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Manufacturing Fun Facts

We thought you may find the following facts about working in manufacturing interesting and help to assure you that careers in manufacturing are of high value.

The manufacturing industry is constantly reinventing itself as advancements in technology continue to transform and change the way we make things. Integrating digital technology with our imagination, we are creating products that people see and use every day. Be different and choose a career in manufacturing so you get to help improve the way people live.

As of October 2020, there are 12.3 million manufacturing workers in the United States. This accounts for 9 percent of the total workforce population.

There are more than 6.5 million manufacturing job openings in the United States as of September 2020. (Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics.)

Manufacturing workers are paid above the national average.

Some people assume that manufacturing is a low-paying industry with little-to-no incentives for workers, but this couldn’t be further from the truth. Wages for manufacturing workers average between $23-28 an hour. As both private and public entities place a greater emphasis on U.S. manufacturing and the benefits it offers, we will likely see this number increase in the years to come. (Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics.)

Over the next decade, nearly 6 million manufacturing jobs will likely be needed, and nearly half are expected to go unfilled due to the skills gap.

Moreover, according to a recent report, 89% of manufacturers report a moderate or serious shortage of qualified applicants for skilled and highly-skilled production positions. (Source: Deloitte and the Manufacturing Institute.)

U.S. manufacturing is the world's eighth largest economy.

The U.S. manufacturing sector is so huge that if it were its own country, it would rank as the eighth-largest world economy. (Source: Bureau of Economic Analysis, International Monetary Fund.)

The employment opportunities available at Alexandria Industries are much more than just a job. We work to earn money. But we pursue a career to bring lifelong satisfaction in what we contribute for the greater good.