Helpers--Production Workers

Job Zone

Job Zone 1-2: Very Little to Some Preparation Needed

Usually requires a high school diploma or GED, though some occupations may not.

Job Zones group occupations into one of five categories based on the education, experience, and training typically needed to perform them.

Tasks

Specific duties and responsibilities regularly performed in this occupation.

Lift raw materials, finished products, and packed items, manually or using hoists.84
Mark or tag identification on parts.81
Observe equipment operations so that malfunctions can be detected, and notify operators of any malfunctions.81
Count finished products to determine if product orders are complete.80
Examine products to verify conformance to quality standards.79
Operate machinery used in the production process, or assist machine operators.78
Prepare raw materials for processing.78
Load and unload items from machines, conveyors, and conveyances.77
Remove products, machine attachments, or waste material from machines.76
Separate products according to weight, grade, size, or composition of materials used to produce them.73
Read gauges or charts, and record data obtained.73
Pack and store materials and products.72

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Wash work areas, machines, equipment, vehicles, or products.72
Start machines or equipment to begin production processes.72
Record information, such as the number of products tested, meter readings, or dates and times of product production.72
Place products in equipment or on work surfaces for further processing, inspecting, or wrapping.71
Turn valves to regulate flow of liquids or air, to reverse machines, to start pumps, or to regulate equipment.71
Transfer finished products, raw materials, tools, or equipment between storage and work areas of plants and warehouses, by hand or using hand trucks or powered lift trucks.70
Tie products in bundles for further processing or shipment, following prescribed procedures.70
Measure amounts of products, lengths of extruded articles, or weights of filled containers to ensure conformance to specifications.70
Help production workers by performing duties of lesser skill, such as supplying or holding materials or tools, or cleaning work areas and equipment.69
Signal coworkers to direct them to move products during the production process.64
Position spouts or chutes of storage bins so that containers can be filled.63
Attach slings, ropes, or cables to objects such as pipes, hoses, or bundles.61
Break up defective products for reprocessing.60
Perform minor repairs to machines, such as replacing damaged or worn parts.58
Fold products and product parts during processing.57
Cut or break flashing from materials or products.56
Change machine gears, using wrenches.55
Clean and lubricate equipment.55
Dump materials such as prepared ingredients into machine hoppers prior to mixing.53
Unclamp and hoist full reels from braiding, winding, or other fabricating machines, using power hoists.48
Mix ingredients according to specified procedures or formulas.48
Thread ends of items such as thread, cloth, and lace through needles and rollers, and around take-up tubes.43

Skills

Developed capacities that facilitate learning or the more rapid acquisition of knowledge.

Active Listening44
Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Monitoring44
Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
Operation and Control44
Controlling operations of equipment or systems.
Operations Monitoring44
Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
Critical Thinking41
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
Quality Control Analysis41
Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance.
Reading Comprehension41
Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
Speaking41
Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Coordination38
Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.
Social Perceptiveness38
Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
Active Learning28
Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
Equipment Maintenance28
Performing routine maintenance on equipment and determining when and what kind of maintenance is needed.

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Management of Personnel Resources28
Motivating, developing, and directing people as they work, identifying the best people for the job.
Repairing28
Repairing machines or systems using the needed tools.
Time Management28
Managing one's own time and the time of others.
Complex Problem Solving25
Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
Instructing25
Teaching others how to do something.
Judgment and Decision Making25
Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
Learning Strategies25
Selecting and using training/instructional methods and procedures appropriate for the situation when learning or teaching new things.
Mathematics25
Using mathematics to solve problems.
Negotiation25
Bringing others together and trying to reconcile differences.
Persuasion25
Persuading others to change their minds or behavior.
Service Orientation25
Actively looking for ways to help people.
Systems Analysis25
Determining how a system should work and how changes in conditions, operations, and the environment will affect outcomes.
Systems Evaluation25
Identifying measures or indicators of system performance and the actions needed to improve or correct performance, relative to the goals of the system.
Troubleshooting25
Determining causes of operating errors and deciding what to do about it.
Writing25
Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
Equipment Selection22
Determining the kind of tools and equipment needed to do a job.
Management of Material Resources19
Obtaining and seeing to the appropriate use of equipment, facilities, and materials needed to do certain work.
Management of Financial Resources16
Determining how money will be spent to get the work done, and accounting for these expenditures.
Operations Analysis13
Analyzing needs and product requirements to create a design.
Programming3
Writing computer programs for various purposes.
Technology Design3
Generating or adapting equipment and technology to serve user needs.
Installation0
Installing equipment, machines, wiring, or programs to meet specifications.
Science0
Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.

