May. 13, 2025, 6:32 pm ET
Instant Insight
30-Second Take
- American manufacturers are facing significant challenges in filling existing manufacturing jobs.
- Despite job gains, the sector struggles with a structural workforce deficit.
- Technological advancements and retirements exacerbate the labor shortage.
+ Dive Deeper
Quick Brief
2-Minute Digest
Essential Context
Leaders from both political parties have been working to revitalize the U.S. manufacturing sector, but manufacturers are struggling to fill the jobs that already exist. This issue is compounded by a combination of factors, including technological changes and an aging workforce.
Core Players
- U.S. Department of Labor – Provides employment data and labor statistics.
- National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) – Advocates for manufacturing interests and workforce development.
- Manufacturing companies – Such as GE Aviation, Polaris, Toyota Motor Manufacturing, and Mazda Toyota, which are key employers in the sector.
Key Numbers
- 1,000 – The number of jobs added in U.S. manufacturing in March 2025.
- 14,000 – The total job gain in the manufacturing sector in the first quarter of 2025.
- 482,000 – The number of unfilled positions in U.S. manufacturing as of February 2025.
- 1.9 million – The projected shortfall of manufacturing workers by 2033.
- $102,000 – The average annual earnings, including pay and benefits, for a manufacturing employee.
