It takes a team to create a product, whether it’s food, essential packaging, or world-renown cars. South Central Kentucky features numerous opportunities, some with international connections, to join those teams and develop a career around making the materials our modern world requires. With the continued growth of technology, today’s manufacturing pathways have a multitude of high-tech positions for you.
Manufacturing Career Pathway

Electrical Engineer
Mechanical Engineer
Industrial Engineer
Plant Manager
AVERAGE ANNUAL EARNINGS:
$70,000 – $95,000
Process Operator
Production Coordinator
Training Manager
AVERAGE ANNUAL EARNINGS:
$42,000 – $57,000
OJT Training / Certification
Process Control Operator
Industrial Machine Mechanic
Welder
PLC Technician
AVERAGE ANNUAL EARNINGS:
$40,000 – $56,000
Team Assembler
Production Technician
Stock & Material Handler
AVERAGE ANNUAL EARNINGS:
$32,000 – $40,000
Manufacturing in South Central Kentucky
Top 10 Highest Demand Positions In Manufacturing
( South Central Kentucky )
- Helper (Production Worker)
Minimum Required Education: HSD/GED/OJT* Average Annual Salary: $30,100
- Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics
Minimum Required Education: HSD/GED/OJT Average Annual Salary: $33,400
- Cutting / Punching / Press Machine Setter, Operator and Tender (Metal and Plastic)
Minimum Required Education: HSD/GED/STT/OJT Average Annual Salary: $34,700
- Inspector, Tester, Sorter, Sampler and Weigher
Minimum Required Education: HSD/GED/OJT Average Annual Salary: $37,200
- Maintenance and Repair Worker (General)
Minimum Required Education: HSD/GED/OJT Average Annual Salary: $37,300
- Team Assembler
Minimum Required Education: HSD/GED/OJT Average Annual Salary: $37,800
- Packaging / Filling Machine Operator and Tender
Minimum Required Education: HSD/GED/SST Average Annual Salary: $39,900
- Machinists
Minimum Required Education: HSD/GED/OJT* Average Annual Salary: $42,700
- Industrial Machinery Mechanic
Minimum Required Education: HSD/GED/OJT Average Annual Salary: $48,000
- First-Line Supervisor of Production and Operating Worker
Minimum Required Education: HSD/GED/OTJ/PWE Average Annual Salary: $55,500
Data Source Chumra JobsEQ®
Resources
Resources to start building your pathway are available throughout the community and through educational certifications. Local schools are just one of many resources, and in the surrounding area these programs and career models are offered. See what’s available in your community.
Career-Focused Models
- Production Pathway (Warren Central)
- Early College Academy (Warren County Area Technology Center)
Career Pathways Offered at Area High Schools:
- Agricultural Power, Structural, Technical Systems (Warren Central, Warren East, South Warren)
- Aerospace Engineering (South Warren)
- Machinist Operator (Warren County Area Technology Center)
- Welding (Warren County Area Technology Center)
Get In Touch
For more information about how you can get involved with our talent initiatives, please email or call:
Meredith Rozanski, COO
meredith@bgchamber.com
Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce
270-781-3200