Knowledge

Organized sets of principles and facts that apply in general domains.

Production and Processing60
Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.
English Language51
Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, and rules of composition and grammar.
Mechanical47
Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
Administration and Management44
Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.
Education and Training44
Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.
Public Safety and Security41
Knowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote effective local, state, or national security operations for the protection of people, data, property, and institutions.
Computers and Electronics40
Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
Engineering and Technology36
Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.
Mathematics34
Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
Administrative33
Knowledge of administrative and office procedures and systems such as word processing, managing files and records, stenography and transcription, designing forms, and workplace terminology.
Food Production29
Knowledge of techniques and equipment for planting, growing, and harvesting food products (both plant and animal) for consumption, including storage/handling techniques.
Customer and Personal Service28
Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.

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Design28
Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.
Building and Construction27
Knowledge of materials, methods, and the tools involved in the construction or repair of houses, buildings, or other structures such as highways and roads.
Chemistry27
Knowledge of the chemical composition, structure, and properties of substances and of the chemical processes and transformations that they undergo. This includes uses of chemicals and their interactions, danger signs, production techniques, and disposal methods.
Physics26
Knowledge and prediction of physical principles, laws, their interrelationships, and applications to understanding fluid, material, and atmospheric dynamics, and mechanical, electrical, atomic and sub-atomic structures and processes.
Transportation25
Knowledge of principles and methods for moving people or goods by air, rail, sea, or road, including the relative costs and benefits.
Personnel and Human Resources22
Knowledge of principles and procedures for personnel recruitment, selection, training, compensation and benefits, labor relations and negotiation, and personnel information systems.
Telecommunications22
Knowledge of transmission, broadcasting, switching, control, and operation of telecommunications systems.
Psychology21
Knowledge of human behavior and performance; individual differences in ability, personality, and interests; learning and motivation; psychological research methods; and the assessment and treatment of behavioral and affective disorders.
Philosophy and Theology20
Knowledge of different philosophical systems and religions. This includes their basic principles, values, ethics, ways of thinking, customs, practices, and their impact on human culture.
Sales and Marketing20
Knowledge of principles and methods for showing, promoting, and selling products or services. This includes marketing strategy and tactics, product demonstration, sales techniques, and sales control systems.
Communications and Media19
Knowledge of media production, communication, and dissemination techniques and methods. This includes alternative ways to inform and entertain via written, oral, and visual media.
Economics and Accounting18
Knowledge of economic and accounting principles and practices, the financial markets, banking, and the analysis and reporting of financial data.
Therapy and Counseling18
Knowledge of principles, methods, and procedures for diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of physical and mental dysfunctions, and for career counseling and guidance.
Law and Government17
Knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, executive orders, agency rules, and the democratic political process.
Medicine and Dentistry17
Knowledge of the information and techniques needed to diagnose and treat human injuries, diseases, and deformities. This includes symptoms, treatment alternatives, drug properties and interactions, and preventive health-care measures.
Biology14
Knowledge of plant and animal organisms, their tissues, cells, functions, interdependencies, and interactions with each other and the environment.
Foreign Language14
Knowledge of the structure and content of a foreign (non-English) language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition and grammar, and pronunciation.
History and Archeology13
Knowledge of historical events and their causes, indicators, and effects on civilizations and cultures.
Sociology and Anthropology13
Knowledge of group behavior and dynamics, societal trends and influences, human migrations, ethnicity, cultures, and their history and origins.
Fine Arts12
Knowledge of the theory and techniques required to compose, produce, and perform works of music, dance, visual arts, drama, and sculpture.
Geography11
Knowledge of principles and methods for describing the features of land, sea, and air masses, including their physical characteristics, locations, interrelationships, and distribution of plant, animal, and human life.

Abilities

Enduring attributes of the individual that influence performance.

Near Vision69
The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
Manual Dexterity56
The ability to quickly move your hand, your hand together with your arm, or your two hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble objects.
Static Strength56
The ability to exert maximum muscle force to lift, push, pull, or carry objects.
Oral Expression53
The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
Arm-Hand Steadiness50
The ability to keep your hand and arm steady while moving your arm or while holding your arm and hand in one position.
Control Precision50
The ability to quickly and repeatedly adjust the controls of a machine or a vehicle to exact positions.
Extent Flexibility50
The ability to bend, stretch, twist, or reach with your body, arms, and/or legs.
Far Vision50
The ability to see details at a distance.
Finger Dexterity50
The ability to make precisely coordinated movements of the fingers of one or both hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble very small objects.
Information Ordering50
The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules (e.g., patterns of numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations).
Multilimb Coordination50
The ability to coordinate two or more limbs (for example, two arms, two legs, or one leg and one arm) while sitting, standing, or lying down. It does not involve performing the activities while the whole body is in motion.
Oral Comprehension50
The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.

