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    Which states across the U.S. are struggling the most to fill vacant roles?

    Wednesday, March 06, 2024

    Manufacturer employee facing jobs deficit in the united states

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    This blog was updated on 9/5/2025 for readability.

    What is the current state of manufacturing jobs across the U.S.?

    The manufacturing labor shortage is a persistent problem for businesses across the U.S., with consistent data shining light on the difficulty manufacturers face in meeting the increased demand for skilled workers. Research reveals that this deficit is most pronounced in states like Wyoming and New Jersey, while only two states, Louisiana and Texas, have more job seekers than available positions. To address this crisis, manufacturers can invest in initiatives like school outreach programs and on-site training, and can also use technology like manufacturing software and AI to improve operational efficiency and attract skilled talent by offering flexible work options.

    The manufacturing job deficit

    The state of employment in the manufacturing industry has been turbulent over recent years, affecting not only large enterprises but small and medium businesses alike.

    During the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, around 1.4 million manufacturing jobs were lost, but as the industry has moved toward full recovery, the demand for workers has increased at such a rate that a potential labor crisis is on the horizon.

    According to a study by the Manufacturing Institute (MI), by 2030, manufacturers will need to fill an extra four million jobs - over half of which (2.1 million) they predict may go unfilled.

    The state of play varies across the nation, with the number of opportunities available for skilled workers shifting drastically at a state level, as well as across different job specialisms.

    At ECI Software Solutions, we have crunched the numbers to determine the states where manufacturing workers are most in demand - and which locations are oversubscribed.

    We searched for 20 of the most popular jobs within the manufacturing sector, before cross-referencing LinkedIn data on the jobs available for the roles in each state, with the number of people searching to apply for these jobs.

    The manufacturing jobs deficit index shows which states across the U.S. are struggling to fill vacant roles, and how manufacturing software can help address labor shortages in the states that need it most.

     

    What are the top manufacturing jobs in the U.S.?

    The manufacturing sector is home to a wide variety of roles, each playing a vital part in the production of goods and materials. Having a diverse array of job roles available allows manufacturing firms to adapt more readily to technological challenges as the landscape evolves.

    It also means that companies are more resilient to change and innovation, having the manpower to drive growth, achieve customer demands, and meet targets in the manufacturing sector. Without enough people in manufacturing roles across the U.S., it can cause economic growth to stall, and hinder supply chains globally.

    We compiled the following list of popular job roles in the manufacturing sector which were used in the research:

    • Application Engineer
    • CNC Operators
    • Control Systems Engineer
    • Distribution Manager
    • Electromechanical Technician
    • Foundry Process Operator
    • Maintenance Engineer
    • Manufacturing Engineer
    • Manufacturing Systems Engineer
    • Manufacturing Technician
    • Materials Technician
    • Mechanical Engineer
    • Process Operator
    • Production Line Operative
    • Production Manager
    • Production Technician
    • Quality Control Technician
    • Quality Inspector
    • Software Application Engineer
    • Warehouse Operative

    While every role requires its own specific skill set, all share a need for efficiency, quality, adaptability, and problem-solving - each an in-demand quality to form a highly skilled workforce.

    The top 10 states with the biggest shortage of manufacturing jobs

    StateTotal Job SearchesTotal Jobs Available% of Jobs Likely to FillMFG Job Deficit
    Wyoming2019010.53%-89.47
    New Jersey14099514.07%-85.93%
    Wisconsin4401,81124.30%-75.70%
    Iowa23082427.91%-72.09%
    Kentucky25083529.94%-70.06%
    Ohio7602,52030.16%-69.84%
    Illinois8502,78830.49%-69.51%
    New Hampshire14044631.39%-68.61%
    Kansas23072331.81%-68.19%
    South Carolina3601,11632.26%-67.74%

    Our research reveals it is Wyoming, the least populated state in the U.S., which has the biggest manufacturing jobs deficit, with only 20 searches for 190 available jobs - a deficit of 89.47%.

    Recent data released by the federal Bureau of Labor Statistics shows that Wyoming has had the third highest manufacturing growth in the nation by percentage since January 2021, at 10.4%.

    However, this growth will inevitably stagnate if lack of staff remains a hurdle.

