The capital goods industry powers global economies by producing machinery, equipment, vehicles, and tools that other industries rely on. From aerospace to construction equipment, this sector offers diverse jobs with competitive salaries. If you’ve been asking “what do capital goods jobs pay?”, this guide breaks down average salaries, career paths, skills that boost pay, and which companies are hiring in 2025.
What Are Capital Goods Jobs?
Capital goods are tangible assets used to produce consumer goods and services. Unlike consumer goods, which people buy directly, capital goods support industries like construction, aerospace, automotive, and energy.
Jobs in capital goods range from manufacturing technicians and machinists to engineers, supply chain managers, and executives. Many of these roles require specialized skills and certifications, but entry-level opportunities are also plentiful.
Salary Overview: What to Expect in Capital Goods Jobs?
Pay in capital goods depends on the role, location, and level of experience. Here’s an overview based on U.S. data:
| Job Title | Typical Salary Range (Annual) | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Production Worker | $32,000 – $48,000 | BLS Production Workers |
| CNC Machinist | $45,000 – $65,000 | Indeed CNC Machinist |
| Mechanical Engineer | $72,000 – $110,000 | BLS Mechanical Engineers |
| Industrial Engineer | $75,000 – $120,000 | BLS Industrial Engineers |
| Electrical Engineer | $80,000 – $130,000 | BLS Electrical Engineers |
| Supply Chain Analyst | $65,000 – $95,000 | Glassdoor Supply Chain Salaries |
| Operations Manager | $90,000 – $140,000 | Indeed Operations Manager |
| Aerospace Engineer | $100,000 – $140,000 | BLS Aerospace Engineers |
| Plant Manager | $110,000 – $160,000 | Indeed Plant Manager |
Salaries by Career Stage
Entry-Level (0–2 Years)
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Roles: Assembly technician, junior machinist, production associate
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Pay: $32,000 – $50,000/year
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Skills: Basic manufacturing training, OSHA certification
Mid-Level (3–7 Years)
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Roles: CNC machinist, mechanical engineer, quality assurance specialist
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Pay: $55,000 – $90,000/year
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Skills: Technical certifications (e.g., Six Sigma, AWS welding certs)
Senior-Level (8+ Years)
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Roles: Plant manager, senior engineer, operations director
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Pay: $100,000 – $160,000+
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Skills: MBA, advanced engineering degrees, leadership experience
Top Companies in the Capital Goods Industry (and What They Pay)
Here’s a deeper dive into major players in the capital goods sector and the compensation you can expect in key roles at each. Where applicable, I’ve included up-to-date salary data and helpful context.
1. Caterpillar Inc. – Heavy Machinery & Construction Equipment
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CNC Machinist: Estimated $48K–$67K total pay, with a median of $57K/year, according to self-reported Glassdoor data. (Glassdoor)
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Machinist (non-CNC): Cadre average pay around $55K/year, ranging from $46K–$65K. (Glassdoor)
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Hourly Perspective: Indeed reports an average machinist pay of $27.14/hr, which converts to approximately $56K/year. (Indeed)
2. Boeing – Aerospace & Defense
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Aircraft Engineer: Glassdoor reports total pay ranging from $96K–$148K, with a median of $119K/year, and base pay around $114K. (Glassdoor)
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Engineer (all types): Median total compensation is $138K/year, with a base salary averaging $132K, plus around $6K/year in bonus. (Glassdoor)
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Real-World Example: A Boeing Quality Engineer with 7 years of experience in St. Louis reports earning $128K/year (base). (Reddit)
3. John Deere – Agricultural Machinery
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Production Operator: Indeed estimates around $24.13/hour, translating to roughly $50K/year. (Indeed)
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Production Operator (Glassdoor range): Between $21–$30/hr, with a median of $25/hr (~$52K/year). (Glassdoor)
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Production Controller: Glassdoor shows a range from $64K–$107K/year, with a median of $83K. (Glassdoor)
4. Siemens USA – Industrial Automation & Energy Tech
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Siemens typically pays electrical and process engineers between $80K–$120K, with senior roles exceeding $140K, according to aggregated industry data.
5. Honeywell International – Aerospace, Automation, & Controls
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Engineers generally earn $75K–$115K, while operations management roles average $100K–$140K, consistent with capital goods norms.
6. Lockheed Martin – Aerospace & Defense
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Engineers at Lockheed typically earn between $85K–$130K, while analysts and technical specialists range from $70K–$95K.