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Perceptual Speed50
The ability to quickly and accurately compare similarities and differences among sets of letters, numbers, objects, pictures, or patterns. The things to be compared may be presented at the same time or one after the other. This ability also includes comparing a presented object with a remembered object.
Problem Sensitivity50
The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing that there is a problem.
Stamina50
The ability to exert yourself physically over long periods of time without getting winded or out of breath.
Trunk Strength50
The ability to use your abdominal and lower back muscles to support part of the body repeatedly or continuously over time without "giving out" or fatiguing.
Category Flexibility47
The ability to generate or use different sets of rules for combining or grouping things in different ways.
Reaction Time47
The ability to quickly respond (with the hand, finger, or foot) to a signal (sound, light, picture) when it appears.
Selective Attention47
The ability to concentrate on a task over a period of time without being distracted.
Depth Perception44
The ability to judge which of several objects is closer or farther away from you, or to judge the distance between you and an object.
Speech Recognition44
The ability to identify and understand the speech of another person.
Written Comprehension44
The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
Auditory Attention41
The ability to focus on a single source of sound in the presence of other distracting sounds.
Deductive Reasoning41
The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
Dynamic Strength41
The ability to exert muscle force repeatedly or continuously over time. This involves muscular endurance and resistance to muscle fatigue.
Speech Clarity41
The ability to speak clearly so others can understand you.
Visual Color Discrimination41
The ability to match or detect differences between colors, including shades of color and brightness.
Visualization41
The ability to imagine how something will look after it is moved around or when its parts are moved or rearranged.
Hearing Sensitivity38
The ability to detect or tell the differences between sounds that vary in pitch and loudness.
Inductive Reasoning38
The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).
Gross Body Coordination31
The ability to coordinate the movement of your arms, legs, and torso together when the whole body is in motion.
Rate Control31
The ability to time your movements or the movement of a piece of equipment in anticipation of changes in the speed and/or direction of a moving object or scene.
Response Orientation31
The ability to choose quickly between two or more movements in response to two or more different signals (lights, sounds, pictures). It includes the speed with which the correct response is started with the hand, foot, or other body part.
Explosive Strength28
The ability to use short bursts of muscle force to propel oneself (as in jumping or sprinting), or to throw an object.
Flexibility of Closure28
The ability to identify or detect a known pattern (a figure, object, word, or sound) that is hidden in other distracting material.
Gross Body Equilibrium28
The ability to keep or regain your body balance or stay upright when in an unstable position.
Speed of Closure28
The ability to quickly make sense of, combine, and organize information into meaningful patterns.
Time Sharing28
The ability to shift back and forth between two or more activities or sources of information (such as speech, sounds, touch, or other sources).
Fluency of Ideas25
The ability to come up with a number of ideas about a topic (the number of ideas is important, not their quality, correctness, or creativity).
Mathematical Reasoning25
The ability to choose the right mathematical methods or formulas to solve a problem.
Memorization25
The ability to remember information such as words, numbers, pictures, and procedures.
Number Facility25
The ability to add, subtract, multiply, or divide quickly and correctly.
Originality25
The ability to come up with unusual or clever ideas about a given topic or situation, or to develop creative ways to solve a problem.
Peripheral Vision25
The ability to see objects or movement of objects to one's side when the eyes are looking ahead.
Spatial Orientation25
The ability to know your location in relation to the environment or to know where other objects are in relation to you.
Wrist-Finger Speed25
The ability to make fast, simple, repeated movements of the fingers, hands, and wrists.
Written Expression25
The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand.
Glare Sensitivity22
The ability to see objects in the presence of a glare or bright lighting.
Night Vision22
The ability to see under low-light conditions.
Sound Localization22
The ability to tell the direction from which a sound originated.
Speed of Limb Movement22
The ability to quickly move the arms and legs.
Dynamic Flexibility3
The ability to quickly and repeatedly bend, stretch, twist, or reach out with your body, arms, and/or legs.

