In April, I highlighted the hottest jobs in Fond du Lac County in 2019, with the most employees, highest job growth, and highest wages. Today, we’ll examine the entry requirements for these positions to help you determine which careers may be the best fit for you and your goals! Let’s dive on in!

MECHANICAL ENGINEERS.

Job Growth 2019 – Present: 8%
Median Hourly Earnings: $37.52
Median Annual Earnings: $78,042

In the past year, there were 119 unique job postings for Mechanical Engineers in Fond du Lac county. 8% of these postings required a Master’s Degree, 61% a Bachelor’s degree, and 29% an Associate’s degree. Over 50% required between 2-6 years of experience. The top skills for these job postings include mechanical engineering, computer-aided design, AutoCAD, new product development, SolidWorks, Creo Elements, Six Sigma methodology, and mechanical aptitude. The ‘soft skill’ requirements include communications, management, troubleshooting, organization, computer literacy, and innovation. Finally, in addition to education, these jobs often require additional certifications.

INDUSTRIAL ENGINEERS.

Job Growth 2019 – Present: 8% 
Median Hourly Earnings: $34.50
Median Annual Earnings: $71,469

There were 188 unique job postings over the past year for Industrial Engineers, with a median advertised salary of $70,000. A majority of these postings required a Bachelor’s (72%) or Master’s Degree (7%). However, these jobs typically do not have years of experience requirements. Industrial engineers should have hard skills including manufacturing engineering, manufacturing processes, new product development, continuous improvement process, auditing, lean manufacturing, and machining. Highest priority soft skills include management, operations, problem solving, and leadership.

SUPERVISORS OF CONSTRUCTION / EXTRACTION TRADES.

Job Growth 2019 – Present: 7%
Median Hourly Earnings: $35.42
Median Annual Earnings: $73,673

Fond du Lac county businesses posted 72 unique job postings for supervisors of construction/extraction trades in 2019. The majority of these job postings do not require a particular level of education, and very few specify the amount of previous experience needed. To be a construction supervisor, you would need hard skills including lead management, roofing, framing, renovation and power tool operation. Soft skill requirements include having a valid driver’s license, customer service, construction, communications, and operations skills.

GENERAL AND OPERATIONS MANAGERS.

Job Growth 2019 – Present: 3%
Median Hourly Earnings: $46.40
Median Annual Earnings: $95,512

There were 128 unique job postings for general and operations managers in Fond du Lac county in 2019. 56% of these jobs require a Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree, and 55% require some amount of previous experience. Top skills include restaurant operations, strategic planning, financial analysis, inventory and performance management and customer satisfaction. Highest priority soft skills include management, operations, and leadership.

INDUSTRIAL MACHINERY INSTALLATION, REPAIR, AND MAINTENANCE WORKERS.

Job Growth 2019 – Present: 4%
Median Hourly Earnings: $25.18
Median Annual Earnings: $52,379

There were 65 unique job postings for these positions in Fond du Lac county in 2019. Of these 65 postings, 40% require an Associate’s Degree and 15% require a Bachelor’s degree. 45% do not require higher education. Roughly 45% require 2-9 years of experience. Hard skills include mechanics, automation, preventative maintenance, hydraulics, tooling, welding, and production equipment. Soft skills include troubleshooting, operations, management and infrastructure.

ENGINNERING TECHNICIANS.

Job Growth 2019 – Present: 5%
Median Hourly Earnings: $24.12
Median Annual Earnings: $50,172

There were 133 unique job postings in 2019 in Fond du Lac county. Only 33% of these jobs require education greater than a high school diploma or GED, and 58% do not specify necessary experience. Skill requirements include auditing, tooling, food safety, mechanical aptitude, problem solving, management, and detail-oriented.

WHOLESALE AND MANUFACTURING SALES REPRESENTATIVES.

Job Growth 2019 – Present: 3%
Median Hourly Earnings: $29.91
Median Annual Earnings: $62,218

In 2019, there were 401 unique job postings for these positions in Fond du Lac county. Only 19% required an Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree, and few postings specified required years of experience. Top skills included selling techniques, merchandising, business to business, sales, customer service, and management.

PIPELAYERS, PLUMBERS, PIPEFITTERS, AND STEAMFITTERS.

Job Growth 2019 – Present: 3% 
Median Hourly Earnings: $30.04
Median Annual Earnings: $62,475

There were 12 unique job postings in Fond du Lac county in 2019 for these positions. These positions rarely require a degree; however, they do require that the individual complete a registered apprenticeship  (Follow this link to find out more about apprenticeship in Wisconsin). Top skills include plumbing, lead management, HVAC, welding, communications, troubleshooting, and a good driving record/valid driver’s license.

INSURANCE SALES AGENTS.

Job Growth 2019 – Present: 3%
Median Hourly Earnings: $33.28
Median Annual Earnings: $69,222

There were 350 unique job postings in Fond du Lac county in 2019 for insurance sales agents. 90% of the job postings did not specify necessary education or minimum experience. Top skills include insurance sales, Medicare knowledge, selling techniques, underwriting, sales, management, customer service, and interpersonal skills. Depending on the type of insurance, additional certifications and licensing is necessary to be an insurance sales agent.

CARPENTERS.

Job Growth 2019 – Present: 5%
Median Hourly Earnings: $24.38
Median Annual Earnings: $50,710

In 2019, there were 106 unique job postings in Fond du Lac county for carpenters. These positions do not typically require additional higher education or many years of experience, but do require on-the-job training and/or an apprenticeship. In demand skills include carpentry, renovation, power tool operation, roofing, masonry, sawing, construction, detail-oriented, and a valid driver’s license.

Check back next month for a blog post on the role of the dairy and agricultural industry in our community for June Dairy Month!

Written by Elle Moore, Research Specialist