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Production planner: pay, job outlook and how to become one

Updated October 28, 2026. Based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and O*NET data. Published by Humblebee.

$59,650median pay per year, or $28.68 an hour, May 2025[1]
  1. $40,080lowest 10% earn less
  2. $47,82025th percentile
  3. $59,650median
  4. $75,00075th percentile
  5. $86,000top 10% earn more
Middle half of workers in the inner band[3]Median for all US jobs, $50,980[4]

Production, planning, and expediting clerks, often called production planners, had a median pay of $59,650 a year in May 2025[1]. BLS projects the number of jobs to fall 1.3% from 2025 to 2035[2].

Job growth, 2025–35
-1.3%[2]
Openings per year
32,600[5]
Typical entry education
High school diploma or equivalent[6]

How much do production planners make?

The median wage for production, planning, and expediting clerks was $59,650 a year, or $28.68 an hour[1]. Half of workers earned more and half earned less. The average was $62,150 a year, or $29.88 an hour[7]. For comparison, the median for all occupations in the US was $50,980[4].

Pay varies a lot. The lowest-paid 10% earned less than $40,080 a year, and the highest-paid 10% earned more than $86,000[3]. BLS publishes percentile wages, not a starting salary[8].

Measure Annual Hourly
10th percentile[3][9] $40,080 $19.27
25th percentile[3][9] $47,820 $22.99
Median[1] $59,650 $28.68
75th percentile[3][9] $75,000 $36.06
90th percentile[3][9] $86,000 $41.34

These figures cover full-time and part-time workers paid a wage or salary. They leave out the self-employed and do not include bonuses outside production or the cost of benefits[10]. About 390,160 people held these jobs in May 2025[11].

Pay by state and city

Washington had the highest state median at $77,190, followed by the District of Columbia at $72,660 and Wyoming at $69,710[12]. The states with the most jobs were California (56,080), New York (35,160) and Texas (33,080)[13].

Among metro areas with at least 100 jobs, Idaho Falls, ID had the highest median at $83,790, followed by Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA at $81,850[14]. The New York-Newark-Jersey City area had the most jobs, 28,600, with a median of $63,130[15].

Show median pay in 50 states and DC
StateMedian per yearJobs
Washington[12]$77,190n/a
District of Columbia$72,660430
Wyoming$69,710110
Rhode Island$65,310960
Colorado$63,9807,800
Hawaii$63,7801,040
Connecticut$63,2404,090
California$63,00056,080
New Jersey$62,7109,410
Delaware$62,700450
Alaska$62,590380
Virginia$61,7808,490
Michigan$61,6707,560
Utah$61,6504,550
New Hampshire$61,5901,600
Minnesota$61,4907,330
New York$60,92035,160
Oregon$60,7902,790
Vermont$60,560430
Iowa$60,3203,540
Massachusetts$60,2805,650
Maine$60,2001,240
Louisiana$60,1201,970
Idaho$59,9501,070
Pennsylvania$59,2408,790
Indiana$58,9809,100
Maryland$58,5904,670
Arizona$58,5809,780
Wisconsin$58,5409,140
North Dakota$58,330450
Illinois$57,88011,900
Ohio$57,83017,700
South Carolina$57,6407,020
Alabama$57,2402,680
Kansas$57,0804,320
Georgia$56,85016,370
Oklahoma$56,3005,820
West Virginia$56,290750
Texas$55,85033,080
Nevada$55,7902,190
Nebraska$55,7101,690
Kentucky$55,6906,480
Missouri$54,1706,310
Tennessee$53,02012,740
North Carolina$52,64013,000
Florida$51,94020,850
Mississippi$51,0802,030
Montana$50,800830
South Dakota$50,530690
Arkansas$50,3502,390
New Mexico$49,6401,040

How to become a production planner

BLS lists the typical path like this:

The BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook profile used here covers a wider group of occupations, so its training details are general[16]. It says production, planning, and expediting clerks may train for up to 6 months[17]. Production clerks first learn how their company runs before they write production and work schedules[18]. Some employers prefer to hire people with a college degree[19].

In an O*NET survey of 21 workers, 37% said a high school diploma or equivalent is required, 21% said some college courses, and 13% said an associate's degree[20]. Safety rules are part of training[21].

