifications every top candidate should have, for example.

But if you’re not sure what path to take on your manufacturing career journey, take a look at some of these top-paying manufacturing certifications. Taking the time to earn one of these certifications demonstrates your professional commitment, provides proof of your knowledge and skills competencies, and distinguishes you from the competition.

If you’re in manufacturing, what certifications should you consider?

The certifications you pursue depend greatly on your career track. Here are some certifications for a wide range of manufacturing careers:

Project Management Professional (PMP)

The PMP certification can boost your income by more than twenty percent and increase your chance of landing a project management position in one of the most demanding manufacturing specialties such as technology, medical devices, or pharmaceuticals.

Quality Engineer Certification

The American Society for Quality (ASQ) offers this certificate for professionals in the quality field. Acquiring this certification demonstrates the ability to develop and operate quality control systems, apply, and analyze testing and inspection procedures, and use metrology and statistical methods to diagnose and correct improper quality control practices. ASQ offers several quality certifications for managers, auditors, and technicians.

Certified Production Technician

As manufacturing becomes increasingly technical and complex, a Certified Production Technician (CPT) qualification can give you a competitive edge. The Manufacturing Skill Standards Council (MSSC) issues this certification which focuses on safety, quality practices, manufacturing processes, maintenance awareness and green production.

CNC Lathe Certifications

Pursuing a career in machining? Certification in CNC Lathe Operations demonstrates your competency in applied mathematics, cutting tool assembly, inspection, machine maintenance and safety, measurements and more.

Once you obtain a level 1 certification, a CNC Lathe II certification may help qualify you for higher level machining roles. The CNC Lathe II certifies competency in job planning and management, quality control and inspection, industrial safety and environment protection and other safety and management functions. This certification can be obtained through the National Institute for Metalworking Skills (NIMS).

Welder Certifications

A specialized welding certification can increase your income, open more opportunities, and enhance career stability. It shows employers you are willing to learn and have plenty to bring to the table. The Certified Welder (CW) program tests welders on procedures used in the structural steel, petroleum pipelines, sheet metal, and chemical refinery welding industries. The American Welding Society (AWS) administers these tests.

How can you determine which manufacturing certifications are right for you?

  • Research which credentials, certifications and training are most valuable in your area of specialization in 2021. Within skilled trades, each trade is governed by a certifying body, and industry-independent certificates can also be valuable for certain manufacturing roles. Sites like NIMS and The Manufacturing Institute can help you understand your options.
  • Ask your employer (or potential employer) which certifications would benefit your career development the most.
  • Make sure the organization that offers the training/certification is reputable.
  • Weigh the costs against the potential benefits.

Looking for high-paying manufacturing jobs?

PrideStaff places people in a wide range of manufacturing positions across the country, working with employers to ensure they offer the challenge, opportunity, and great pay you need. Find the top paying manufacturing jobs in 2021 here!