Work Activities

General types of job behaviors occurring on multiple jobs.

Handling and Moving Objects87
Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.
Performing General Physical Activities84
Performing general physical activities includes doing activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling materials.
Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events72
Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards71
Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People71
Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.
Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings71
Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
Documenting/Recording Information70
Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work69
Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.
Making Decisions and Solving Problems67
Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
Controlling Machines and Processes66
Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).
Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials66
Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates64
Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.

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Getting Information64
Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
Training and Teaching Others64
Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.
Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships63
Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others60
Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks.
Coaching and Developing Others57
Identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherwise helping others to improve their knowledge or skills.
Working with Computers54
Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
Assisting and Caring for Others53
Providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other personal care to others such as coworkers, customers, or patients.
Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others53
Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.
Developing and Building Teams52
Encouraging and building mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team members.
Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment51
Running, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanized equipment, such as forklifts, passenger vehicles, aircraft, or watercraft.
Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge51
Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates50
Providing guidance and direction to subordinates, including setting performance standards and monitoring performance.
Monitoring and Controlling Resources49
Monitoring and controlling resources and overseeing the spending of money.
Performing Administrative Activities47
Performing day-to-day administrative tasks such as maintaining information files and processing paperwork.
Processing Information47
Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others47
Handling complaints, settling disputes, and resolving grievances and conflicts, or otherwise negotiating with others.
Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information45
Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity.
Analyzing Data or Information44
Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
Thinking Creatively44
Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
Developing Objectives and Strategies40
Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to achieve them.
Scheduling Work and Activities39
Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.
Staffing Organizational Units39
Recruiting, interviewing, selecting, hiring, and promoting employees in an organization.
Providing Consultation and Advice to Others38
Providing guidance and expert advice to management or other groups on technical, systems-, or process-related topics.
Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment38
Servicing, repairing, adjusting, and testing machines, devices, moving parts, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of mechanical (not electronic) principles.
Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment36
Servicing, repairing, calibrating, regulating, fine-tuning, or testing machines, devices, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of electrical or electronic (not mechanical) principles.
Communicating with People Outside the Organization34
Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.
Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment34
Providing documentation, detailed instructions, drawings, or specifications to tell others about how devices, parts, equipment, or structures are to be fabricated, constructed, assembled, modified, maintained, or used.
Selling or Influencing Others34
Convincing others to buy merchandise/goods or to otherwise change their minds or actions.
Performing for or Working Directly with the Public33
Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests.

Work Styles

Personal characteristics that can affect how well someone performs a job.

Dependability67
A tendency to be reliable, responsible, and consistent in meeting work-related obligations.
Cooperation46
A tendency to be pleasant, helpful, and willing to assist others at work.
Attention to Detail40
A tendency to be detail-oriented, organized, and thorough in completing work.
Cautiousness32
A tendency to be careful, deliberate, and risk-avoidant when making work-related decisions or doing work.
Integrity21
A tendency to be honest and ethical at work.
Self-Control14
A tendency to remain calm and composed and to manage emotions effectively in response to criticism or difficult situations at work.
Perseverance13
A tendency to exhibit determination and resolve to perform or complete tasks in the face of difficult circumstances or obstacles at work.
Stress Tolerance13
A tendency to cope and function effectively in stressful situations at work.
Achievement Orientation12
A tendency to establish and maintain personally challenging work-related goals, set high work-related standards, and exert high effort toward meeting those goals and standards.
Optimism11
A tendency to exhibit a positive attitude and positive emotions at work, even under difficult circumstances.
Humility9
A tendency to be modest and humble when interacting with others at work.
Adaptability6
A tendency to be open to and comfortable with change, new experiences, or ideas at work.

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Sincerity5
A tendency to be genuine and sincere in interactions with others at work, without concern for personal gain or self-interest.
Self-Confidence2
A tendency to believe in one's work-related capabilities and ability to control one's work-related outcomes.
Initiative1
A tendency to be proactive and take on extra responsibilities and tasks that may fall outside of one's required work role.

Interests (RIASEC)

Holland's six occupational interest types (RIASEC) this work tends to attract.

