Factory workers can be divided into four categories: general workers, handlers, machinists, and maintenance staff. General workers assemble factory-produced goods and earn less than other positions. Handlers pack finished products for shipment and may earn slightly more than general workers. Machinists create parts using high-tech machines and require higher education and professional training. Maintenance staff repair machinery and clean the factory grounds, with some positions requiring specific mechanical training or education.
The largest population of factory workers are general workers, sometimes known as assemblers. These workers may have little formal education and the job functions they will perform are quite simple and straightforward, if sometimes boring. They may be responsible for assembling factory-produced goods or otherwise participate in the production of the product. These types of blue collar workers generally earn less than other factory positions and such jobs can be considered entry level. These positions are most likely to be hourly positions rather than salary positions.
Handlers are the factory workers who take the finished product and pack it for shipment. This may include simply boxing items or boxing, stacking the boxes on pallets, securing the pallets, moving the pallets with a forklift, packing containers and trucks, and so on. Handlers are sometimes considered general workers, although in some factories, a handler position is one step up from a general or assembler job position. The salary could be slightly better, although again, only a limited amount of education is required to obtain such a position. A high school diploma or equivalent is usually preferred, but not always necessary.
Machinists are factory workers who create parts out of metal, plastic, or even wood using high-tech machines. The machinist is trained to operate specific machines and may be qualified to operate multiple machines on any given day. These workers earn higher wages than handlers and assemblers, and a higher education is usually required. Professional training will be required to obtain such a position, and people working in general laborer or handler positions can often work towards obtaining a machinist job over time.
The maintenance staff includes factory workers trained to repair the machines operating within the factory. Damage and wear and tear are likely to occur over time, and mechanics need to know how to fix damaged machinery quickly, safely, and correctly. Such a position often requires specific mechanical training or a certain level of education. Some maintenance workers, such as cleaners, are responsible for cleaning and maintaining the factory grounds, both inside and outside the building. These workers are generally unskilled and therefore are not paid as high a wage as other maintenance workers. They could be paid a salary similar to a general laborer, as this is an unskilled position that does not require a certain level of education.
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