Manufacturing Jobs in Atlanta: Where the Opportunities Are and How to Get Hired

Atlanta has quietly become one of the South’s most important manufacturing hubs, combining traditional plants with cutting-edge advanced manufacturing. If you live in metro Atlanta—or are thinking about moving here—there are many ways to tap into this part of the local job market.

This guide walks through where the manufacturing jobs are, who’s hiring, what skills you need, and how to find and qualify for roles specifically in and around Atlanta, Georgia.

Why Manufacturing Matters in Atlanta

Atlanta isn’t just offices and tech startups. The region is anchored by:

• Industrial corridors (especially along major highways like I‑75, I‑85, and I‑20)
• Logistics advantages, including Hartsfield‑Jackson Atlanta International Airport and nearby rail lines
• Access to the Port of Savannah via I‑16 (important for exports/imports)
• A large, diverse workforce and multiple training institutions

Because of this, the Atlanta area is home to a mix of:

• Traditional factory and plant work
• Food and beverage processing
• Aerospace and automotive parts
• Plastics, packaging, and chemicals
• Electronics and advanced manufacturing

For local job seekers, this translates into opportunities ranging from entry-level production roles to skilled trades, supervisors, and engineering positions.

Major Types of Manufacturing Jobs in the Atlanta Area

Manufacturing jobs in Atlanta cover a wide range of skill levels and schedules. Here are some of the most common categories you’ll see in local listings.

Entry-Level Production and Warehouse Roles

These are often the easiest for new workers to enter:

• Production worker / assembler
• Machine operator trainee
• Packaging and labeling staff
• Warehouse associate / material handler
• Quality inspector (entry level)

These roles may involve:

• Operating basic machinery or equipment
• Loading/unloading materials
• Monitoring production lines
• Following safety and quality procedures
• Working rotating shifts or nights

Many Atlanta-area plants are willing to train on the job if you show reliability, willingness to learn, and basic math and communication skills.

Skilled Trades and Technical Positions

These roles are in high demand in the Atlanta region:

• Industrial maintenance technician
• Electrician (industrial or commercial)
• CNC machinist / tool and die maker
• Welders and fabricators
• HVAC technicians servicing industrial equipment
• Automation/controls technicians

These jobs usually require technical training or experience and may offer higher pay, overtime opportunities, and more stability.

Supervisory, Engineering, and Support Roles

Many metro Atlanta manufacturers also need:

• Production supervisors / line leads
• Plant managers
• Industrial engineers
• Quality engineers
• Supply chain and logistics coordinators
• Health and safety specialists

These positions often require college degrees or significant experience within manufacturing environments.

Where Manufacturing Jobs Are Concentrated Around Atlanta

Manufacturing activity is spread across the metro area, but certain corridors and counties stand out. If you’re job hunting, it helps to know where to focus.

Inside the City and Close-In Suburbs

Within the City of Atlanta and close-in areas like Fulton, DeKalb, and Clayton Counties, you’ll find:

• Smaller specialty manufacturers and fabricators
• Food and beverage processing plants
• Packaging and printing operations
• Distribution centers with light manufacturing or assembly

Industrial zones in south Atlanta, near Hartsfield‑Jackson Airport, and along major freight routes are particularly active.

Key Manufacturing Zones in the Metro Area

While specific company names change over time, these general areas around Atlanta commonly host plants and facilities:

• South Metro (Clayton, Henry, Spalding Counties)

  • Food processing
  • Plastics and packaging
  • Industrial assembly

• West Metro (Cobb, Douglas, Paulding Counties)

  • Metal fabrication
  • Automotive-related parts
  • Building materials

• Northeast / I‑85 Corridor (Gwinnett, Hall, Jackson Counties)

  • Electronics and component manufacturing
  • Plastics and molded products
  • Specialty chemicals

• East Metro (DeKalb, Rockdale, Newton Counties)

  • Building products
  • Pharmaceuticals and chemical processing
  • Distribution/packaging with light manufacturing

Many Atlanta residents commute 30–60 minutes to these outer-county plants, so consider how far you’re willing to travel and what shifts you can realistically handle.

