Ever wonder what makes a job “good”? Money? Happiness? Status? Work-life balance?

I’m going to make the case that a career in capital goods checks most of these boxes. And no, capital goods aren’t just Wall Street stocks and bonds.

Capital goods are the machines, equipment, and tools that companies use to make other products. Think factory robots, industrial ovens, construction equipment, and the machines that make well, everything else.

Why a Career in Capital Goods Could Be Your Best Career Move

Let’s talk about why working in this field might be one of the most underrated career paths out there.

The Good Stuff: Why Capital Goods Rock as a Career

Job Stability (AKA Not Getting Fired)

Remember when COVID hit and everyone was getting laid off? Capital goods companies were still churning along. Why? Because they’re essential to so many industries.

Companies always need machines to make their products. Even during economic downturns, existing equipment needs maintenance and replacement. This creates a buffer against economic volatility that many other industries don’t have.

As one manufacturing industry report put it: “Capital goods companies serve as the backbone of industrial production.”

Show Me The Money

Let’s be real – we all want to get paid well. Capital goods careers deliver:

• Mechanical engineers: $70,000 to $120,000+
• Operations managers: $80,000 to $150,000+
• Industrial automation specialists: $85,000 to $130,000+

With a few years of experience and specialized knowledge, breaking the six-figure barrier is common. Not bad for industries that often don’t require the extreme education investments of fields like medicine or law!

Choose Your Own Adventure

The coolest part? Capital goods span dozens of industries:

• Automotive manufacturing
• Aerospace and defense
• Construction equipment
• Medical device production
• Food processing machinery
• Technology and electronics manufacturing

This means you can switch industries without starting over in your career. The skills are surprisingly transferable between sectors!

Technology & Innovation Central

If you think capital goods is all rusty factories and grease-covered tools, think again. This field is at the cutting edge of some seriously cool tech:

• AI-powered manufacturing systems that self-optimize
• IoT-connected machines that predict when they’ll break down
• Robotics and automation that would make sci-fi writers jealous
• Sustainable production methods that are helping solve climate change

As the World Economic Forum notes, “Manufacturing is undergoing its most significant transformation since the industrial revolution.”

Go Global

Capital goods are needed everywhere humans make things (which is, you know, everywhere).

This means international career opportunities abound. Want to work in Germany’s famous manufacturing sector? Help set up factories in emerging markets? Lead teams across multiple countries? All possible in capital goods.

The Not-So-Good Stuff: Challenges to Consider

Education Requirements

Most of the better-paying roles require technical backgrounds:

• Engineering degrees
• Industrial design qualifications
• Technical certifications

You generally can’t just walk in off the street. You need specialized knowledge that takes time to develop.

Keeping Up With Technology

The pace of change is relentless. What you learned five years ago might be obsolete now. McKinsey research shows that 43% of companies are already experiencing skill gaps, especially in digital technologies.

If you hate learning new things, this might not be your jam.

Responsibility & Complexity

When you’re managing million-dollar equipment or designing machinery that hundreds of workers will depend on, the pressure is real. Projects tend to be complex and have high stakes.

One mistake could shut down a production line costing thousands per minute. Not for the faint of heart!

Who Should Consider a Capital Goods Career?

You might thrive in capital goods if:

• You enjoy solving complex problems and seeing tangible results
• You want financial stability without the extreme stress of fields like finance or law
• You’re interested in hands-on work with real-world applications
• You get excited about technological innovation
• You want career flexibility across multiple industries

Where to Start

Entry points vary based on your background:

• Engineering grads: Mechanical, electrical, or industrial engineering roles
• Business background: Operations, supply chain, or sales positions
• Technical skills but no degree: Maintenance technician, CNC operator, or quality control

The Manufacturing Institute reports that 89% of manufacturers are currently having difficulty finding workers with the right skills, meaning opportunities abound for those with the right qualifications.

In Summary

A capital goods career offers stability, good pay, diverse opportunities, and cutting-edge tech all in one package. While it requires specialized education and continuous learning, the rewards make it worth considering.

It’s not the flashiest career choice – you probably won’t be the main character in the next Netflix series about your job. But if you want a solid, interesting career with long-term growth potential, capital goods deserves a serious look.

And who knows? Maybe you’ll help build the machines that take us to Mars. That’s pretty cool in my book.