The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reported 520,000 job openings in August 2024. The number of openings is expected to increase between 2022 and 2032. The anticipated annual average increases include:
- 188,600 openings for assemblers and fabricators
- 90,800 openings for metal and plastic machine workers
- 42,600 openings for welders, cutters, solderers, and brazers
Recent Legislation Supporting Manufacturing Job Growth
The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), the Creating Helpful Incentives to Produce Semiconductors (CHIPS) and Science Act, and the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) were signed into law in 2021 and 2022. The priorities include building out the domestic semiconductor industry and fostering manufacturing job growth, workforce development, and equity.
Infusing funds and tax incentives into US manufacturing, including semiconductors, clean energy components, electric vehicles, and batteries, encouraged private sector investment in the manufacturing industry:
- Investments in semiconductor and clean technology manufacturing were almost double the commitments made for these sectors throughout 2021.
- Approximately 200 new clean technology manufacturing facilities, expected to create more than 75,000 jobs, were announced.
- Annual construction spending in manufacturing represented a 70% year-over-year increase in July 2023.
Improvements in Manufacturing Talent Attraction and Retention
The NAM Manufacturers’ Outlook Survey Second Quarter 2023 found that approximately 75% of the surveyed manufacturing executives reported attracting and retaining a quality workforce was their primary business challenge. As a result, many manufacturers are making changes to find and keep talent:
- According to NAM Manufacturers’ Outlook Survey First Quarter 2023, 46.8% of manufacturing executive respondents said their company offered flexible scheduling for production workers.
- Other forms of flexibility for production workers included remote work, compressed workweeks, and the ability to swap or split shifts.
- Deloitte analysis of U.S. BLS data found there was a 4% rise in the average hourly earnings of employees between Q1 FY2022 and Q1 FY2023.
- There was a 19% reduction in the average number of voluntary separations during the same period.
Future-Ready Manufacturing Careers
The following manufacturing careers provide increasing growth opportunities:
- Industrial Machinery Mechanics maintain and repair industrial equipment to ensure consistent production. The U.S. BLS 2023-2033 job outlook is 15%, with 80,400 jobs expected to be added during the decade.
- Maintenance Technicians install, monitor, and repair production line equipment to ensure smooth operations. The U.S. BLS 2023-2033 job outlook is 15%, with 80,400 jobs expected to be added during the decade.
- Manufacturing Automation Engineers design, program, and improve automated machinery and processes within a manufacturing environment. The U.S. BLS 2023-2033 job outlook is 12%, with 40,900 jobs expected to be added during the decade.
Ready to Enter the Manufacturing Industry?
Let Impact Staffing get to work helping you secure a high-paying, future-proof job in advanced manufacturing. Visit our job board to apply for a role today.
