Manufacturing is evolving fast, blending technology, creativity, and purpose. It’s a sector full of opportunity, ready to welcome the next generation of problem-solvers and innovators.
Manufacturing sits at the heart of progress, responsible for producing the goods that power our daily lives — cars, medical devices, clean energy technology, aerospace components, and much more. It’s also one of the most dynamic sectors to build a career in today.
With more than 12 million people currently employed in U.S. manufacturing and an estimated 3.8 million new jobs needed by 2033, this sector is brimming with opportunity. The work is increasingly driven by technology and cutting-edge ideas. Robotics, automation, and AI are transforming traditional production lines into high-tech environments that demand problem-solving, collaboration, and continuous learning.
Modern manufacturing shatters the old stereotypes. Today’s facilities are advanced, tech-powered, and abundant with career paths. Whether someone is interested in engineering, logistics, product design, marketing, finance, or operations, manufacturing has a place for them.
The future of manufacturing for women
As someone who has spent the last 15 years focused on helping women thrive in this space, I’ve seen firsthand how powerful and fulfilling manufacturing careers can be. Today, 3.7 million women hold positions across the industry, accounting for nearly one-third of the manufacturing workforce. When I founded Women in Manufacturing (WiM), women made up just 26% of the field. We’ve seen steady progress since then: 1 in 3 manufacturing professionals are now female, and women hold 1 in 4 leadership roles. There’s still ground to gain, but the momentum is real, and the opportunities are greater than ever.
Our research at WiM, including our annual Career Advancement in Manufacturing Report with Xometry and Thomas, shows that women who are in manufacturing love it. In fact, 80% would recommend it as a career path, and it’s easy to see why. From making tangible products to fueling breakthrough ideas, manufacturing offers variety, wages that often surpass peer industries, and daily opportunities to apply creativity, problem-solving, and a wide range of skills, with space to grow in every direction.
Still, challenges remain. Women often report falling into the field rather than actively pursuing it, indicating that awareness is a major hurdle. We need to change the narrative around manufacturing early, especially for young girls, through school partnerships, mentorship, facility tours, and internships.
Retention and advancement are also critical. Our data show that flexibility, opportunities for professional development, and access to childcare are among the top priorities for women in the workforce. Companies that offer these supports are better positioned to attract and keep top talent.
Building a better workforce for everyone
At WiM, we work every day to foster inclusion, build strong leadership pipelines, and create spaces where women can connect, learn, and thrive. But this isn’t just about gender equity; it’s about building a better, stronger workforce for everyone. Diverse teams drive innovation, solve problems more effectively, and reflect the communities they serve.
If we want to fill the millions of jobs on the horizon and stay globally competitive, we need to cast a wider net and ensure that manufacturing is seen as a first-choice career, not a fallback. That means showing the next generation the full potential of this industry, and mapping out how individuals of all backgrounds and experiences can build their careers here.
Manufacturing is more than just making things; it’s building the future, and there’s never been a better time to be part of it.
