Manufacturing Technician Jobs in Tacoma, WA

Tacoma, Washington$53,100 USD/yearFull-time
Updated: April 2026Expert reviewed|Data sourced from BLS, Glassdoor, and industry reports

About Manufacturing Technician Jobs in Tacoma

Looking for a Manufacturing Technician job in Tacoma? You're in the right place. This guide covers everything you need to know about working as a Manufacturing Technician in Tacoma, WA.

We'll show you what you can expect to earn. We'll also share which companies are hiring. Plus, you'll learn about the cost of living and how to get started in your job search.

Tacoma has a strong job market for Manufacturing Technicians. Many employers are actively looking for talent. Read on to learn how to land your next role.

Manufacturing Technician Salary in Tacoma

Entry Level
$35,105
Median
$53,100
Senior Level
$74,635

Manufacturing Technician salaries in Tacoma are 18% above the national average, reflecting the competitive local market.

Purchasing power in Tacoma is comparable to the national average, with salaries appropriately scaled to local costs.

Required Skills

Equipment OperationQuality ControlTroubleshootingSafetyDocumentation

Manufacturing Technician Job Market in Tacoma

Tacoma, WA is a specialized market with unique career opportunities for Manufacturing Technician professionals. Though smaller than coastal metros, Tacoma offers focused opportunities and often better work-life balance. The city's strong Healthcare and Military sectors create robust demand for Manufacturing Technician talent. The market for Manufacturing Technician positions remains stable, with opportunities in both established companies and growing organizations.

Top Companies Hiring Manufacturing Technicians in Tacoma

Local governmentRegional employersNational companies

Major employers hiring Manufacturing Technicians in Tacoma include Local government, Regional employers, National companies. Many companies offer competitive benefits including comprehensive healthcare, and professional development opportunities.

Cost of Living for Manufacturing Technicians in Tacoma

Living in Tacoma as a Manufacturing Technician means navigating a cost of living that's above the national average at 118% of baseline. Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment is approximately $1,800/month. At median Manufacturing Technician salary, rent would consume about 41% of gross income - above the recommended 30% threshold. Consider roommates or suburban options. Suburban apartments average $1,400/month, offering significant savings with slightly longer commutes.

118
Cost Index (100=avg)
$1.8K
Avg Rent/Month
Growing
Tech Hub
Tier 4
Market Size

Commuting as a Manufacturing Technician in Tacoma

Tacoma Limited public transit options; car recommended for most commutes. The average commute time is 25 minutes. Research employer-specific shuttle services. Consider living close to your workplace. Since transit options are limited, consider living close to your workplace or negotiating flexible hours to avoid peak traffic.

Best neighborhoods for Manufacturing Technicians in Tacoma: Downtown (Central business district with tech companies); Tech Park/Campus (Suburban office park developments). Downtown is particularly popular among Manufacturing Technician professionals due to proximity to major employers and urban amenities.

Tax Considerations in Washington

Washington has no state income tax. Compared to a state with 5% income tax, a Manufacturing Technician earning $53,100 would save approximately $2,655 annually. This makes Tacoma attractive for high earners, though property taxes and sales tax help fund state services.

Career Outlook for Manufacturing Technicians

The job outlook for Manufacturing Technicians in Tacoma is stable. While not experiencing rapid growth, the field maintains steady demand with consistent opportunities for qualified professionals. While the market is smaller, Tacoma offers opportunities for those seeking specialized roles or better work-life balance. In-demand skills include Equipment Operation, Quality Control, Troubleshooting, Safety.

Relocating to Tacoma

Washington has no state income tax, which can add thousands to your annual take-home pay compared to high-tax states like California or New York.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average Manufacturing Technician salary in Tacoma, WA?

The average Manufacturing Technician salary in Tacoma, WA is $53,100 per year. Entry-level Manufacturing Technicians typically start around $35,105, while experienced professionals can earn $74,635 or more. The national average for Manufacturing Technician roles is $45,000.

How many Manufacturing Technician jobs are available in Tacoma?

Tacoma has a growing job market with steady opportunities for Manufacturing Technician professionals. Major employers hiring Manufacturing Technicians include Local government, Regional employers, National companies. The Healthcare and Military sectors drive much of the demand in this market.

Is Tacoma a good city for Manufacturing Technicians?

Tacoma is an solid choice for Manufacturing Technicians. While not as large as coastal metros, it offers solid opportunities and often better work-life balance. The cost of living is reasonable compared to major coastal cities. The city's healthcare industry creates strong demand for manufacturing professionals.

What skills are most in-demand for Manufacturing Technicians in Tacoma?

Top skills for Manufacturing Technicians in Tacoma include Equipment Operation, Quality Control, Troubleshooting, Safety, Documentation. Employers value both technical expertise and soft skills like communication and teamwork.

What is the cost of living for Manufacturing Technicians in Tacoma?

Tacoma's cost of living is above the national average (118% of baseline). Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment is approximately $1,800/month. Purchasing power in Tacoma is comparable to the national average, with salaries appropriately scaled to local costs.

How is the commute for Manufacturing Technicians in Tacoma?

Tacoma Limited public transit options; car recommended for most commutes. The average commute is 25 minutes. Research employer-specific shuttle services.

More Manufacturing Jobs in Tacoma