The Definitive Skilled-Trades Hiring Guide For 2021

How can  you find a new job in the Pacific Northwest?

Is there a better way to find employees?

If you’re looking for more information, this guide it for you!

 

In this article you’ll find current salary information and job descriptions for skilled-trades jobs and careers in the Oregon, Washington and Alaskan markets

 

We have locations specifically in these areas but serve a much wider area:

Portland,

Seattle

Vancouver

Anchorage

Lake Oswego

Tacoma

Welcome to Opti Staffing Group, It has been our pleasure to provide dependable staffing solutions to the Pacific Northwest for over 20 years. We offer desirable positions with proven companies and a host of highly skilled and thoroughly vetted candidates. By focusing on critical positions within the Skilled Trades, Executive, and Operations fields, we have become leaders in the staffing industry, capable of offering reliable insight into what employers and job seekers are looking for. One of the keys to our longevity has been our diligent Research Department. Their expertise has allowed us to keep ahead of market trends and provide keen guidance to our clients and candidates. We are pleased to offer the benefit of their insight to you through guides and reports like these. With our compensation analysis, you can stay informed and competitive in the current market.

To Learn More, email: research@optistaffing.com.

Our research team can provide any information not included in this guide as well as a detailed compensation analysis tailored to suit your needs.
 


Skilled Trades Hiring Guide - Opti Staffing

How to Use the Skilled-Trades Guide

In this guide you will find sample job titles where applicable, brief descriptions, and regional pay scale information for each of the skilled positions listed below. If you do not find the position you are searching for or need any clarification on job titles or more precise compensation information, feel free to reach out to contact us today.


Positions Covered In This Guide

• CNC Machinist
• Manual Machinist
• TIG Welder
• MIG Welder
• Millwright
• Diesel Mechanic
• Small Engine Mechanic
• Quality Assurance
• Cabinet Maker
• Shipping & Receiving
• Material Handler
• Forklift Operator
• Warehouse
• Production
• Production Lead
• Assembly
• Electrical Assembly
• Packaging


Skilled Trades Positions, Their Descriptions and Regional Pay-Scales


Machinist

What Kinds of Machinist Jobs Are There?

CNC Machine Operator,
CNC Set-Up,
CNC Programmer

What Does A Machinist Do?

Responsible for operating one or more types of computer numeric controlled production equipment. Selects appropriate settings and makes adjustments as necessary. Follows established quality and safety standards. May require a bachelor’s degree in area of specialty and 2 – 4 years of experience in the field or in a related area. Familiar with standard concepts, practices, and procedures within a particular field. Relies on experience and judgment to plan and accomplish goals. Performs a variety of tasks. Works under general supervision. A certain degree of creativity and latitude is required. Typically reports to a supervisor or manager.

What’s Does A Machinist Get Paid?

Washington
Seattle Area: $20 – 26
Tacoma Area: $20 – 25
Vancouver Area: $19 – 25
Oregon
Portland Area: $19 – 25
Lake Oswego Area: $19 – 25
Alaska
Anchorage Area: $21 – 27
Find A Machinist Job Here


Manual Machinist

What Kinds of Manual Machinist Jobs Are There?

Machinist I
Machinist II
Machinist III

What Does A Manual Machinist Do?

Assembles, repairs, and fabricates metal parts by operating mechanical equipment. Assembles parts into sub – units or complete units. Uses blueprints and design sketches to ensure the proper dimensions and tolerance levels of the finished product. Requires a high school diploma or its equivalent. May be required to meet certain certifications in the field and to have at least 2 – 4 years of experience. Familiar with standard concepts, practices, and procedures within a particular field. Relies on limited experience and judgment to plan and accomplish goals. Performs a variety of tasks. Works under general supervision. A certain degree of creativity and latitude is required. Typically reports to a supervisor/manager.

What’s Does A Manual Machinist Get Paid?

Washington
Seattle Area: $23 – 30
Tacoma Area: $22 – 29
Vancouver Area: $22 – 28
Oregon
Portland Area: $22 – 28
Lake Oswego Area: $22 – 28
Alaska
Anchorage Area: $24 – 30
Find A Manual Machinist Job Here


TIG Welder

What Does A TIG Welder Do?

Welders join two or more pieces of metal together using heat to melt and permanently join the separate pieces. Welding results in an extremely strong joint making welding an important process in making building structures, automotive bodies, bridges, and more. TIG welding is used to join metal of different compositions as well as thinner pieces of metal that the more common MIG welding is unable to weld. Welders generally follow written or oral instructions of a supervisor to complete tasks that may be repetitive or different from one weld to the next. Technical training that leads to a certification is generally required for employment as a TIG welder. However, on the job training and apprenticeships are also offered in some settings.

