Helpers--Production Worker Salary in 2026

    SOC: 51-9198.00 · BLS OEWS 2026 · Updated March 2026
    Median Annual
    $38,220
    per year
    Salary Range
    $30K – $52K
    P10–P90
    Total Jobs
    167,490
    employed
    Job Growth
    -8.9%
    2024–2034
    Section 01

    How Much Do Helpers--Production Workers Make?

    Helpers--Production Workers earn a median annual salary of $38,220 as of 2026, based on BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) data. Wages span from $30,060 at the 10th percentile to $52,120 at the 90th percentile — a range of $22,060. The highest-paying state is Vermont at $46,480.

    PercentileAnnual salary
    10th percentile$30,060
    25th percentile$34,390
    Median (50th)$38,220
    75th percentile$44,980
    90th percentile$52,120
    10th: $30,060Median: $38,22090th: $52,120
    Section 02

    Helpers--Production Worker Salary by State

    Median annual salary across all 50 states. Click a column to sort.

    StateMedian salary
    Vermonttop$46,480
    Iowa$46,000
    North Dakota$44,210
    Washington$43,720
    Wisconsin$43,690
    California$43,670
    Alaska$43,010
    Colorado$43,010
    Maryland$42,920
    Hawaii$42,720
    Minnesota$42,240
    Montana$42,100
    Maine$42,070
    New York$41,490
    Oregon$41,410
    West Virginia$40,470
    Illinois$40,180
    Michigan$40,040
    Wyoming$40,040
    Nevada$39,890
    New Jersey$39,530
    Missouri$39,360
    Pennsylvania$39,350
    Massachusetts$39,250
    Ohio$39,190
    Nebraska$39,170
    Kentucky$39,060
    Connecticut$38,680
    Idaho$38,430
    New Hampshire$38,380
    Kansas$38,220
    Indiana$38,190
    North Carolina$37,540
    Arizona$37,440
    Tennessee$37,340
    Delaware$37,300
    Louisiana$36,910
    Florida$36,660
    Rhode Island$36,490
    Virginia$36,380
    Texas$36,300
    South Carolina$36,120
    Georgia$35,940
    Utah$35,940
    Arkansas$35,580
    New Mexico$35,130
    Oklahoma$35,130
    Alabama$34,520
    Mississippi$31,900
    Section 03

    Highest-Paying Metros for Helpers--Production Workers

    Reading, PA
    Highest paying
    $52,780
    top metro salary
    Napa, CA
    $52,460
    $-320 vs highest
    Northwest Illinois nonmetropolitan area
    $50,790
    $-1,990 vs highest
    St. Joseph, MO-KS
    $50,660
    $-2,120 vs highest
    Northeast Nebraska nonmetropolitan area
    $49,070
    $-3,710 vs highest
    Sioux City, IA-NE-SD
    $49,000
    $-3,780 vs highest
    Santa Rosa-Petaluma, CA
    $48,930
    $-3,850 vs highest
    Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA
    $48,830
    $-3,950 vs highest
    Section 04

    Helpers--Production Worker Salary by Experience

    Estimated salary ranges derived from BLS wage percentiles. Entry level corresponds to P10–P25, mid-career to the median, experienced to P75, and senior to P90+.

    Experience levelEstimated salary
    Entry level (0–2 yrs)~$30,060 – $34,390
    Mid career (3–7 yrs)~$38,220
    Experienced (8–15 yrs)~$44,980
    Senior (15+ yrs)$52,120+
    Section 05

    How to Earn More as a Helpers--Production Worker

    Location is the single biggest salary lever: Helpers--Production Workers in Reading, PA earn $52,780 — $14,560 above the national median. Union membership, additional certifications, and supervisory experience are the most reliable paths to higher earnings in this field. Reaching the 75th percentile ($44,980) typically requires 5–10 years of experience plus specialization in a high-demand area.

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    Section 06

    Helpers--Production Worker Salary vs Similar Careers

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    Section 07

    Frequently Asked Questions

    SOC: 51-9198.00 · Data: BLS OEWS 2026, O*NET 29.1 · Salary figures are national medians unless otherwise noted.