Skills and Qualifications Atlanta Manufacturers Look For

Manufacturing employers in metro Atlanta typically focus on a combination of technical skills, work habits, and safety awareness.

Core Skills That Help You Stand Out

Even for entry-level roles, many Atlanta plants look for:

• Basic math and reading (for measurements, instructions, and safety documents)
• Comfort with tools and equipment (hand tools, power tools, forklifts in some roles)
• Ability to stand, lift, and move safely for much of the shift
• Attention to detail for quality checks and documentation
• Reliable transportation to industrial areas not always served by MARTA

For more advanced roles, employers may expect:

• Experience with CNC machines, PLCs, or automation systems
• Knowledge of blueprint reading and technical drawings
• Familiarity with lean manufacturing, 5S, or continuous improvement
• Ability to troubleshoot mechanical, electrical, or pneumatic systems

Education and Certifications

Common qualifications in the Atlanta manufacturing market include:

• High school diploma or GED – often the minimum for plant work
• Technical diplomas or certificates – from local technical colleges
• OSHA 10 or OSHA 30 safety training (helpful, sometimes preferred)
• NCCER, NIMS, or welding certifications – for certain trades
• Forklift certification – sometimes provided by the employer

For engineering or management positions, companies usually look for associate’s or bachelor’s degrees in engineering, business, or related fields.

Where to Get Manufacturing Training in Atlanta

If you need skills or want to move into higher-paying roles, Atlanta offers several education and training options focused on manufacturing and industrial trades.

Technical Colleges Serving the Atlanta Area

These schools commonly offer programs in industrial maintenance, machining, welding, mechatronics, and logistics:

• Atlanta Technical College
  1560 Metropolitan Pkwy SW
  Atlanta, GA 30310
  Programs often include industrial systems, welding, and manufacturing-related certificates.

• Chattahoochee Technical College
  Multiple campuses in the northwest metro area (Marietta, Austell, etc.)
  Known for programs in machine tool technology, industrial maintenance, and more.

• Georgia Piedmont Technical College
  Main campus: 495 N Indian Creek Dr
  Clarkston, GA 30021
  Serves the east metro with technical and manufacturing-related programs.

• Gwinnett Technical College
  5150 Sugarloaf Pkwy
  Lawrenceville, GA 30043
  Offers programs in manufacturing technology, welding, and industrial trades.

These institutions typically provide:

• Short-term certificates (months)
• Diplomas and associate degrees (1–2 years)
• Evening or weekend classes to work around shifts

Contact each school’s admissions or workforce development office to confirm current manufacturing-related offerings.

Workforce Development and Job Centers

Atlanta-area residents can also tap into public workforce services that connect people to training and manufacturing jobs.

Key resources include:

• WorkSource Atlanta
  818 Pollard Blvd SW
  Atlanta, GA 30315
  Phone: (404) 546‑3000
  Helps Atlanta residents with job search, training referrals, and potential funding for skills training.

• WorkSource Georgia (Statewide Network)
  Various career centers around metro Atlanta, often branded under county names like WorkSource Cobb, WorkSource DeKalb, etc.
  These centers can help with:

  • Resume and interview coaching
  • Job fairs and manufacturing hiring events
  • Training assistance for in-demand occupations

• Georgia Department of Labor Career Centers
  The Georgia DOL operates regional career centers that maintain job listings and sometimes host employer recruiting events.

Checking in with these organizations can be especially helpful if you’re unemployed, changing careers, or need help covering the cost of training.

How to Find Manufacturing Jobs in Atlanta

When you’re actively looking, focus on multiple channels rather than just one big job board.

1. Online Job Boards (With Local Filters)

Use large job platforms and filter by:

• Location: “Atlanta, GA” or your specific county
• Keywords: “manufacturing,” “production worker,” “machine operator,” “industrial maintenance,” “CNC,” “welding,” etc.
• Radius: Many plants sit just outside city limits; a 25–50 mile radius captures more options.

Set up email alerts for terms like “Atlanta manufacturing jobs” or “production associate Atlanta” so new listings come to you.

