Manufacturing Employment and Wages in 2022

In 2022, the Manufacturing industry employed over 12.6 million people in the United States, reflecting an increase of 4% from 2021. The annual mean wage in 2022 was $60,870, and the median wage was $47,620. Compared to the national average, the wages in this industry group were lower by 1.7%.

Industry Sub-Groups

Among the industry sub-groups, Transportation Equipment Manufacturing held the largest number of jobs within the Manufacturing industry, employing over 1.7 million people in 2022. The annual mean wage in this sub-group was $68,280, with a median wage of $58,530. There was an increase in wage variance to the national average compared to 2021, with the variance shifting from 10.2% to 10.3%, indicating industry wages outpaced national wage trends.

Food Manufacturing accounted for a substantial employment share, with 1.7 million people employed in 2022. The annual mean wage for this sub-group was $46,280, and the median wage was $38,530. In terms of wage variance to the national average, there was an increase compared to 2021, with the variance shifting from -26% to -25.2%.

The sub-group of Fabricated Metal Product Manufacturing also had considerable industry employment, with approximately 1.4 million people employed in 2022. The annual mean wage in this sub-group was $55,480 and the median wage was $46,990. The wage variance to the national average experienced a decrease compared to 2021, with the variance shifting from -9% to -10.4%.

Highest Employment Occupations

When we examine the top occupations in terms of employment within the Manufacturing industry, we find that General and Operations Managers had the highest annual mean wage in 2022, at $138,030, and a median wage of $120,050. The industry variance to the national average was 12.3%. Sales Representatives, Wholesale and Manufacturing, Except Technical and Scientific Products had an annual mean wage of $80,850 and a median wage of $71,880. The industry variance to the national average was 5.2%. First-Line Supervisors of Production and Operating Workers had an annual mean wage of $68,700 and a median wage of $63,910. The industry variance to the national average was -0.6%.

Conversely, notable occupations with lower wages within the Manufacturing industry included Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, Hand, with an annual mean wage of $39,070 and a median wage of $37,560. The industry variance to the national average was 4.2%. Packaging and Filling Machine Operators and Tenders had an annual mean wage of $40,000 and a median wage of $37,440. The industry variance to the national average was 2.4%. Electrical, Electronic, and Electromechanical Assemblers, Except Coil Winders, Tapers, and Finishers had an annual mean wage of $41,840 and a median wage of $38,660. The industry variance to the national average was 0.2%.

Summary

The Manufacturing industry serves as a vital contributor to the economy, employing over 12.6 million individuals in the United States. With a 4% increase in employment from the previous year, the industry showcases steady growth. While the annual mean wage in 2022 reached $60,870, and the median wage stood at $47,620, it is worth noting that wages in this sector lag behind the national average by 1.7%.

For more detailed industry insights, consider purchasing Aimiax’s 2022 Manufacturing Industry Report.