What’s Does A TIG Welder Get Paid?

Washington
Seattle Area: $21 – 28
Tacoma Area: $20 – 27
Vancouver Area: $20 – 27
Oregon
Portland Area: $20 – 27
Lake Oswego Area: $20 – 27
Alaska
Anchorage Area: $21 – 29
Find a TIG Welder Job Here


MIG Welder

What Does A MIG Welder Do?

Welding is an industrial process by which two pieces of metal are permanently joined together using heat and electrical power. MIG welding is used in many different kinds of industries, from shipbuilding to parts manufacturing. MIG stands for “metal inert gas.” It is a particular kind of welding that uses a wire feed to add filler material to the pieces when joining metals. MIG welding is a fast and cost – efficient method. MIG welding requires manual dexterity and some mechanical ability. Some MIG welders are required to work on high platforms or in confined spaces, so some physical fitness and agility are also needed. MIG welders may be required to read blueprints or do some mathematical computations, and good eyesight and basic mathematical ability are also required. MIG welders may be required to do a number of operations on the metal pieces besides using the welding machine to join those pieces. They may have to measure out pieces, cut metal with plasma cutters or torches, read blueprints, punch holes, grind, polish, move metal with a forklift, communicate with supervisors and other workers, and fill out required work reports. Experience in all these areas generally leads to higher pay grades.

What’s Does A MIG Welder Get Paid?

Washington
Seattle Area: $21 – 28
Tacoma Area: $20 – 27
Vancouver Area: $20 – 27
Oregon
Portland Area: $20 – 27
Lake Oswego Area: $20 – 27
Alaska
Anchorage Area: $21 – 29
Find a MIG Welder Job Here


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Millwright

What Kinds of Millwright Jobs Are There?

Maintenance Mechanic

What Does A Millwright Do?

Installs and maintains machinery and equipment using hoists, lift trucks, hand tools, and power tools. Requires a high school diploma or its equivalent. May be required to be certified in an area of specialty. May require 2 – 4 years of experience in the field or in a related area. Familiar with standard concepts, practices, and procedures within a particular field. Relies on limited experience and judgment to plan and accomplish goals. Performs a variety of tasks. Works under general supervision. A certain degree of creativity and latitude is required. Typically reports to a supervisor/manager.

What’s Does A Millwright Get Paid?

Washington
Seattle Area: $24 – 36
Tacoma Area: $23 – 35
Vancouver Area: $23 – 34
Oregon
Portland Area: $23 – 34
Lake Oswego Area: $23 – 34
Alaska
Anchorage Area: $25 – 37
Find A Millwright job Here


Diesel Mechanic

What Kinds of Diesel Mechanic Jobs Are There?

Diesel Engine Mechanic

What Does A Diesel Mechanic Do?

Installs, repairs, and maintains diesel engines. Requires a high school diploma or its equivalent. May have to complete an apprenticeship and/or formal training in area of specialty with 2 – 4 years of experience in the field or in a related area. Familiar with standard concepts, practices, and procedures within a particular field. Relies on limited experience and judgment to plan and accomplish goals. Performs a variety of tasks. Works under general supervision. A certain degree of creativity and latitude is required. Typically reports to a supervisor/manager

What’s Does A Diesel Mechanic Get Paid?

Washington
Seattle Area: $24 – 31
Tacoma Area: $23 – 30
Vancouver Area: $25 – 29
Oregon
Portland Area: $23 – 30
Lake Oswego Area: $23 – 30
Alaska
Anchorage Area: $25 – 32
Find a Diesel Mechanic Job Here


Small Engine Mechanic

What Does A Small Engine Mechanic Do?

Repairs fractional/horsepower gasoline engines used to power lawnmowers, garden tractors and similar machines. Requires a high school diploma or its equivalent. May have to complete an apprenticeship and/or formal training in area of specialty with 2 – 4 years of experience in the field or in a related area. Familiar with standard concepts, practices, and procedures within a particular field. Relies on limited experience and judgment to plan and accomplish goals. Performs a variety of tasks. Works under general supervision. A certain degree of creativity and latitude is required. Typically reports to a supervisor/ manager.

What’s Does A Small Engine Mechanic Get Paid?

Washington
Seattle Area: $16 – 20
Tacoma Area: $16 – 19
Vancouver Area: $16 – 19
Oregon
Portland Area: $16 – 19
Lake Oswego Area: $16 – 19
Alaska
Anchorage Area: $17 – 20
Find a Small Engine Mechanic Job Here


Quality Assurance 

What Kinds of Quality Assurance Jobs Are There?

