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Vital Signs: Economic and Social Indicators in New Hampshire
Chapter 9: Production

Advanced Manufacturing Machines (print version pdf file)

Manufacturing has long been the backbone of the American economy. More recently, “advanced” manufacturing has been in the spotlight. What makes advanced manufacturing different? Companies using advanced manufacturing processes need workers who are capable of operating equipment that is highly technical, automated, computerized — and expensive. Employers are looking for workers with education beyond a high school diploma, as well as some experience in working with machinery.

What are some of the advanced manufacturing jobs in New Hampshire? Though not new occupations, five machine operator occupations that may use advanced manufacturing machinery, and have the best employment prospects for 2010 through 2020, are highlighted below.

CNC LatheComputer-Controlled Machine Tool Operators, Metal and Plastic
These workers operate computer numerical control (CNC) machines or robots to make or refine work pieces made of metal or plastic. There are several types of CNC machines, such as lathes, press brakes, and mill machines.

2010 NH Employment1: 982
NH Employment Prospects1: Very Favorable
NH Hourly Wage Range2: $19.88

 

 

 

Extruding and Drawing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
These workers set up, operate, and/or tend machines that extrude or draw thermoplastic or metal materials into tubes, rods, hoses, wire, bars, or structural shapes. These workers may be called extrusion mechanics, wire mill rovers, or jacket line operators.

2010 NH Employment3: 424
NH Employment Prospects3: Favorable
NH Hourly Wage Range4: $13.84 - $19.42

Rough Lap StationGrinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
Set up, operate, or tend machines to crush, grind, or polish materials, such as coal, glass, grain, stone, food, or rubber. These workers are also known as millers or grinder operators.

2010 NH Employment3: 975
NH Employment Prospects3: Favorable
NH Hourly Wage Range4: $12.81 - $19.43

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Wave Solder MachineWelding, Soldering, and Brazing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders
These workers set up, operate, and/or tend welding, soldering, or brazing machines or robots that weld, braze, solder, or heat treat metal products, components, or assemblies. Workers who operate laser cutters or laser-beam machines are included.

2010 NH Employment3: 298
NH Employment Prospects3: Favorable
NH Hourly Wage Range4: $11.44 - $18.55

 

 

Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers
Welders use hand-welding, flame-cutting, hand soldering, or brazing equipment to weld or join metal components or to fill holes, indentations, or seams of fabricated metal products. These workers may use welding equipment such as mig welders or sub-arc welders.

2010 NH Employment3: 880
NH Employment Prospects3: Very Favorable
NH Hourly Wage Range4: $15.15 - $23.50

1. New Hampshire Occupational Employment Projections, 2010 to 2020, NH Employment Security, ELMI

2. New Hampshire Occupational Employment and Wages, NH Employment Security, ELMI. Wages are from the May 2012 survey aged to June 2013. Wage range represents entry level wage, the average of the lower third of the workers in the occupation, to experienced wage, the average of the upper two-thirds of the workers in the occupation.

3. New Hampshire Occupational Employment Projections, 2010 to 2020, NH Employment Security, ELMI

4. New Hampshire Occupational Employment and Wages, NH Employment Security, ELMI. Wages are from the May 2012 survey aged to June 2013. Wage range represents entry level wage, the average of the lower third of the workers in the occupation, to experienced wage, the average of the upper two-thirds of the workers in the occupation.

 

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