Skills that matter include communication, customer service, attention to detail and basic math[22][23][24][25]. With more training or education, some clerks move up to roles such as purchasing agent[26].

What production planners do

These workers keep work and materials moving through a plant according to the production schedule[27]. Typical tasks include:

Job titles reported by workers include expeditor, materials planner and production controller[29].

Where they work

The OOH profile says these clerks usually have an office space in a warehouse or manufacturing plant[30]. They may also spend time on the floor handling packages or equipment such as conveyors[31]. Some lift heavy items and bend often, which can lead to injury[32]. Full-time work is typical, and some people work nights, weekends or holidays[33]. Manufacturing employed 28% of the wider group in 2025[34].

Job outlook

BLS projects employment to fall 1.3% from 2025 to 2035, from about 392,100 to 387,100 jobs[2]. Employment in all occupations is projected to grow 3.5%[35]. BLS names technology-driven productivity gains as a factor that outweighs rising demand for logistics services[36].

Even so, about 32,600 openings a year are projected[5]. Openings include jobs left by people who retire or move to other occupations, not only new jobs. Each year, 3% of workers leave the labor force and 5.5% move to a different occupation[37].

Is it a good fit?

The job asks for a high school diploma and no related work experience, followed by on-the-job training[6]. Pay was above the all-occupations median[1][4]. The job count is projected to shrink slightly, though openings still arise each year from people leaving[2][5]. People who like scheduling, tracking materials and talking with suppliers and departments may find the tasks familiar[28].

Related occupations from O*NET, with BLS median pay and projected growth[38].

Frequently asked questions

How much does a production planner make an hour?
The median was $28.68 an hour in May 2025[1]. The middle half earned between $22.99 and $36.06[9].
What education do you need to be a production planner?
BLS lists a high school diploma or equivalent as the typical entry education[6]. Some employers prefer a college degree[19].
How long does it take to become a production planner?
BLS lists moderate-term on-the-job training[6]. The OOH profile for the wider group says training may last up to 6 months[17].
Is production planning in demand?
BLS projects employment to decline 1.3% from 2025 to 2035, but about 32,600 openings a year are expected[2][5].
What is the highest paying state for production planners?
Washington, with a median of $77,190[12].