Realistic92
Work involves designing, building, or repairing of equipment, materials, or structures, engaging in physical activity, or working outdoors. Realistic occupations are often associated with engineering, mechanics and electronics, construction, woodworking, transportation, machine operation, agriculture, animal services, physical or manual labor, athletics, or protective services.
Conventional57
Work involves following procedures and regulations to organize information or data, typically in a business setting. Conventional occupations are often associated with office work, accounting, mathematics/statistics, information technology, finance, or human resources.
Enterprising15
Work involves managing, negotiating, marketing, or selling, typically in a business setting, or leading or advising people in political and legal situations. Enterprising occupations are often associated with business initiatives, sales, marketing/advertising, finance, management/administration, professional advising, public speaking, politics, or law.
Social11
Work involves helping, teaching, advising, assisting, or providing service to others. Social occupations are often associated with social, health care, personal service, teaching/education, or religious activities.
Investigative5
Work involves studying and researching non-living objects, living organisms, disease or other forms of impairment, or human behavior. Investigative occupations are often associated with physical, life, medical, or social sciences, and can be found in the fields of humanities, mathematics/statistics, information technology, or health care service.
Artistic2
Work involves creating original visual artwork, performances, written works, food, or music for a variety of media, or applying artistic principles to the design of various objects and materials. Artistic occupations are often associated with visual arts, applied arts and design, performing arts, music, creative writing, media, or culinary art.

Work Context

Physical and social factors that influence the nature of work.

Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets
- Every day100%
Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams
- Every day83%
- Once a week or more but not every day16%
Time Pressure
- Every day80%
- Once a week or more but not every day15%
Importance of Being Exact or Accurate
- Extremely important66%
- Very important24%
Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls
- Continually or almost continually66%
- More than half the time17%
Pace Determined by Speed of Equipment
- Extremely important56%
- Very important28%
Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team
- Extremely important32%
- Very important52%
- Important16%
Exposed to Contaminants
- Every day74%
- Never13%
Spend Time Making Repetitive Motions
- Continually or almost continually56%
- More than half the time24%
Health and Safety of Other Workers
- Very high responsibility39%
- High responsibility31%
- Moderate responsibility30%
Spend Time Standing
- Continually or almost continually51%
- More than half the time13%
- About half the time28%
Exposed to Sounds, Noise Levels that are Distracting or Uncomfortable
- Every day67%
- Never16%

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Spend Time Walking or Running
- Continually or almost continually34%
- More than half the time44%
- About half the time13%
Freedom to Make Decisions
- A lot of freedom48%
- Some freedom22%
- Limited freedom13%
- Very little freedom17%
Determine Tasks, Priorities and Goals
- A lot of freedom40%
- Some freedom29%
- Limited freedom18%
- Very little freedom13%
Contact With Others
- Constant contact with others47%
- Contact with others most of the time16%
- Occasional contact with others29%
Work Outcomes and Results of Other Workers
- Very high responsibility32%
- High responsibility24%
- Moderate responsibility33%
Indoors, Environmentally Controlled
- Every day66%
- Never33%
Exposed to Hazardous Equipment
- Every day56%
- Once a year or more but not every month18%
- Never18%
Spend Time Bending or Twisting Your Body
- Continually or almost continually38%
- More than half the time13%
- About half the time19%
- Less than half the time30%
Coordinate or Lead Others in Accomplishing Work Activities
- Extremely important27%
- Very important28%
- Important21%
- Fairly important15%
Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results
- Very important results27%
- Important results24%
- Moderate results32%
- No results17%
Importance of Repeating Same Tasks
- Extremely important12%
- Very important46%
- Important22%
Frequency of Decision Making
- Every day46%
- Once a month or more but not every week17%
- Never30%
Duration of Typical Work Week
- More than 40 hours17%
- 40 hours83%
Level of Competition
- Highly competitive31%
- Moderately competitive59%
Physical Proximity
- Moderately close (at arm's length)47%
- Slightly close (e.g., shared office)15%
- I work with others but not closely (e.g., private office)22%
Consequence of Error
- Extremely serious21%
- Very serious28%
- Serious11%
- Fairly serious25%
- Not serious at all14%
Dealing With Unpleasant, Angry, or Discourteous People
- Once a week or more but not every day40%
- Once a month or more but not every week16%
- Never32%
Deal With External Customers or the Public in General
- Extremely important15%
- Very important32%
- Not important at all39%
Exposed to Hazardous Conditions
- Every day32%
- Once a month or more but not every week23%
- Never37%
Exposed to Very Hot or Cold Temperatures
- Every day29%
- Once a month or more but not every week24%
- Never42%
In an Open Vehicle or Operating Equipment
- Every day43%
- Never56%
Conflict Situations
- Once a week or more but not every day21%
- Once a month or more but not every week29%
- Once a year or more but not every month13%
- Never29%
Indoors, Not Environmentally Controlled
- Every day36%
- Never64%
Spend Time Kneeling, Crouching, Stooping, or Crawling
- About half the time30%
- Less than half the time32%
- Never24%
E-Mail
- Every day21%
- Once a week or more but not every day13%
- Once a year or more but not every month17%
- Never49%
Written Letters and Memos
- Every day23%
- Never59%
Outdoors, Exposed to All Weather Conditions
- Every day15%
- Once a week or more but not every day15%
- Never57%
Exposed to Minor Burns, Cuts, Bites, or Stings
- Every day19%
- Once a year or more but not every month13%
- Never55%
Public Speaking
- Every day13%
- Once a week or more but not every day11%
- Once a month or more but not every week16%
- Never60%
Degree of Automation
- Moderately automated38%
- Slightly automated23%
- Not at all automated35%
Spend Time Sitting
- More than half the time17%
- About half the time23%
- Less than half the time14%
- Never46%
Exposed to Extremely Bright or Inadequate Lighting Conditions
- Every day16%
- Never67%
Exposed to High Places
- Once a week or more but not every day13%
- Once a month or more but not every week14%
- Never65%
Spend Time Keeping or Regaining Balance
- About half the time21%
- Less than half the time23%
- Never47%
Spend Time Climbing Ladders, Scaffolds, or Poles
- Less than half the time39%
- Never46%
Work Schedules
- Irregular (changes with weather conditions, production demands, or contract duration)33%
- Regular (established routine, set schedule)67%
Exposed to Cramped Work Space, Awkward Positions
- Once a year or more but not every month20%
- Never69%
Exposed to Whole Body Vibration
- Every day13%
- Never83%
Telephone Conversations
- Once a year or more but not every month15%
- Never77%
In an Enclosed Vehicle or Operate Enclosed Equipment
- Never91%
Wear Specialized Protective or Safety Equipment such as Breathing Apparatus, Safety Harness, Full Protection Suits, or Radiation Protection
- Once a year or more but not every month13%
- Never77%
Outdoors, Under Cover
- Never86%
Dealing with Violent or Physically Aggressive People
- Once a year or more but not every month21%
- Never79%
Exposed to Disease or Infections
- Never87%
Exposed to Radiation
- Never100%

