As of July 01, 2026, the average salary for a Production Worker I in the United States is $39,215 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $19.
However, a Production Worker I's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Production Worker I's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location, education and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a Production Worker I's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Productio... Level Production Worker I | $39,010 |
| Assembler... Level Production Worker I | $43,691 |
| Assembler... Level Production Worker I | $48,612 |
| Assembler... Level Production Worker I | $57,077 |
| Assembly ... Level Production Worker I | $60,215 |
What Am I Worth?
Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Production Worker Is. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Commitment | 3.25% |
| Pneumatics | 2.92% |
| Housekeeping | 1.82% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Alignment
|
$41,567 |
6%
|
|
Commitment
|
$41,567 |
6%
|
|
Interviewing
|
$41,567 |
6%
|
|
Dedication
|
$41,175 |
5%
|
|
Initiative
|
$41,175 |
5%
|
|
Leadership
|
$41,175 |
5%
|
For Production Worker I roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 55% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Biotechnology and Pharmaceuticals sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 30% above the average. In contrast, Production Worker positions in Retail & Wholesale or Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Production Worker I as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Biotechnology | $50,979 | $25.0 | 30% |
| Pharmaceuticals | $50,979 | $25.0 | 30% |
| Software & Networking | $49,018 | $24.0 | 25% |
| Financial Services | $47,057 | $23.0 | 20% |
| Aerospace & Defense | $45,097 | $22.0 | 15% |
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Production Worker Is enter the field with a Associate's Degree degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.
According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for a Production Worker I with a Associate's Degree is between $35,624 and $37,800).
Production Worker I Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 7.3% |
| High School | 64.6% |
| Associates | 14.6% |
| Bachelors | 13.4% |
| Masters | 0.0% |
| Doctorate | 0.0% |
Understanding how a Production Worker I's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.
Last Updated on July 01, 2026Salaries for a Production Worker I can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $41,688 in 2023 to around $39,491 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Production Worker I salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $41,688 |
| 2024 | $40,847 |
| 2025 | $39,491 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.
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