America Manufacturing Jobs by State

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor & Statistics (March 2025), over 12 million Americans work in manufacturing—with major concentrations in states like California, Texas, Michigan, and Ohio. But even smaller states like Wisconsin, Indiana, and South Carolina show a high percentage of their populations employed in manufacturing. America Manufacturing Jobs by State.

This data reinforces what many of us already know:
1  Manufacturing is not only alive—it’s evolving.
2 The demand for skilled workers continues to grow.
3The workforce pipeline must keep pace.

That’s why programs like ACE (America’s Cutting Edge) and METAL (Metallurgical Engineering Trades Apprenticeship & Learning) are so critical right now.

These two national initiatives are:
🛠️ Free to participants
🏭 Aligned with real-world needs in CNC machining, casting, forging, metrology, and composites
📍 Deployed in over a dozen states—with more coming online every month

Whether you’re an industry leader, educator, or jobseeker—these programs are designed to meet the moment.

🔹 Learn more about ACE: America’s Cutting Edge (ACE)
🔹 Learn more about METAL: METAL for America

 

Mapped: U.S. Manufacturing Jobs by State

President Trump has championed the idea that a key part of making America great again is bringing back industries that left the country in recent decades. With his tariff-driven trade policy, the White House has promoted “Made in America” as a way to create jobs and boost the economy.

Based on April 2025 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, this map highlights the U.S. states leading and lagging in manufacturing employment.

California Leads in Manufacturing

Manufacturing remains geographically diverse across the U.S., with major hubs on both coasts and in the interior.

In terms of absolute numbers, California leads the nation, with 1.22 million manufacturing jobs. Texas follows with 970,600 jobs, while Ohio and Michigan maintain their traditional industrial strength with 687,500 and 597,600 jobs, respectively.

Several Southern states have also built strong manufacturing bases. North Carolina (459,300), Georgia (426,500), and Tennessee (364,300) each rank among the top states, supported by industries such as automotive, aerospace, and food processing.

Wisconsin, ranked in the top 10 for total manufacturing employment, stands out for outperforming its size. Although it’s only the 20th most populous state, its manufacturing base remains strong, thanks in part to food and dairy processing. In per capita terms, it’s number one in the nation with 7,763.8 manufacturing jobs for every 100,000 people.

Florida, another top 10 state, has emerged as a growth story. Between 2019 and 2023, the state’s manufacturing employment grew by nearly 10%, highlighting the sector’s expansion in one of the country’s largest economies.

At the other end of the spectrum, Wyoming (10,600 jobs), Alaska (11,900), and Washington, D.C. (1,200) recorded the lowest levels of manufacturing employment. The latter (D.C.) also has the lowest numbers per capita.

Source: America Manufacturing Jobs by State

https://www.techedmagazine.com/category/news-by-industry/manufacturing-education/