Employers

The following states offer the most job opportunities for toy industry workers: California, Texas, Washington, Florida, Ohio, New York, Pennsylvania, Illinois, Michigan, and New Jersey. In large toy firms, workers with many different titles may be involved in each of the activities described. Sometimes workers are grouped in teams, such as the research and development team, and as a team the members consider research and development aspects of every toy the company makes. In smaller firms, job distinctions may not be so precise and separate. A group of employees may work together on the entire process of developing and marketing a toy from the beginning to the end. The fewer employees in a firm, the more functions they can perform.

Some workers are employed on a temporary basis manufacturing toys during the busiest season, before Christmas.

Starting Out

For entry-level positions in the toy industry, job seekers can contact the personnel offices of toy manufacturers. This is true for most toy factory jobs, whether applicants are looking for engineering, management, marketing, or factory production jobs. Some job listings and information may be available at the local offices of the state employment service, at local union offices, or through online employment Web sites.

In general, advancement to better jobs and higher pay depends on acquiring skills, further education, and seniority. Some production workers advance by learning to operate more complex machinery. Reliable, experienced workers in production jobs might be promoted to supervisory positions. Professional and management staff can progress in various ways depending on their areas of expertise, such as by managing more staff or taking on more aspects of business development and marketing.

Attend the New York Toy Fair (https://toyfairny.com) to make valuable industry contacts and participate in continuing education opportunities.

Read the Toy Inventor and Designer Guide (https://www.toyassociation.org/App_Themes/toyassociation_resp/downloads/resources/toy-association-toy-inventor-and-designer-guide.pdf) for advice on designing toys and bringing them to market.

Use social media such as Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter to stay up to date on industry developments and learn about job openings. The Toy Association has a presence on Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, and YouTube.