    On the other side of the nation, New Jersey landed in second place with an 85.93% deficit in manufacturing jobs, owing to a total of only 140 searches for 995 available jobs.

    Historical data reveals small businesses comprise 92% of all manufacturing exporters in New Jersey, suggesting they may be the ones feeling the brunt of the labor shortage most within the state.

    Businesses in Wisconsin, Iowa, and Kentucky are also expected to feel the impact of the manufacturing jobs shortage, rounding off the top 5 with a deficit of 75.70%, 72.09%, and 70.06%, respectively.

    How can states in need address the labor shortage?

    Young people need to be made aware in High School of the breadth of opportunities in manufacturing. The industry is not often typically covered in education, but exposing more students to the various career opportunities in the industry could reduce negative perceptions about factory work, and give them a foundation for making their mark in manufacturing.

    • Visit schools to promote training courses or explore how to facilitate apprenticeship programs.
    • Full training and development programs also help to upskill existing employees, fill gaps in higher-skilled manufacturing jobs—such as engineering roles—and nurture the new generation of talent.
    • In states where bosses need to hire high-skilled workers, they should consider what they can do to offer more flexibility and increase the appeal of their careers.
    • Flexible and remote work offerings can play their part in mitigating the labor shortage, as manufacturing companies can attract higher-skilled candidates from other cities and states who may only need to travel on-site once a week, month, or quarter.
    • Explore how technology and manufacturing software can contribute to overcoming some of the challenges brought about by the labor shortage.

    Artificial intelligence (AI), in particular, can help companies reduce their reliance on human labor. Instead of worrying about jobs being replaced by AI, AI and machine learning technologies can actually help manufacturing firms to keep the lights on, with robots and “co-bots” being trained to perform a wide variety of tasks that humans could normally do.

    The top 10 states that are most oversubscribed for manufacturing jobs

    StateTotal Job SearchesTotal Jobs Available% of Jobs Likely to FillMFG Job Deficit
    Louisiana820541151.57%51.57%
    Texas3,7603,460108.67%8.67%
    New York1,6001,61099.38%-0.62%
    Oregon39052474.43%-25.57%
    Hawaii16023169.26%-30.74%
    Idaho22032767.28%-32.72%
    Colorado61090767.25%-32.75%
    Montana14021066.67%-33.33%
    California3,5905,43866.02%-33.98%
    Florida1,2201,85465.80%-34.20%

    Only two states, neighbors Louisiana and Texas, have more interest in jobs than available roles.

    With 820 total job searches, yet only 541 available jobs, in Louisiana the demand for jobs is a staggering 51.57% higher than the opportunities on the market.

    Manufacturing, a traditional industry within the state, accounts for roughly one-sixth of the gross domestic product (GDP), with emerging sectors including technology, life sciences, and aerospace.

    Meanwhile, Texas - the national leader in petroleum and coal products manufacturing - has a demand for jobs 8.67% higher than what is available, a surplus which may change following news Elon Musk is eyeing up moving Tesla's state of incorporation to Texas.

    New York is the state most equally matched with demand for jobs and obtainability, with 1600 job searches and 1610 available jobs - a 0.62% deficit.

    The full manufacturing jobs deficit index, with all 50 states ranked from the highest jobs deficit to the least, can be found below.

    Overall, on a national level, there’s a 50% deficit in demand for manufacturing jobs available in the US, highlighting the significant labor shortage in the USA.