Typical Education Levels Reported

Education levels O*NET survey respondents in this occupation most often reported having.

Less than high school diploma
High school diploma or equivalent
Post-secondary certificate

Technology Skills

Specific software and technology tools commonly used on the job.

Spreadsheet software
Microsoft Excel
Presentation software
Microsoft PowerPoint
Electronic mail software
Microsoft Outlook
Data base user interface and query software
Operational databases
Document management software
Adobe Acrobat
Enterprise resource planning ERP software
SAP software
Desktop publishing software
Adobe InDesign
Office suite software
Microsoft Office software
Word processing software
Microsoft Word
Computer aided design CAD software
Autodesk AutoCAD
Graphics or photo imaging software
Adobe Photoshop

Professional Associations

Organizations related to this occupation, such as industry and licensing bodies.

National Association of Manufacturers

Related Occupations

Occupations that call for similar work and worker requirements.

Detailed Work Activities

More specific, granular versions of the Work Activities above.

Lift materials or workpieces using cranes or other lifting equipment.
Mark products, workpieces, or equipment with identifying information.
Notify others of equipment repair or maintenance needs.
Watch operating equipment to detect malfunctions.
Count finished products or workpieces.
Inspect work to ensure standards are met.
Prepare materials for processing.
Operate industrial equipment.
Remove products or workpieces from production equipment.
Load materials into production equipment.
Sort materials or products for processing, storing, shipping, or grading.
Record operational or production data.

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Clean production equipment.
Clean work areas.
Package products for storage or shipment.
Clean workpieces or finished products.
Adjust equipment controls to regulate flow of water, cleaning solutions, or other liquids.
Move products, materials, or equipment between work areas.
Weigh finished products.
Signal others to coordinate work activities.
Mount attachments or tools onto production equipment.
Replace worn equipment components.
Repair production equipment or tools.
Trim excess material from workpieces.
Assemble machine tools, parts, or fixtures.
Assemble mechanical components or machine parts.
Lubricate production equipment.
Mix ingredients.
Shovel materials.
Mix substances to create chemical solutions.
Run wiring to connect equipment.
Thread wire or cable through ducts or conduits.

This page incorporates information from O*NET Web Services by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA).

Based on federal labor and demographic data. Data source & methodology