Top 40 Amazing Statistics on American Manufacturing
1. Manufacturing contributes $2.9 trillion to the U.S. economy.
2. For every $1.00 spent in manufacturing, there is a total impact of $2.69.
3. Manufacturing has the highest multiplier effect of any sector.
4. Manufacturing supports 25% of America’s workforce through direct and indirect employment.
5. Manufacturing makes up 10% of America’s GDP.
6. The largest manufacturing subsector in the U.S. is computer and electronic products followed by chemical manufacturing.
7. The U.S. makes up 15.9% of global manufacturing, second only to China.
8. U.S. manufacturers exported $1.6 trillion in goods in 2023.
9. Manufacturing exports have more than doubled over the past two decades.
10. If U.S. manufacturing were an economy, it would be the seventh largest in the world.
11. Construction spending in manufacturing—to build or expand facilities—has nearly tripled since June 2020.
12. There are 238,851 manufacturers in the U.S.
13. 99% of them are small businesses.
14. 13 million Americans work in manufacturing.
15. Manufacturing employees earn $102,629 on average (pay and benefits).
16. 77% of manufacturers are struggling to fill critical labor gaps.
17. 65% of manufacturers say attracting and retaining talent is their primary business challenge.
18. There are 481,000 open jobs in manufacturing (October 2024).
19. By 2034, an estimated 3.8 million manufacturing workers will be needed due to retirement and growth.
20. 90% of manufacturers are forming partnerships with schools, businesses, community groups, nonprofits and government to help recruit and retain workers.
21. 47% of manufacturers offer flexible schedules to production workers.
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22. Manufacturers perform 53% of all private-sector R&D in the U.S., more than any other sector.
23. Manufacturing has been awarded more patents than any other industry.
24. Manufacturers consume one-third of the nation’s energy.
25. 98% of manufacturers have a sustainability or ESG policy.
26. Over 125 new manufacturing facilities for clean vehicles and batteries were announced in the U.S. in the past two years.
27. The cost of federal regulations falls disproportionately on manufacturers, with companies paying $29,100 per employee on average to comply with regulations.
28. 80% of manufacturers reported supply chain disruptions in 2023.
29. The value of smart manufacturing is predicted to reach $146B by 2030.
30. 95% of manufacturers are using or evaluating Industry 4.0 technologies.
31. 86% of manufacturing leaders believe smart factory solutions will be the primary drivers of competitiveness in the next five years.
32. 83% of manufacturers believe smart manufacturing will transform the way products are made in the next five years.
33. 70% of manufacturers are using technologies like data analytics and cloud computing, and nearly 50% are using IoT sensors, devices, and systems.
34. Manufacturers using smart factory solutions report costs down and quality up as much as 30%.
35. 76% of manufacturers are using digital tools to help manage their supply chain.
36. Total installations of industrial robots rose by 12% and reached 44,303 units in 2023.
37. Adopting AI in manufacturing is forecasted to create $3.8 trillion in growth by 2035.
38. The U.S. 3D printing market size is expected to reach $31B by 2032.
39. Manufacturers say GenAI will be the #1 new investment area in the next 12 months.
40. By 2025, 90% of manufacturing jobs will require digital skills.
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1moDr. Ethan Karp thanks for sharing that manufacturing is the backbone of our economy. It fuels innovation, supports jobs, and drives global competitiveness. Yet, behind these impressive statistics lies a critical challenge—attracting, engaging, and retaining the skilled workforce needed to sustain this momentum. Manufacturing isn’t just about machines and efficiency—it’s about people. The industry’s strength doesn’t come from automation alone; it comes from the hands, minds, and dedication of those who show up every day to build, create, and innovate. And in a time when workforce shortages are top of mind for every leader, the key differentiator isn’t just wages—it’s workplace culture. • Are we recognizing and appreciating employees in ways that make them want to stay? • Are we creating an environment where people feel valued, heard, and connected to a larger purpose? • Are we investing in leadership, mentorship, and upskilling to ensure our workforce is ready for the future? Statistics tell a compelling story—but they don’t drive change. People do. Companies that win in manufacturing’s next chapter will be the ones that focus as much on employee engagement as they do on operational excellence.
Business Development and Talent Acquisition
1moThe romance of manufacturing, Dr. Ethan Karp! I’d love to see those same stats for NEO and Ohio. While we have manufacturing clients outside of Ohio, it’s smart to appreciate those numbers and understand their value to our local economy at home especially here. Those stats have impact on all of us!
A great tribute to manufacturing! 👏
Advancing 🇺🇸 Deep Tech Innovation | 9th NASA Chief | ISS + Webb + 61 Astronaut Missions
1moThat’s great
Digital Marketing Specialist II B2B & B2C lead generation expert at Fiverr & Upwork
1moGreat advice Dr. Ethan Karp