If you’re exploring a career in the capital goods sector, one of the first questions that likely comes to mind is: What do capital goods jobs pay? The answer depends on the specific role, experience level, and industry, but overall, capital goods careers offer competitive salaries and long-term growth potential.
What Are Capital Goods?
Capital goods are physical assets used to produce consumer goods and services. These include machinery, tools, buildings, and equipment. Industries that produce or rely heavily on capital goods include manufacturing, construction, aerospace, automotive, and industrial engineering.
Because these goods are essential to production, jobs in this sector are critical—and well-compensated.
🔧 Entry-Level & Support Roles in Capital Goods
These jobs are ideal for high school graduates or those just entering the industry.
| Job Title | Typical Salary Range | Experience Needed |
|---|---|---|
| Assembly Line Worker | $32,000 – $45,000 | 0–2 years |
| Material Handler | $30,000 – $42,000 | 0–1 year |
| Production Assistant | $33,000 – $47,000 | 0–2 years |
| Quality Control Inspector | $38,000 – $52,000 | 1–3 years |
🔹 Notes: Most entry-level capital goods jobs pay hourly, with opportunities for overtime. Many employers offer on-the-job training, union membership, and benefits packages.
🛠️ Skilled Trades & Technical Positions
These roles often require a technical certification, trade school diploma, or associate degree.
| Job Title | Typical Salary Range | Certifications Often Required |
|---|---|---|
| CNC Machinist | $50,000 – $70,000 | CNC Programming Certification |
| Industrial Electrician | $55,000 – $80,000 | Journeyman License, OSHA 10/30 |
| Maintenance Technician | $48,000 – $68,000 | HVAC, Electrical, Mechanical certs |
| Welder/Fabricator | $45,000 – $65,000 | AWS Certified Welder |
🔹 Notes: These roles offer above-average pay and are always in demand. Union affiliation can significantly boost wages and benefits.
🧠 Engineering & Product Development Roles
Engineers are the backbone of capital goods industries, responsible for design, testing, and innovation.
| Job Title | Typical Salary Range | Education Level |
|---|---|---|
| Mechanical Engineer | $70,000 – $95,000 | Bachelor’s Degree |
| Industrial Engineer | $72,000 – $100,000 | Bachelor’s Degree |
| Electrical Engineer | $75,000 – $110,000 | Bachelor’s Degree |
| CAD Designer / Draftsperson | $50,000 – $75,000 | Associate/Bachelor’s |
| Manufacturing Engineer | $80,000 – $115,000 | Bachelor’s/Master’s |
🔹 Notes: Engineers may receive bonuses and profit-sharing, especially at large firms. Specialized roles (e.g., automation or robotics) command higher salaries.
🧰 Mid-Level Operations & Supply Chain
These roles require a few years of experience and are critical for managing workflow, inventory, and production quality.
| Job Title | Typical Salary Range | Experience Required |
|---|---|---|
| Production Supervisor | $65,000 – $85,000 | 3–5 years |
| Logistics Manager | $70,000 – $95,000 | 5+ years |
| Procurement Specialist | $60,000 – $80,000 | 3–5 years |
| Quality Assurance Manager | $75,000 – $100,000 | 5+ years |
🔹 Notes: These roles often serve as stepping stones to upper management. Certifications like Six Sigma or PMP can lead to higher pay.
🏗️ Project Management & Senior Leadership
These are higher-level roles that typically require both industry experience and management skills.
| Job Title | Typical Salary Range | Education/Experience |
|---|---|---|
| Project Manager | $85,000 – $120,000 | 5–10 years + PMP cert |
| Operations Manager | $95,000 – $140,000 | 7–12 years |
| Plant Manager | $110,000 – $160,000 | 10+ years |
| Facilities Director | $100,000 – $150,000 | 8+ years |
🔹 Notes: These roles often include performance bonuses and stock options. Experience managing budgets and teams is key.
🏦 Executive & Specialized Capital Goods Roles
At the top of the field, salaries increase dramatically and often include equity, bonuses, and profit-sharing.
| Job Title | Typical Salary Range | Qualifications |
|---|---|---|
| VP of Manufacturing | $150,000 – $250,000+ | 15+ years, MBA preferred |
| R&D Director | $140,000 – $220,000 | Master’s/PhD |
| Chief Operations Officer (COO) | $180,000 – $300,000+ | Extensive leadership |
| Industrial Economist | $120,000 – $180,000 | Master’s/PhD |
🔹 Notes: Compensation packages here often include performance incentives, relocation bonuses, and executive benefits.
💡 Additional Factors That Impact Capital Goods Salaries
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Industry Segment: Aerospace, defense, and tech-oriented manufacturing tend to pay more.
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Geography: States like California, Texas, Michigan, and Illinois have high demand and higher wages.
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Unionization: Union jobs often offer better pay, job protection, and benefits.
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Company Size: Larger corporations usually offer more competitive salary packages.
📈 Capital Goods Salaries Compared to Other Sectors
| Industry Sector | Average Salary Range |
|---|---|
| Capital Goods | $45,000 – $150,000+ |
| Consumer Goods | $38,000 – $110,000 |
| Retail | $28,000 – $80,000 |
| Logistics/Transport | $40,000 – $90,000 |
Is a Capital Goods Career Worth It?
Yes—capital goods careers offer stability, competitive pay, and long-term growth. Many companies in this sector invest heavily in employee training and promote from within, making it a smart career choice for those looking to build a future in production and industry.
Final Thoughts: What Do Capital Goods Jobs Pay?
To sum it up, capital goods jobs pay anywhere from $35,000 to over $200,000 per year, depending on the role and expertise required. Whether you’re looking for a hands-on technical job or a leadership role, the capital goods industry offers diverse career paths and strong earning potential.
