Manufacturing

Manufacturing is the industry that makes things, from food, medicines and building products to cars, boats, machinery and the parts inside them. Australian manufacturing is changing fast, with robotics, 3D printing and advanced materials creating skilled roles on the factory floor and in the design office.

It's a great fit if you like working with your hands and with machines, enjoy solving practical problems and want a job you can start without a degree. Many people begin as a process worker or apprentice and move into supervision, quality or engineering roles.

At a glance

Job outlook
Stable
Automation is replacing repetitive work but needs technicians, operators and engineers who understand the new machines.
Median salary
$65,000
most between $58,000 and $90,000
Roles not requiring ATAR
94%
across 117 occupations
Roles and settings
117
On the factory floor, in workshops and design offices, often on shifts and in teams.

Sources: O*NET, ACIR, Jobs and Skills Australia, Your Career

Why Manufacturing?

Start on the floor, learn the machines, and grow into the skilled roles as the industry modernises.

Hands-on learning opportunities
Lots of non-ATAR ways in
Start earning straight away
Work with robotics and new technology

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Industry outlook

A changing workforce
Automation is replacing repetitive work, but it needs technicians, operators and engineers who understand the new machines.
A pathway for everyone
Start as a process worker, do an apprenticeship in a trade like fitting or welding, or study engineering or product design.

Entry requirements

Typical ATAR range: Not required for most courses; 63.00 – 90.00 for degree pathways
Prerequisites: No formal prerequisites for most entry-level roles; a forklift or high-risk work licence for some warehouse and plant roles.
Pathways: On-the-job work, apprenticeships and traineeships, VET qualifications, or university/TAFE degrees.
Duration: Days to years, depending on the chosen pathway.