Quality Assurance Specialist

What Does A Quality Assurance Specialist Do?

Responsible for all activities involving quality assurance and compliance with applicable regulatory requirements; conducts audits and reviews/analyzes data and documentation. May require a bachelor’s degree in area of specialty and 2 – 5 years of experience in the field or in a related area. Familiar with standard concepts, practices, and procedures within a particular field. Relies on limited experience and judgment to plan and accomplish goals. Performs a variety of tasks. Works under general supervision. A certain degree of creativity and latitude is required. Typically reports to a supervisor or manager.

What’s Does A Quality Assurance Specialist Get Paid?

Washington
Seattle Area: $34 – 42
Tacoma Area: $34 – 41
Vancouver Area: $33 – 40
Oregon
Portland Area: $33 – 40
Lake Oswego Area: $33 – 40
Alaska
Anchorage Area: $35 – 40
Find a Quality Assurance Job Here


Cabinet Maker

What Kinds of Cabinet Maker Jobs Are There?

Custom Cabinetmaker
Production Cabinetmaker
Bench Carpenter
Custom Wood-Worker

What Does A Cabinet Maker Do?

Sets – up and operates a variety of woodworking machines and uses various hand tools to fabricate and repair wooden benches and cabinets. May require a high school diploma or its equivalent and 0 – 2 years of experience in the field or in a related area. Familiar with standard concepts, practices, and procedures within a particular field. Relies on limited experience and judgment to plan and accomplish goals. Performs a variety of tasks. Works under general supervision; typically reports to a supervisor or manager. A certain degree of creativity and latitude is expected.

What’s Does A Cabinet Maker Get Paid?

Washington
Seattle Area: $16 – 23
Tacoma Area: $15 – 23
Vancouver Area: $15 – 22
Oregon
Portland Area: $15 – 22
Lake Oswego Area: $15 – 22
Alaska
Anchorage Area: $16 – 24
Find a Cabinet Maker Job Here


Shipping and Receiving

What Kinds of Shipping and Receiving Jobs Are There?

Shipping and Receiving Clerk

What Does A Shipping and Receiving Clerk Do?

Assembles orders and prepares goods for shipment. Records shipment data, including weight, charges, and space availability. Receives and unpacks materials and supplies. Reports damages and discrepancies for accounting, reimbursement and record-keeping purposes. Completes shipping and receiving reports. Requires a high school diploma or equivalent with 0 – 2 years experience. Has knowledge of commonly-used concepts, practices, and procedures within a particular field. Relies on instructions and pre-established guidelines to perform the functions of the job. Works under immediate supervision. Typically reports to a supervisor or manager.

What’s Does A Shipping and Receiving Clerk Get Paid?

Washington
Seattle Area: $16 – 21T
Tacoma Area: $16 – 21
Vancouver Area: $16 – 20
Oregon
Portland Area: $16 – 20
Lake Oswego Area: $16 – 20
Alaska
Anchorage Area: $17 – 22
Find a Shipping and Receiving Job Here


Hiring and Management Tips 

How to hire the right person - Opti Staffing


Forklift Operator

What Kinds of Forklift Operator Jobs Are There?

Material Handler
Reachlift Operator

What Does A Forklift Operator Do?

Operates fork lifts to stack and retrieve supplies and materials. Responsibilities also include documenting and maintaining inventory and ensuring production area organization and cleanliness. Requires a high school diploma or its equivalent and 0 – 2 years of related experience. Has knowledge of commonly – used concepts, practices, and procedures within a particular field. Relies on instructions and pre – established guidelines to perform the functions of the job. Works under immediate supervision. Typically reports to a manager or head of a unit/department.

What’s Does A Forklift Operator Get Paid?

Washington
Seattle Area: $16 – 22
Tacoma Area: $16 – 21
Vancouver Area: $16 – 20
Oregon
Portland Area: $16 – 20
Lake Oswego Area: $16 – 20
Alaska
Anchorage Area: $17 – 22
Find a Forklift Job Here 


Warehouse Worker

What Does A Warehouse Worker Do?

Receives, unpacks, checks, and stores merchandise or materials. Fills requisitions and orders. Packs, crates, and ships products and materials to distribution center, departments, or assembly line. May operate fork lift. Requires a high school diploma or its equivalent with 2 – 4 years of experience in the field or in a related area. Familiar with standard concepts, practices, and procedures within a particular field. Relies on limited experience and judgment to plan and accomplish goals. Performs a variety of tasks. Works under general supervision; typically reports to a supervisor or manager.

What’s Does A Warehouse Worker Get Paid?

