Here are 20 high-paying jobs in the basic metal industry, along with a summary of their primary duties and a salary estimation. Please note that salary estimates can vary based on factors such as location, experience, and company size.
1. Metallurgical Engineer:
Summary: Metallurgical engineers analyze and develop metal alloys and manufacturing processes.
Primary Duties: Conduct research, analyze data, develop new alloys, improve production techniques.
Salary Estimation: $80,000 – $120,000 per year.
2. Materials Scientist:
Summary: Materials scientists study the properties of metals and develop new materials.
Primary Duties: Conduct research, analyze material properties, develop new alloys.
Salary Estimation: $75,000 – $120,000 per year.
3. Welding Engineer:
Summary: Welding engineers design and oversee welding processes for metal fabrication.
Primary Duties: Develop welding procedures, ensure quality control, troubleshoot welding issues.
Salary Estimation: $70,000 – $110,000 per year.
4. Quality Assurance Manager:
Summary: Quality assurance managers ensure that metal products meet quality standards.
Primary Duties: Develop quality control procedures, oversee inspections, manage quality team.
Salary Estimation: $70,000 – $100,000 per year.
5. Metallurgical Technician:
Summary: Metallurgical technicians assist engineers in analyzing metal samples and conducting tests.
Primary Duties: Prepare samples, perform tests, analyze data, maintain lab equipment.
Salary Estimation: $40,000 – $60,000 per year.
6. Foundry Manager:
Summary: Foundry managers oversee the production process in a metal casting foundry.
Primary Duties: Manage operations, coordinate production schedules, ensure quality control.
Salary Estimation: $70,000 – $100,000 per year.
7. Heat Treatment Specialist:
Summary: Heat treatment specialists use heat and cooling processes to alter the properties of metal.
Primary Duties: Operate heat treatment equipment, develop heat treatment processes.
Salary Estimation: $50,000 – $80,000 per year.
8. CNC Machinist:
Summary: CNC machinists operate computer-controlled machines to fabricate metal parts.
Primary Duties: Set up machines, load programs, monitor production, perform maintenance.
Salary Estimation: $45,000 – $70,000 per year.
9. Metal Fabricator:
Summary: Metal fabricators shape and assemble metal components to create finished products.
Primary Duties: Read blueprints, cut and shape metal, weld and assemble parts.
Salary Estimation: $40,000 – $60,000 per year.
10. Tool and Die Maker:
Summary: Tool and die makers create precision tools and metal molds for manufacturing processes.
Primary Duties: Interpret blueprints, operate machinery, fabricate tools and dies.
Salary Estimation: $45,000 – $70,000 per year.
11. Industrial Designer:
Summary: Industrial designers develop and design metal products for various industries.
Primary Duties: Research market trends, create product concepts, use CAD software.
Salary Estimation: $60,000 – $90,000 per year.
12. Operations Manager:
Summary: Operations managers oversee the overall operations of a metal manufacturing facility.
Primary Duties: Manage production, coordinate departments, optimize processes.
Salary Estimation: $80,000 – $120,000 per year.
13. Metallurgical Research Scientist:
Summary: Metallurgical research scientists conduct research to improve metal production techniques.
Primary Duties: Design experiments, analyze data, develop new processes and materials.
Salary Estimation: $80,000 – $120,000 per year.
14. Sales Engineer:
Summary: Sales engineers sell metal products and provide technical support to customers.
Primary Duties: Understand customer needs, provide
product information, negotiate sales.
Salary Estimation: $70,000 – $100,000 per year.
15. Project Manager:
Summary: Project managers oversee metal-related projects, ensuring they are completed on time and within budget.
Primary Duties: Plan projects, manage resources, track progress, communicate with stakeholders.
Salary Estimation: $80,000 – $120,000 per year.
16. Environmental Health and Safety Manager:
Summary: EHS managers ensure compliance with safety regulations and promote a safe work environment.
Primary Duties: Develop safety protocols, train employees, conduct inspections.
Salary Estimation: $70,000 – $100,000 per year.
17. Maintenance Supervisor:
Summary: Maintenance supervisors manage maintenance activities in a metal manufacturing facility.
Primary Duties: Coordinate maintenance tasks, oversee repairs, manage maintenance staff.
Salary Estimation: $60,000 – $90,000 per year.
18. Supply Chain Manager:
Summary: Supply chain managers optimize the flow of materials and products in the metal industry.
Primary Duties: Manage inventory, coordinate logistics, develop supplier relationships.
Salary Estimation: $80,000 – $120,000 per year.
19. Production Planner:
Summary: Production planners develop production schedules and coordinate resources for efficient manufacturing.
Primary Duties: Plan production activities, monitor inventory, optimize production processes.
Salary Estimation: $50,000 – $80,000 per year.
20. Continuous Improvement Manager:
Summary: Continuous improvement managers identify and implement process improvements in metal manufacturing.
Primary Duties: Analyze processes, implement lean manufacturing principles, drive efficiency.
Salary Estimation: $70,000 – $100,000 per year.
Please note that the salary estimates provided are rough ranges and can vary significantly based on factors such as location, experience, and company size. It’s always a good idea to research salary data specific to your location and circumstances.