Facts and sources

  1. BLS OEWS, May 2025: the median wage for Production, Planning, and Expediting Clerks in the US was $59,650 per year and $28.68 per hour. Half of workers earned more and half earned less. BLS OEWS, May 2025
  2. BLS Employment Projections: employment of Production, Planning, and Expediting Clerks is projected to decline 1.3% from 2025 to 2035, from about 392,100 to 387,100 jobs (a change of -5,000). These counts include self-employed workers. BLS Employment Projections
  3. BLS OEWS, May 2025, annual wage percentiles for Production, Planning, and Expediting Clerks: 10th percentile $40,080, 25th percentile $47,820, 75th percentile $75,000, 90th percentile $86,000. The 10th percentile means 10% of workers earned less. BLS OEWS, May 2025
  4. BLS OEWS, May 2025: the median annual wage for all occupations in the US was $50,980. BLS OEWS, May 2025
  5. BLS Employment Projections: about 32,600 openings for Production, Planning, and Expediting Clerks are projected each year, on average, from 2025 to 2035. Openings include jobs that open when workers retire or move to other occupations, not only new jobs. BLS Employment Projections
  6. BLS Employment Projections, typical path into Production, Planning, and Expediting Clerks: education needed for entry: High school diploma or equivalent; work experience in a related occupation: None; typical on-the-job training: Moderate-term on-the-job training. BLS Employment Projections
  7. BLS OEWS, May 2025: the mean (average) wage for Production, Planning, and Expediting Clerks was $62,150 per year and $29.88 per hour. BLS OEWS, May 2025
  8. BLS OEWS FAQ: a percentile wage is a boundary. The median (50th percentile) separates the highest-paid 50% from the lowest-paid 50% of workers in the occupation. OEWS publishes percentile wages, not a starting salary. BLS OEWS, May 2025
  9. BLS OEWS, May 2025, hourly wage percentiles for Production, Planning, and Expediting Clerks: 10th percentile $19.27, 25th percentile $22.99, 75th percentile $36.06, 90th percentile $41.34. BLS OEWS, May 2025
  10. BLS OEWS FAQ: OEWS covers part-time and full-time workers paid a wage or salary. It does not cover the self-employed, owners and partners in unincorporated firms, household workers or unpaid family workers. OEWS wages do not include nonproduction bonuses or employer costs of benefits such as health insurance or retirement contributions. BLS OEWS, May 2025
  11. BLS OEWS, May 2025: about 390,160 people were employed as Production, Planning, and Expediting Clerks in the US (wage and salary jobs, not counting self-employed workers). BLS OEWS, May 2025
  12. Median annual wage for Production, Planning, and Expediting Clerks in every state with published data, May 2025 (table on this page). BLS OEWS, May 2025
  13. BLS OEWS, May 2025, states with the most Production, Planning, and Expediting Clerks jobs: California 56,080; New York 35,160; Texas 33,080; Florida 20,850; Ohio 17,700. BLS OEWS, May 2025
  14. BLS OEWS, May 2025, metro areas with the highest median annual wage for Production, Planning, and Expediting Clerks (areas with at least 100 jobs): Idaho Falls, ID $83,790; Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA $81,850; San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA $76,900; San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA $76,500; Bremerton-Silverdale-Port Orchard, WA $76,070; Longview-Kelso, WA $75,190; Tuscaloosa, AL $70,610; Ogden, UT $68,500. BLS OEWS, May 2025
  15. BLS OEWS, May 2025, metro areas with the most Production, Planning, and Expediting Clerks jobs: New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ 28,600 (median $63,130); Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA 23,320 (median $61,810); Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA 13,160 (median $81,850); Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, TX 10,130 (median $56,360); Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA 9,370 (median $58,310); Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX 8,830 (median $57,600). BLS OEWS, May 2025
  16. The BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook profile "Material Recording Clerks" covers Production, Planning, and Expediting Clerks together with other related occupations, so its text describes the wider group. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  17. Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Training. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  18. Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Training. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  19. Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Education. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  20. O*NET 43-5061.00 survey of workers (21 respondents), education level they say is required: High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED) 37%, Some College Courses 21%, Less than a High School Diploma 19%, Associate's Degree or other 2-year degree 13%, Post-Secondary Certificate 9% (levels under 5% not listed). O*NET OnLine
  21. Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Training. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  22. Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Important Qualities. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  23. Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Important Qualities. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  24. Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Important Qualities. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  25. Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Important Qualities. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  26. Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Advancement. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  27. O*NET description of Production, Planning, and Expediting Clerks. O*NET OnLine
  28. O*NET task list for Production, Planning, and Expediting Clerks. O*NET OnLine
  29. O*NET 43-5061.00 sample job titles reported by workers: Expeditor, Inventory Control Specialist, Material Requirements Planner (MRP), Materials Coordinator, Materials Planner, Production Assistant, Production Clerk, Production Controller. O*NET OnLine
  30. Occupational Outlook Handbook, Work Environment. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  31. Occupational Outlook Handbook, Work Environment. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  32. Occupational Outlook Handbook, Work Environment: Injuries and Illnesses. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  33. Occupational Outlook Handbook, Work Environment: Work Schedules. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  34. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook, largest employers of material recording clerks in 2025: Manufacturing 28%. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  35. BLS Employment Projections: employment in all occupations is projected to grow 3.5% from 2025 to 2035. BLS Employment Projections
  36. BLS Employment Projections, factor affecting employment of Production, Planning, and Expediting Clerks: Productivity change, demand change - share decreases as productivity enhancements due to technology more than offset the increased demand for logistical services. BLS Employment Projections
  37. BLS Employment Projections, 2025-35 annual average for Production, Planning, and Expediting Clerks: 3% of workers leave the labor force each year and 5.5% move to a different occupation. BLS Employment Projections
  38. Related occupations (O*NET) with BLS pay, growth and entry education. O*NET OnLine

Notes are for reading the data only. They are not facts and cannot be cited: use the wage_scope and percentile_meaning facts instead. OEWS employment (jobs in May 2025) and Employment Projections employment (2025, includes self-employed) are different measures and can differ. O*NET education shares come from a small survey of workers in the occupation, not from all workers. The Occupational Outlook Handbook text covers a wider group of occupations than this page.

This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerFacts has modified all or some of this information. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.