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Advanced ManufacturingGreen JobOccupation aligned to O*NET green economy classifications.

Production Technician

Set-up, test, and adjust manufacturing machinery or equipment, using any combination of electrical, electronic, mechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic, or computer technologies.

Annual openings

92

Median wage

$66,850

Typical education

The position usually requires an Associate's Degree, though some employers substitute work experience (such as in the military) for that degree.

Growth 2026–2032

+8%

Median wage source: Colorado BLS OEWS (2025).

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Career requirements

What does this career require?

Explore education, required qualifications, voluntary credentials and employer preferences for this role. Check the details to see which apply.

Typical education

The position usually requires an Associate's Degree, though some employers substitute work experience (such as in the military) for that degree.

Credential requirement

Vocational training or certification courses that give you some hands-on experience is valued.

Work experience

This position usually requires 2+ years of experience or 3+ years of apprenticeship. Positions most likely will need to pass licensing exams in order to perform the job.

Employer competency information

  • Feedback from employers identifies the following competencies as being critical to success: mechanical aptitude, attention to detail (including the ability to build something to specifications and tolerance), diagnosing and problem solving, basic computer skills, teamwork, a focus on safety, and accountability.
Salary/Demand information crosses multiple jobs in multiple industries.
Are you interested in hands-on work in a busy environment? Do you work well with machines and moving parts? As a production technician, you’ll combine your interests in a job on the production floor of a manufacturing company, where you’ll be in the center of the action.
Production technicians work with manufacturing equipment all day. You’ll read blueprints to set up or adjust the machine, and you’ll start and stop it at the appropriate times. If the machine malfunctions, you’ll know how to fix it using your knowledge of mechanical and electrical technology, or you’ll report the problem to a supervisor. Inspecting the products that come off a machine is also important in making sure there are no defects. Lastly, you’ll need to load and unload raw material when necessary.

Is this work a fit?

What the work actually feels like

How people in this career tend to spend their time, the interests it draws on, and a look at a typical day.

Automation exposure

Moderate exposure

Some routine tasks may shift as tools improve, but the role is likely to adapt.

A typical day

  1. Study time, motion, methods, or speed involved in maintenance, production, or other operations to establish standard production rate or improve efficiency.
  2. Read worker logs, product processing sheets, or specification sheets to verify that records adhere to quality assurance specifications.
  3. Verify that equipment is being operated and maintained according to quality assurance standards by observing worker performance.
  4. Test selected products at specified stages in the production process for performance characteristics or adherence to specifications.
  5. Compile and evaluate statistical data to determine and maintain quality and reliability of products.
  6. Aid in planning work assignments in accordance with worker performance, machine capacity, production schedules, or anticipated delays.
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