Summary Table: Key Companies & Job Pay
| Company | Role | Estimated Pay Range |
|---|---|---|
| Caterpillar | CNC Machinist | $48K–$67K (median $57K) |
| Machinist | ~$55K | |
| Boeing | Aircraft Engineer | $96K–$148K (median $119K) |
| Engineer (general) | ~$132K base ($138K total) | |
| Quality Engineer (7 yrs) | $128K (reported) | |
| John Deere | Production Operator | ~$50K/year ($21–$30/hr) |
| Production Controller | $64K–$107K (median $83K) | |
| Siemens | Engineer (est.) | $80K–$140K+ |
| Honeywell | Engineer / Ops Manager | $75K–$140K |
| Lockheed Martin | Engineer / Analyst | $70K–$130K |
Skills That Boost Pay in Capital Goods Jobs
Capital goods roles reward technical expertise, specialized certifications, and leadership skills. Workers who invest in these areas can significantly increase their earning potential.
Technical & Trade Skills
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CNC Machining & Programming – Proficiency in CNC machinery, G-code, and CAD/CAM software can increase pay by 10–20%.
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PLC & Automation – Understanding Programmable Logic Controllers and automation systems is highly valued in manufacturing plants.
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Welding & Fabrication – AWS-certified welders and fabricators are in demand, particularly in heavy machinery and aerospace.
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Industrial Maintenance – Skills in hydraulic, pneumatic, and mechanical systems improve eligibility for high-paying plant operator or technician roles.
Engineering & STEM Expertise
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Mechanical, Electrical, and Industrial Engineering Degrees – Engineers often start at $70k–$90k and can exceed $140k in senior roles.
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Aerospace or Systems Engineering – Specialization in aerospace or defense machinery boosts compensation significantly.
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Digital & Data Literacy – Knowledge of CAD, CAM, ERP systems, and industrial IoT tools increases efficiency and marketability.
Management & Leadership Skills
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Project Management – Certified Project Management Professionals (PMP) or Six Sigma Black/Green Belts earn 15–25% more than peers.
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Operations & Production Supervision – Leadership skills for coordinating plant operations or supply chains are critical for managerial pay.
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Team Communication & Problem Solving – Strong soft skills can make a candidate eligible for supervisory or cross-functional roles.
Certifications That Improve Earnings
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AWS Welding Certification – Critical for manufacturing, construction, and aerospace roles.
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OSHA Safety Certifications (10/30) – Demonstrates safety compliance and reduces liability for employers.
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NCCER or NACE Certifications – Recognized in industrial maintenance, coatings, and inspection roles.
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Lean Manufacturing / Six Sigma – Reduces waste and improves efficiency, making you indispensable in operations management.
Education Pathways & Upskilling Opportunities
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Associate Degrees / Technical Programs – In process technology, industrial maintenance, or instrumentation, ideal for plant operators.
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Bachelor’s in Engineering or Applied Sciences – Opens doors to design, production engineering, and management roles.
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Company-Sponsored Training – Many firms offer paid training and apprenticeships to learn PLCs, CAD, robotics, and safety procedures.
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Online Learning Platforms – Coursera, LinkedIn Learning, and MIT OpenCourseWare provide courses in automation, data analytics, and engineering fundamentals.
Practical Tips to Maximize Pay
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Combine technical skills with certifications for specialized high-demand roles (e.g., AWS-certified CNC machinist).
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Gain cross-functional experience across operations, supply chain, and quality assurance.
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Stay updated with Industry 4.0 trends (automation, robotics, IoT) to remain competitive.
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Seek unionized roles or senior management positions, which often include premium pay, bonuses, and benefits.
Benefits of Working in Capital Goods
Beyond salary, most capital goods employers offer:
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401(k) + pensions in union-heavy companies
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Shift differentials + overtime pay (common in 24/7 plants)
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Health and dental insurance
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Paid apprenticeships and certification support
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Travel and relocation opportunities for global companies
Job Outlook for 2025 and Beyond
The capital goods sector is projected to stay strong through 2030:
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Manufacturing jobs: Stable but increasingly tech-driven
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Skilled trades: High demand for machinists, welders, electricians
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Engineering & automation: Double-digit growth due to Industry 4.0
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Sustainability roles: Renewable energy equipment manufacturing is expanding
According to the BLS, many skilled and engineering roles in manufacturing are expected to grow faster than average, making capital goods an attractive long-term career choice.
Final Takeaway
So, what do capital goods jobs pay?
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Entry-level workers: $32k–$50k/year
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Skilled trades & engineers: $60k–$110k/year
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Supervisors & managers: $100k–$160k+
The industry offers strong salaries, stable job prospects, and clear career ladders, especially for workers who invest in certifications, apprenticeships, and advanced education.
If you’re looking for a well-paying, future-proof career, capital goods remains one of the strongest industries in 2025.
