Manufacturing Jobs in Arlington, TX
Arlington sits at the center of one of the largest manufacturing economies in Texas, driven by GM Arlington Assembly, which has stamped, welded, and built full-size SUVs here since 1954 and anchors a dense ring of tier-one suppliers across the Great Southwest Industrial District. Manufacturing in Arlington is not a single job, it is a whole career ladder from entry-level line work to skilled trades and plant leadership.
Current manufacturing Openings in Arlington, TX
Listings marked External are sponsored openings provided by the Jobs2Careers network.
Top Arlington Employers Hiring in Manufacturing
Arlington's manufacturing base runs from a global automaker to hundreds of mid-size shops in the Great Southwest Industrial District.
- GM Arlington Assembly - the city's largest industrial employer, running three shifts building full-size SUVs, with assembly, stamping, body, and paint operations.
- Poly-America - Grand Prairie-based plastics manufacturer running high-volume production lines just minutes from Arlington.
- Forvia (Faurecia) - tier-one auto interiors and seating supplier feeding GM Arlington just-in-time.
- Lear Corporation - seating and electrical systems supplier supporting the GM Arlington plant.
- Trinity Industries - Dallas-based railcar and industrial products maker hiring production labor across DFW.
- Android Industries - sequencing and sub-assembly supplier operating alongside GM Arlington.
Manufacturing Salaries in Arlington
- Entry level (production associate, assembler): about 16 to 20 dollars per hour
- Experienced (machine operator, line lead): about 20 to 28 dollars per hour
- Senior (skilled trades, supervisor): about 30 to 45 dollars per hour, with UAW-scale roles at GM reaching higher
These are estimates that vary by employer, shift, and union status. Many Arlington plants add shift differentials for nights and weekends, overtime pay, and benefits including medical, 401k, and attendance bonuses.
How to Become a Manufacturing Worker in Arlington
Most entry-level Arlington production jobs require only a high school diploma or GED and a willingness to work shifts. To move up, Tarrant County College offers programs in machining, welding, industrial maintenance, and manufacturing technology at its Trinity River and Southeast campuses. Credentials like NIMS, OSHA 10, and forklift certification help you land better roles. Texas does not license general manufacturing workers, so skills and reliability drive advancement.
What the Job Involves
Manufacturing work in Arlington means operating machines, assembling components, running production lines, inspecting parts, and moving materials, usually on a set shift with production quotas. Plants run fast, physical, and safety-focused, often with rotating or fixed nights.
Skills Employers Look For
- Reliability and strong attendance
- Ability to stand, lift, and work at line pace
- Basic math and measurement reading
- Attention to quality and safety rules
- Willingness to work shifts, overtime, and weekends
Career Path and Advancement
Many Arlington workers start as a production associate or material handler, move into machine operation or a skilled trade like maintenance or welding, then advance to line lead, team leader, and production supervisor. At GM and its suppliers, the skilled-trades and supervisor tiers are where pay climbs the most.
Related Careers in Arlington
If you are exploring manufacturing, these related Arlington roles are worth a look.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you need a license to work in manufacturing in Texas?
No. Texas does not require a state license for general manufacturing or production work. Most entry roles need only a high school diploma or GED, though certs like forklift operation, OSHA 10, or NIMS help you earn more.
How long does it take to get a manufacturing job in Arlington?
Entry-level production jobs can be filled in days to a couple of weeks, especially through staffing agencies feeding the Great Southwest Industrial District. Skilled roles that require training or certs take longer to reach.
What is the night-shift or overtime pay for manufacturing in Arlington?
Most Arlington plants pay a shift differential of roughly 1 to 3 dollars per hour extra for nights, plus time-and-a-half overtime past 40 hours. GM and UAW-covered suppliers often have the strongest premium pay.
Can you do manufacturing work remotely in Arlington?
No. Manufacturing and production work is hands-on and site-based at the plant. Only planning, engineering, and some scheduling roles offer any remote flexibility.
Which Arlington employer pays the most in manufacturing?
GM Arlington Assembly generally leads on pay for hourly production and skilled-trades work because of its UAW wage scale, followed by established tier-one suppliers offering competitive rates to keep the plant staffed.