Create a Career That Works for You.
From the phone in your hand to the cars on our roads to our region’s buildings and bridges, advanced manufacturing professionals build our world with their hands and ideas — and often make bank as they do.
So how can you build these skills — and the life you want? Through Western New York (WNY) Works’ network of colleges that offer dozens of low-cost, accessible programs leading directly to high-paying jobs in this thriving industry. Ready to make your move? Apply today, train tomorrow and get right to work.
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Manufacturing Careers at a Glance
$85,474
Average wage among the 61,360 manufacturing workers in Western New York.
National Association of Manufacturers
10%
Approximately 1 in 10 Western New York workers is employed in the manufacturing industry.
Office of the State Comptroller
$167K+
Lifetime return on investment (ROI) for manufacturing-related associate degrees from WNY Works colleges.
The Foundation for Research on Equal Opportunity
How Do I Become a…?
Hands-on hero? Ingenious innovator? With nearly every industry using manufacturing technology to some degree, local companies — and those across the country — are looking for you. Here’s what you can do — discover the career education that gets you where you want to be.
CNC Machine Tool Programmer or Machinist
Once you know the drill, it’s time to show your skill. Master high-tech manufacturing tools and carve out a cutting-edge career.
Salary range, NY: $39,607–$62,571*
*New York Department of Labor
Participating Colleges and Programs
Industrial Machinery Mechanic
You’re the hands-on hero. The fixer. The essential gear that grinds Western New York industries forward. Make your living making things work, helping innovate your industry along the way.
Salary range, NY: $46,903–$71,748*
*New York Department of Labor
Participating Colleges and Programs
Engineering Technician
Make a lot of money doing a little bit of everything. Work alongside engineers to propel projects forward, drawing on skills in research, design, diagnostics and troubleshooting.
Salary range, NY: $40,706-$72,615*
*New York Department of Labor
Participating Colleges and Programs
Electrician
When you’re wired for this, no other career can possibly provide the same charge. Plug into an always-on industry … and power up your paycheck right away.
Salary range, NY: $43,373–$83,606*
*New York Department of Labor
Participating Colleges and Programs
Welder
Whether you’re all about heavy metal or just looking to make a spark in your career, now is your chance to enter a world of white-hot opportunity.
*New York Department of Labor
Participating Colleges and Programs
Computer-Aided Drafter or Designer
Support a team and live life in 3-D. Build high-tech product design skills that never go out of style.
Salary range, NY: $43,765–$75,892*
*New York Department of Labor
Programs to Pursue
HVAC Technician
The perfect balance of “hands-on” and “high-tech,” HVAC careers provides essential (and well-paid) support for Western New York’s surging engineering, construction and utilities sector.
Salary range, NY: $43,550–$72,380*
*New York Department of Labor
Participating Colleges and Programs
Agricultural Technician
Masters of trucks, tractors, spreaders, sprayers and harvesters, Farm Machinists employ a high-touch, high-tech skillset to keep our Ag industry on the cutting edge.
Salary range, NY: $37,290– $74,630*
*Bureau of Labor Statistics
Participating Colleges and Programs
Computer or Electronics Manufacturing Technician
In an industry synonymous with innovation (and expected to see over 14% growth locally*), your skills ensure tomorrow’s computers, smartphones and anything with an integrated circuit board work as expected, right off the shelf.
Salary range, NY: $41,272–$60,239*
*Salary.com
Participating Colleges and Programs
Mechatronics Technician
As the brains of the operation, your skills get robots and other smart devices performing basic and more advanced manufacturing functions. Your knowledge of computer, electrical and mechanical systems makes it happen.
Salary range, NY: $43,879–$71,736*
*Salary.com
Participating Colleges and Programs
Manufacturing Career Development
Career Fairs at Alfred State
Who’s hiring — and what skills do they want? Attend career fairs scheduled throughout the year at Alfred State – SUNY College of Technology to connect with area employers and take that next step toward your future.
Train on Today’s Technologies for Tomorrow’s Careers
In short-term courses, certificates and associate degree programs, you’ll build skills like the pros, with full access to industry-standard technology.