You don’t have to be a Software Engineer, Manufacturing Engineer, or Senior Programmer Analyst to make good money in manufacturing. The highest-paying manufacturing jobs can be found by taking your skills on the road and working as a traveling contractor.
What Are Traveling Manufacturing Jobs?
Traveling manufacturing jobs are positions that require you to travel to different manufacturing plants around the United States. With labor shortages and skills gaps in the manufacturing sector, companies throughout the country are willing to pay a premium for an agency to bring experienced manufacturing talent to their factories for certain critical staffing needs. As a result, these jobs typically pay a higher hourly rate than traditional manufacturing jobs and come with added benefits. And while they may require you to be away from home for long periods of time, the increased pay, per diem, and overall experience can make it worth it. Here are some of the added benefits of taking your manufacturing skills on the road.
Guaranteed Overtime
In addition to a higher hourly rate, one of the most lucrative aspects of traveling manufacturing work is guaranteed overtime that is built into the contract. Most travel staffing agencies require at least 50 hours of work per week, and many offer 60+ hours per week which means you’re getting overtime pay for any hours worked over 40. This can help you earn even more money.
Paid Lodging & Per Diem
Another perk of travel manufacturing work is that most staffing agencies cover the cost of your lodging for the duration of the project, but this will vary from agency to agency so make sure you find out what their policy is and if it varies by project.
Many companies cover the full cost of lodging for the duration of the contract, but in doing so they control what hotel(s) will be used and they maintain control over the rooms. Many travelers prefer this because everything is taken care of in identifying the hotel and paying for it. Some travelers don’t like this option because they prefer to choose where they stay and to have more control over lodging during the contract.
Another common option is that agencies provide traveling contractors with a per diem to cover their lodging which can be great if you’re looking to bring your RV or you want more control over your lodging options. Some travelers don’t like this option because they have to do the work to identify hotels or lodging options in the area and they must be responsible for negotiating rates and making payments. You’ll want to find out what the per diem is for the project and the location of the project site so you can figure out what the price of hotels are in the area and make sure you’ll be able to cover the cost of the hotel with per diem.
When talking with different agencies and considering different projects, you’ll want to make sure you understand their per diem and lodging policies. Some agencies pay per diem every day, assuming you’re available to work if needed, and other travel staffing agencies pay per diem only on days worked. If the agency does not coordinate lodging and you’re responsible for finding your own, they may have discounts with hotels in the area, so be sure to ask that question.
Paid Travel
In addition to getting paid for the Manufacturing work you’ll be doing and receiving per diem to cover meals (and in some cases lodging), most staffing agencies will also pay for or reimburse you for your travel expenses to and from the project site.
Some pay for your flight to the project site so you don’t need to worry about any upfront costs except for checked bags (if they don’t cover that). If you fulfill your contract, they’ll also pay for your flight back; however, if you’re terminated they’ll pay for your transportation back home but it will likely be a bus ticket. Plus, if you’re terminated for cause you’ll likely also land on the company’s Do Not Rehire list.
Other companies will have you drive to the project site and will reimburse you based on the distance traveled at the federal mileage rate and some will not cover your travel costs at all. In these instances, you’ll want to consider the cost of gas and miles traveled to make sure you’re comfortable with being responsible for getting yourself to and from the project site.
Experience
The experience you’ll gain by taking on traveling manufacturing assignments will open more doors in the future and will also enable you to make more money over time. Assuming you’re a hard worker and do a great job, with each assignment you fulfill, you’ll be on the top of the agency’s list for future projects that pop up. Plus, the companies that hire travel staffing agencies tend to be larger and more well-known brands that will look good on your resume.
If you have a sense of adventure and like to travel, then you should consider traveling industrial jobs. There are traveling manufacturing jobs for Assemblers, Machine Operators, CNC Machine Operators, CNC Machinists, Manual Machinists, Brake Press Operators, Welders, and more! You can find more information on traveling manufacturing here. Not only will you get paid more per hour and be guaranteed overtime each week, but most agencies will also cover your travel and lodging expenses. Just be sure to ask your recruiter about the details of their policies before accepting an assignment.