    The manufacturing jobs deficit index

    -70% +

    -60% to -69%

    -50% to -59%

    -40% to -49%

    -30% to -40%

    -20% to -30%

    -0% to -10%

    0.01% +

    State
    Total Job Searches
    Total Jobs Available
    % of Jobs Likely to Fill
    MFG Job Deficit
    State: Wyoming
    Total Job Searches: 20
    Total Jobs Available: 190
    % of Jobs Likely to Fill: 10.53%
    MFG Job Deficit: -89.47%
    State: New Jersey
    Total Job Searches: 140
    Total Jobs Available: 995
    % of Jobs Likely to Fill: 14.07%
    MFG Job Deficit: -85.93%
    State: Wisconsin
    Total Job Searches: 440
    Total Jobs Available: 1,811
    % of Jobs Likely to Fill: 24.30%
    MFG Job Deficit: -75.70%
    State: Iowa
    Total Job Searches: 230
    Total Jobs Available: 824
    % of Jobs Likely to Fill: 27.91%
    MFG Job Deficit: -72.09%
    State: Kentucky
    Total Job Searches: 250
    Total Jobs Available: 835
    % of Jobs Likely to Fill: 29.94%
    MFG Job Deficit: -70.06%
    State: Ohio
    Total Job Searches: 760
    Total Jobs Available: 2,520
    % of Jobs Likely to Fill: 30.16%
    MFG Job Deficit: -69.84%
    State: Illinois
    Total Job Searches: 850
    Total Jobs Available: 2,788
    % of Jobs Likely to Fill: 30.49%
    MFG Job Deficit: -69.51%
    State: New Hampshire
    Total Job Searches: 140
    Total Jobs Available: 446
    % of Jobs Likely to Fill: 31.39%
    MFG Job Deficit: -68.61%
    State: Kansas
    Total Job Searches: 230
    Total Jobs Available: 723
    % of Jobs Likely to Fill: 31.81%
    MFG Job Deficit: -68.19%
    State: South Carolina
    Total Job Searches: 360
    Total Jobs Available: 1,116
    % of Jobs Likely to Fill: 32.26%
    MFG Job Deficit: -67.74%
    State: Missouri
    Total Job Searches: 350
    Total Jobs Available: 1,075
    % of Jobs Likely to Fill: 32.56%
    MFG Job Deficit: -67.44%
    State: Minnesota
    Total Job Searches: 470
    Total Jobs Available: 1,359
    % of Jobs Likely to Fill: 34.58%
    MFG Job Deficit: -65.42%
    State: Connecticut
    Total Job Searches: 350
    Total Jobs Available: 1,003
    % of Jobs Likely to Fill: 34.90%
    MFG Job Deficit: -65.10%
    State: Massachusetts
    Total Job Searches: 630
    Total Jobs Available: 1,751
    % of Jobs Likely to Fill: 35.98%
    MFG Job Deficit: -64.02%
    State: Alabama
    Total Job Searches: 360
    Total Jobs Available: 967
    % of Jobs Likely to Fill: 37.23%
    MFG Job Deficit: -62.77%
    State: Pennsylvania
    Total Job Searches: 790
    Total Jobs Available: 2,105
    % of Jobs Likely to Fill: 37.53%
    MFG Job Deficit: -62.47%
    State: Maryland
    Total Job Searches: 430
    Total Jobs Available: 1,124
    % of Jobs Likely to Fill: 38.26%
    MFG Job Deficit: -61.74%
    State: Maine
    Total Job Searches: 170
    Total Jobs Available: 437
    % of Jobs Likely to Fill: 38.90%
    MFG Job Deficit: -61.10%
    State: North Carolina
    Total Job Searches: 620
    Total Jobs Available: 1,566
    % of Jobs Likely to Fill: 39.59%
    MFG Job Deficit: -60.41%
    State: Michigan
    Total Job Searches: 830
    Total Jobs Available: 2,072
    % of Jobs Likely to Fill: 40.06%
    MFG Job Deficit: -59.94%
    State: Nebraska
    Total Job Searches: 220
    Total Jobs Available: 505
    % of Jobs Likely to Fill: 43.56%
    MFG Job Deficit: -56.44%
    State: Georgia
    Total Job Searches: 730
    Total Jobs Available: 1,632
    % of Jobs Likely to Fill: 44.73%
    MFG Job Deficit: -55.27%
    State: North Dakota
    Total Job Searches: 140
    Total Jobs Available: 305
    % of Jobs Likely to Fill: 45.90%
    MFG Job Deficit: -54.10%
    State: New Mexico
    Total Job Searches: 140
    Total Jobs Available: 304
    % of Jobs Likely to Fill: 46.05%
    MFG Job Deficit: -53.95%
