Michigan is a hub for manufacturing and production which makes it an attractive destination for factory workers. The state’s economy thrives on industrial production with the availability of openings in various sectors such as automotive, manufacturing and food processing
Many employers are now offering competitive wages of $20 per hour and, in certain cases, visa sponsorship to attract skilled and semi-skilled international workers.
Types of Factory Jobs in Michigan
- Assembly Line Workers
- Pay Rate: $18 – $20 per hour
- Description: Assembly line workers are responsible for putting together parts or products as they move down the production line. The role typically involves repetitive tasks and attention to detail.
- Visa Sponsorship: Available for experienced workers
- Employers Hiring: Ford Motor Company, General Motors
- Machine Operators
- Pay Rate: $20 – $22 per hour
- Description: Machine operators manage and control machinery in the production process. They ensure that the equipment is working efficiently and troubleshoot any issues that arise.
- Visa Sponsorship: Offered by many manufacturing companies
- Employers Hiring: Magna International, DENSO Manufacturing
- Welders
- Pay Rate: $20 – $25 per hour
- Description: Welders join metal parts together, often for automotive or construction equipment. This skilled trade requires training and certification.
- Visa Sponsorship: Available for certified welders
- Employers Hiring: ZF Group, Bosch Automotive
- Material Handlers
- Pay Rate: $18 – $20 per hour
- Description: Material handlers move, load, and unload materials in a factory setting. They ensure that production lines are supplied with the necessary materials for ongoing work.
- Visa Sponsorship: Offered for experienced handlers
- Employers Hiring: Lear Corporation, Tenneco
- Quality Control Inspectors
- Pay Rate: $19 – $22 per hour
- Description: Quality control inspectors ensure that products meet specified standards. This involves checking parts for defects and ensuring consistency in the manufacturing process.
- Visa Sponsorship: Available for experienced quality inspectors
- Employers Hiring: Continental Automotive, FCA US
- Forklift Operators
- Pay Rate: $20 – $23 per hour
- Description: Forklift operators are responsible for moving heavy materials within the factory, loading trucks, and organizing inventory. Forklift certification is typically required.
- Visa Sponsorship: Provided by select employers
- Employers Hiring: Dana Incorporated, Johnson Controls
General Responsibilities of Factory Workers
Factory workers in Michigan perform a variety of tasks depending on the specific role. These include:
- Operating Machinery: Many factory jobs require workers to operate machinery or equipment involved in the manufacturing process. This includes monitoring production lines and ensuring machines are running smoothly.
- Assembling Products: Workers may be tasked with assembling parts or products using hand tools, power tools, or automated systems. This is common in industries like automotive manufacturing.
- Quality Assurance: Inspecting products to ensure they meet company standards is an essential part of the factory worker’s duties.
- Material Handling: Moving raw materials and finished products is a significant part of the job for many factory workers. This often involves using forklifts, cranes, or other heavy equipment.
- Maintenance: In certain roles, workers may be responsible for maintaining equipment and performing minor repairs to ensure continuous production.
Required Skills and Qualifications
- High school diploma
- Strong and energetic
- Capable of moving and lifting heavy objects
- Good verbal and written communication skills
- Ability to thrive under pressure
- Adaptability to excel in a fast-paced environment
- Proficiency in manual handling
- Strong communication skills are essential for effective collaboration
- A commitment to learning new skills and achieving targets aligned with daily production plans is crucial
Visa Sponsorship Opportunities for Factory Workers
Michigan’s manufacturing industry is open to hiring international workers, particularly for skilled roles, and many companies offer visa sponsorship. The two most common visa routes for factory workers are:
- H-2B Temporary Non-Agricultural Worker Visa
- Eligibility: This visa allows employers to hire foreign workers to fill temporary non-agricultural jobs, including factory positions. Employers must demonstrate that there are not enough U.S. workers available to fill the roles.
- Duration: This visa is typically valid for up to 9 months, with the possibility of extension.
- Visa Sponsorship: Companies with a significant need for temporary workers, such as those in seasonal industries, often provide sponsorship.
- EB-3 Visa (Employment-Based Immigration)
- Eligibility: This visa is for skilled workers, professionals, and other workers, including those in factory roles, who have an offer of employment in the U.S. The employer must file a petition on behalf of the worker.
- Salary Requirement: The offered salary must meet or exceed the prevailing wage for the position.
- Permanent Residency: This visa can lead to a Green Card, making it a pathway to permanent residency in the U.S.
Factory worker jobs in Michigan offer great earning potential, with pay rates starting at $20 per hour and many employers offering visa sponsorship for international workers. If you’re considering a move to the U.S., now is the perfect time to explore these high-paying factory job opportunities with the added benefit of visa sponsorship.
For further information and to proceed with your application, you can proceed to visit the following online job boards for current job openings
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Emma Ngozi
Emma Ngozi is the founder of Surewinteams.com, a platform built to guide students and young professionals in navigating international opportunities. With a background in public policy and international relations, Emma has spent years helping people secure scholarships, sponsorship visas, and financial planning strategies for studying abroad.
She believes that accessible, accurate information is a powerful tool for change. Her writing combines practical advice with strategic insights, crafted especially for those eager to take bold steps toward education and career development in countries around the world.