Washington
Seattle Area: $16 – 22
Tacoma Area: $16 – 21
Vancouver Area: $16 – 20
Oregon
Portland Area: $14 – 18
Lake Oswego Area: $16 – 20
Alaska
Anchorage Area: $17 – 22
Find A Warehouse Job Here


Production Worker

What Does A Production Worker Do?

Receives, unpacks, checks, and stores merchandise or materials. Fills requisitions and orders. Packs, crates, and ships products and materials to distribution center, departments, or assembly line. May operate fork lift. Requires a high school diploma or its equivalent with 2 – 4 years of experience in the field or in a related area. Familiar with standard concepts, practices, and procedures within a particular field. Relies on limited experience and judgment to plan and accomplish goals. Performs a variety of tasks. Works under general supervision; typically reports to a supervisor or manager.

What’s Does A Production Worker Get Paid?

Washington
Seattle Area: $16 – 22
Tacoma Area: $16 – 21
Vancouver Area: $16 – 20
Oregon
Portland Area: $14 – 18
Lake Oswego Area: $16 – 20
Alaska
Anchorage Area: $17 – 22
Find a Production Job Here


Production Lead

What Does A Production Lead Do?

Oversees, monitors, and coordinates production team activities, giving importance to individual member’s and overall team’s achievement of established goals. Ensures team’s goals are aligned with and
representative of the overall company’s directive. Acts as liaison between team members and the rest of the organization. May require an associate’s degree or its equivalent with 2 – 4 years of experience in the field or in a related area. Familiar with standard concepts, practices, and procedures within a particular field. Relies on experience and judgment to plan and accomplish goals. Performs a variety of tasks. Typically reports to a manager or supervisor. A certain degree of creativity and latitude is required.

What’s Does A Warehouse Lead Get Paid?

Washington
Seattle Area: $29 – 39
Tacoma Area: $28 – 38
Vancouver Area: $27 – 37
Oregon
Portland Area: $28 – 37
Lake Oswego Area: $28 – 37
Alaska
Anchorage Area: $30 – 40
Find a Production Lead Job Here


Assembler

What Does an Assembler Do?

Assembles fabricated parts to relatively small or light subassemblies and complete units. Tests and calibrates parts and mechanisms to meet tolerances and product specifications. Uses hand tools and small power tools to assemble units. Requires a high school diploma or its equivalent. May be required to complete an apprenticeship and/or formal training in area of specialty. Requires 2 – 4 years of experience in the field or in a related area. Familiar with standard concepts, practices, and procedures within a particular field. Relies on experience and judgment to plan and accomplish goals. Performs a variety of tasks. Works under general supervision; typically reports to a supervisor or manager.

What’s Does An Assembler Get Paid?

Washington
Seattle Area: $16 – 21
Tacoma Area: $16 – 21
Vancouver Area: $15 – 20
Oregon
Portland Area: $16 – 21
Lake Oswego Area: $16 – 21
Alaska
Anchorage Area: $16 – 21
Find an Assembler Job Here


Electrical Assembler

What Does an Electrical Assembler Do?

Assembles electronics according to product specifications. Follows blueprints to put together electronic devices, tools and products using hand and power tools and other assembly equipment. May require a high school diploma or its equivalent with 3 – 5 years’ experience. Familiar with standard concepts, practices, and procedures within a particular field. Relies on limited experience and judgment to plan and accomplish goals. Performs a variety of tasks. Works under general supervision. A certain degree of creativity and latitude is required. Typically reports to a supervisor/manager.

What’s Does An Electrical Assembler Get Paid?

Washington
Seattle Area: $17 – 24
Tacoma Area: $17 – 24
Vancouver Area: $16 – 23
Oregon
Portland Area: $16 – 23
Lake Oswego Area: $16 – 23
Alaska
Anchorage Area: $18 – 25
Find an Electrical Assembler Job Here


Packager

What Does an Packer Do?

Packages materials and products manually. Performs basic quality control checks including measuring, weighing, strength testing, package counts, and evaluating product or package appearance. Folds &
tapes boxes, applies labels, and stacks boxes on pallets according to direction. May require a high school diploma or its equivalent and 0 – 2 years of experience in the field or in a related area. Has knowledge of commonly – used concepts, practices, and procedures within a particular field. Relies on instructions and pre – established guidelines to perform the functions of the job. Works under immediate supervision. Primary job functions do not typically require exercising independent judgment. Typically reports to a supervisor/manager.

What’s Does An Packer Get Paid?

Washington
Seattle Area: $14 – 18
Tacoma Area: $13 – 17
Vancouver Area: $13 – 17
Oregon
Portland Area: $13 – 17
Lake Oswego Area: $13 – 17
Alaska
Anchorage Area: $ 14 – 18
Find a Packing Job Here 


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