    State: Oklahoma
    Total Job Searches: 240
    Total Jobs Available: 520
    % of Jobs Likely to Fill: 46.15%
    MFG Job Deficit: -53.85%
    State: Vermont
    Total Job Searches: 130
    Total Jobs Available: 280
    % of Jobs Likely to Fill: 46.43%
    MFG Job Deficit: -53.57%
    State: Arkansas
    Total Job Searches: 240
    Total Jobs Available: 516
    % of Jobs Likely to Fill: 46.51%
    MFG Job Deficit: -53.49%
    State: Tennessee
    Total Job Searches: 530
    Total Jobs Available: 1,119
    % of Jobs Likely to Fill: 47.36%
    MFG Job Deficit: -52.64%
    State: South Dakota
    Total Job Searches: 140
    Total Jobs Available: 290
    % of Jobs Likely to Fill: 48.28%
    MFG Job Deficit: -51.72%
    State: Indiana
    Total Job Searches: 430
    Total Jobs Available: 849
    % of Jobs Likely to Fill: 50.65%
    MFG Job Deficit: -49.35%
    State: Delaware
    Total Job Searches: 170
    Total Jobs Available: 315
    % of Jobs Likely to Fill: 53.97%
    MFG Job Deficit: -46.03%
    State: Arizona
    Total Job Searches: 570
    Total Jobs Available: 1,044
    % of Jobs Likely to Fill: 54.60%
    MFG Job Deficit: -45.40%
    State: Utah
    Total Job Searches: 340
    Total Jobs Available: 617
    % of Jobs Likely to Fill: 55.11%
    MFG Job Deficit: -44.89%
    State: Mississippi
    Total Job Searches: 260
    Total Jobs Available: 471
    % of Jobs Likely to Fill: 55.20%
    MFG Job Deficit: -44.80%
    State: Alaska
    Total Job Searches: 120
    Total Jobs Available: 217
    % of Jobs Likely to Fill: 55.30%
    MFG Job Deficit: -44.70%
    State: Rhode Island
    Total Job Searches: 170
    Total Jobs Available: 307
    % of Jobs Likely to Fill: 55.37%
    MFG Job Deficit: -44.63%
    State: Nevada
    Total Job Searches: 270
    Total Jobs Available: 479
    % of Jobs Likely to Fill: 56.37%
    MFG Job Deficit: -43.63%
    State: Virginia
    Total Job Searches: 780
    Total Jobs Available: 1,247
    % of Jobs Likely to Fill: 62.55%
    MFG Job Deficit: -37.45%
    State: West Virginia
    Total Job Searches: 150
    Total Jobs Available: 237
    % of Jobs Likely to Fill: 63.29%
    MFG Job Deficit: -36.71%
    State: Washington
    Total Job Searches: 730
    Total Jobs Available: 1,140
    % of Jobs Likely to Fill: 64.04%
    MFG Job Deficit: -35.96%
    State: Florida
    Total Job Searches: 1,220
    Total Jobs Available: 1,854
    % of Jobs Likely to Fill: 65.80%
    MFG Job Deficit: -34.20%
    State: California
    Total Job Searches: 3,590
    Total Jobs Available: 5,438
    % of Jobs Likely to Fill: 66.02%
    MFG Job Deficit: -33.98%
    State: Montana
    Total Job Searches: 140
    Total Jobs Available: 210
    % of Jobs Likely to Fill: 66.67%
    MFG Job Deficit: -33.33%
    State: Colorado
    Total Job Searches: 610
    Total Jobs Available: 907
    % of Jobs Likely to Fill: 67.25%
    MFG Job Deficit: -32.75%
    State: Idaho
    Total Job Searches: 220
    Total Jobs Available: 327
    % of Jobs Likely to Fill: 67.28%
    MFG Job Deficit: -32.72%
    State: Hawaii
    Total Job Searches: 160
    Total Jobs Available: 231
    % of Jobs Likely to Fill: 69.26%
    MFG Job Deficit: -30.74%
    State: Oregon
    Total Job Searches: 390
    Total Jobs Available: 524
    % of Jobs Likely to Fill: 74.43%
    MFG Job Deficit: -25.57%
    State: New York
    Total Job Searches: 1,600
    Total Jobs Available: 1,610
    % of Jobs Likely to Fill: 99.38%
    MFG Job Deficit: -0.62%
    State: Texas
    Total Job Searches: 3,760
    Total Jobs Available: 3,460
    % of Jobs Likely to Fill: 108.67%
    MFG Job Deficit: 8.67%
    State: Louisiana
    Total Job Searches: 820
    Total Jobs Available: 541
    % of Jobs Likely to Fill: 151.57%
    MFG Job Deficit: 51.57%

