Manufacturing jobs pay well. In fact, average annual wages for workers in Manufacturing in Minnesota are $70,860 – that’s 10% higher than wage across all industries in Minnesota. Plus many Manufacturing positions offer opportunities for advancement on a promising career path. Many manufacturing jobs can be started with a high school diploma and employer-provided on-the-job training, That said, the Manufacturing industry needs people with all levels of education, from a high school diploma or equivalent to advance degrees in science, technology, math or engineering.  

There are many current and future Manufacturing employment opportunities in Minnesota. Several of the current Top 30 Jobs in Demand in Minnesota are in manufacturing – including production workers and first-line supervisors of production and operating workers. And there are projected to be 86,500 manufacturing job openings in Minnesota by 2028, as older workers retire.  

Minnesota has more than 8,000 manufacturers making a wide range of products. Most manufacturing jobs in the state are concentrated in food manufacturing, computer and electronic products, fabricated metal products, machinery, medical devices and miscellaneous products, printing, plastics and chemical products. 

Working in Manufacturing may be different than what you imagine. Manufacturing is important work in a safe, clean, high-tech environment. Some Manufacturing facilities are among the most state-of-the-art and sanitary environments you can find in a workplace. High-tech machinery and stringent workplace standards are designed to protect worker safety and well-being. Many Manufacturing jobs are on the cutting edge – utilizing robotics and automation, artificial intelligence and 3D printing in production of their products. 

No matter where you live, there are manufacturers near you who are hiring now. If you are looking for work in Manufacturing, chances are you can find your next employer right in your local area. 

People interested in exploring a career in manufacturing can find information about October’s Tour of Manufacturing career exploration events, manufacturing hiring events, fact sheets about working in manufacturing and many other resources at CareerForceMN.com/Manufacturing. 

Two resources we’re highlighting: 

• Student flyer: 5 Great Reasons to Pick a Career in Manufacturing  
• Adult flyer: 5 Great Reasons to Consider Manufacturing