2. Staffing and Temp Agencies in Atlanta

Many Atlanta manufacturers hire primarily through staffing agencies, especially for:

• Entry-level production
• Seasonal or peak-demand work
• Temp-to-hire positions

Look for agencies that specialize in light industrial or skilled trades. When you register, mention you’re specifically interested in manufacturing jobs in metro Atlanta and what areas you can commute to.

3. Company Career Pages

Some larger manufacturers in the Atlanta region post openings only on their own websites or prefer direct applications there. Once you identify companies along major industrial corridors, check their “Careers” pages periodically.

4. Job Fairs and Hiring Events

WorkSource centers, technical colleges, and some community organizations in Atlanta regularly host hiring events. Manufacturing employers often attend to:

• Conduct on-the-spot interviews
• Explain their shift schedules and pay ranges
• Share information about entry-level opportunities

Local events are frequently held at:

• Atlanta Technical College (job fairs and employer days)
• WorkSource Atlanta or county-level WorkSource offices
• Georgia Department of Labor Career Centers

Typical Schedules, Pay Factors, and Work Environment

Manufacturing in Atlanta often involves shift work and a physical environment that’s different from an office job.

Shifts and Hours

Common patterns include:

• Day, evening, and overnight shifts
• 12-hour shifts on rotating schedules (for 24/7 plants)
• Weekday-only roles in some specialty or small manufacturers
• Mandatory or optional overtime, especially during peak demand

Ask during interviews:

• What are the standard shifts?
• How often is overtime expected?
• Is the schedule fixed or rotating?

Work Environment

In many Atlanta-area plants, you can expect:

• Noise from machinery (hearing protection may be provided)
• Temperature variation (hot in the summer, cooler months still may require PPE)
• Standing, walking, bending, lifting throughout the shift
• Strict safety rules and required personal protective equipment (PPE)

If you’re not sure whether it’s a good fit, ask to tour the facility or speak with current employees about day-to-day conditions.

Simple Overview: Manufacturing Job Paths in Atlanta

Below is a simplified view of common paths within Atlanta’s manufacturing sector.

Use this as a starting map to think about where you are now and what training or experience you might need next.

Practical Tips for Landing a Manufacturing Job in Atlanta

A few locally relevant strategies can improve your chances.

Tailor Your Resume for Plant Work

Highlight:

• Any prior factory, warehouse, construction, or hands-on jobs
• Machine operation, tool use, or equipment experience
• Safety awareness (mention safety meetings, PPE use, safe lifting)
• Reliability: consistent work history, low absenteeism, willingness to work shifts or overtime

If you have gaps in employment, be prepared with a simple, honest explanation and what you’ve been doing to get ready for work (training, certifications, etc.).

Be Ready for Common Pre-Hire Steps

Atlanta-area manufacturers frequently require:

• Background checks (details vary by employer)
• Drug screenings
• Workplace safety orientations
• Sometimes basic skills assessments (math, reading, or mechanical aptitude)

Knowing this ahead of time helps you plan and avoid surprises during hiring.

Consider Transportation and Commute

Many plants are located in industrial parks with limited public transit access. Before accepting a job:

• Check whether MARTA or county transit reaches the facility
• Confirm the exact shift times against bus or train schedules
• If you drive, factor in tolls, parking, and rush-hour traffic on major interstates

Some workers choose carpooling with coworkers to save on costs when commuting to outer suburbs or exurban plants.

Using Atlanta Resources to Plan Your Manufacturing Career

If you’re serious about building a long-term career in manufacturing around Atlanta, combine:

• Short-term wins:

  • Apply for entry-level or helper roles
  • Register with industrial-focused staffing agencies
  • Visit WorkSource centers for job leads

• Medium-term growth:

  • Enroll in a technical certificate for industrial maintenance, CNC, or welding
  • Ask about on-the-job training and internal promotions
  • Attend local job fairs geared toward manufacturing

• Long-term advancement:

  • Consider associate or bachelor’s degrees in fields like industrial technology or engineering
  • Build experience in process improvement, team leadership, or safety programs

With Atlanta’s mix of traditional factories, advanced manufacturing, and strong logistics, there are realistic paths from entry-level work to skilled and supervisory roles if you use the local training and workforce resources available.