    How can manufacturing software help tackle the labor crisis?

    The industry is exploring how to readdress the gap in labor shortages, with new initiatives to upskill manufacturing workers including federal funds in the 2022 CHIPS and Science Act specifically for workforce development.

    Businesses can also address their labor shortages by optimizing resource allocation and improving overall productivity with ERP manufacturing software.

    ERP software can help manufacturers tackle labor shortage challenges by providing them with real-time data from their organization, to help them to plan, forecast, and leverage their data better to allocate resources.

    It also helps you to consolidate your software solutions, simplify your operations, and make production management more efficient, while also helping to ensure that compliance standards are being met.

    5 ways that ERP manufacturing software can help the labor shortage:

    • Saving time - ERP opens the door to several ways to bring life to your shop floor and can help to fill labor gaps by automating manual, repetitive tasks to ensure that quality standards are met and maintained throughout the manufacturing process. Examples of these tasks include data entry, inventory management, and compliance tracking,
    • Make informed decisions - With everything all in one place, ERP manufacturing software can allow companies to make educated decisions to improve resource planning to save time, by identifying inefficiencies and improving overall productivity.
    • Improving remote work capabilities - Some businesses may benefit from being able to tap into a bigger talent pool and hire people in other states and cities. ERP systems can help by offering remote access so staff can access information from anywhere, at any time.
    • Training and skills development - ERP systems can help companies to track the training requirements, certifications, and skills-level of employees. This can help identify skills gaps that can be closed through training programs and upskilling.
    • Remote work collaboration - ERP systems can facilitate collaboration among teams working across America and globally by providing centralized access to documents. Cutting this need for administrative and operational work can make a big impact on a business.

    If you’re interested in learning more about manufacturing ERP software to see how it can help streamline your business, explore our software offering here: https://www.ecisolutions.com/industries/manufacturing/

    FAQs

    What can manufacturing companies do to attract and retain skilled workers?

    To attract and retain skilled workers, manufacturing companies can implement several strategies. They should consider offering more flexible and remote work options, particularly for higher-skilled roles like engineering. Additionally, companies should invest in full training and development programs to upskill their existing workforce, which helps fill high-demand positions and nurtures new talent. Promoting career opportunities in manufacturing at the high school level can also help to change perceptions and build a future talent pipeline.

    Which states have the biggest shortage of manufacturing workers?

    Based on the manufacturing jobs deficit index, Wyoming has the most significant shortage, with a deficit of nearly 90%. Other states with major labor deficits include New Jersey, Wisconsin, Iowa, and Kentucky. These states have a high number of open manufacturing jobs but a relatively low number of job seekers, creating a significant challenge for local businesses, especially small and medium-sized manufacturers.

    How can technology and software help address the manufacturing labor shortage?

    echnology and manufacturing software, such as an ERP system, can help businesses manage the labor shortage by optimising resource allocation and improving productivity. By automating manual, repetitive tasks like data entry and inventory management, companies can save time and get more done with fewer people. ERP software also provides real-time data for better decision-making, streamlines operations, and can even facilitate remote work capabilities, allowing businesses to tap into a wider talent pool.

    Is artificial intelligence (AI) a threat to manufacturing jobs or a solution to the labor shortage?

    While some fear that AI will replace human labor, in the context of the current labor shortage, it is more of a solution. AI and machine learning technologies can be used to train robots and "co-bots" to perform tasks that are difficult to fill with human workers, such as repetitive or dangerous duties. This allows manufacturing firms to keep production lines running and enables their existing employees to focus on more complex, high-value work that requires problem-solving and critical thinking.

    How do training and upskilling programs help a business facing a labor shortage?

    Training and upskilling programs are crucial because they help a business close skills gaps and fill critical, higher-skilled positions from within its existing workforce. By nurturing current talent, companies can reduce the need to search for new, highly-specialized hires. This strategy also boosts employee morale and retention by showing a commitment to their professional development, making the company more attractive to potential candidates.

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