Get In-Demand with Manufacturing

October 6, 2023

The future of American manufacturing has never been more important to our economy. Manufacturing drives opportunity, entrepreneurship, and job creation. It is also the driving economic force in Illinois, employing over 590,000 people and accounting for 94% of Illinois’ exports. According to data from the Illinois Department of Employment Security‘s Economic Information & Analysis Division, there will be over a 5% projected growth in employment within specific Manufacturing Pathways (from 2014-2024).

Does this sound like an industry you would be interested in? There are over 100 in-demand occupations within the manufacturing industry in Illinois alone! These jobs range from airplane assemblers with an average salary of $50,000 per year, to welders and solderers with average salaries of $40,000 per year. Some may look at that wage difference and think the career choice is simple, but you must look at more than just the wage or salary. There are very few openings for airplane assemblers, which could make it hard to find a job, while the annual number of openings for welders and solderers is very high.

Make sure you think outside the box, too. Don’t think of manufacturing as only one type of job; manufacturing offers a wide range of career opportunities. In the manufacturing industry, you can work within Human Resources, Sales/Marketing, Computer Programming, Operation Management, and much more.

Discover the skills you will need for a career in manufacturing with CareerOneStop's competency model.

Start your search for an in-demand manufacturing career today!