U.S. manufacturing faces significant recruitment challenges. For one thing, the industry is likely to require a staggering 3.8 million new workers by 2033, according to research from the Manufacturing Institute and Deloitte. 

More concerning is that the most in-demand manufacturing skills are fast evolving, thanks to the rise of advanced technologies like automation, the Internet of Things, robotics, and artificial intelligence. Industrial employers are under enormous pressure to upskill and reskill existing workforces and attract new technically-skilled employees, those who are willing and able to embrace the digitized workplace.

“Pandemic-driven shifts have already created hundreds of thousands of new jobs, and now we are seeing increased demand for digital skills that need to be met or risk further widening of the talent gap,” said Manufacturing Institute President and Executive Director Carolyn Lee.

To get ahead of the growing skills gap and maintain a competitive advantage, industrial employers are putting their efforts into recruiting the nation’s most sought-after manufacturing roles. From industrial machinery mechanics to computer numerical control programming, here are some of the sector’s fastest-growing job markets in 2025 and beyond.  

1. Industrial Machinery Mechanic / Millwright 

Industrial Machinery Mechanics and Millwrights install, adjust, maintain, and repair industrial apparatus in factories, power plants, and construction sites. These professionals may also dismantle, transfer, and reassemble machinery and heavy equipment to accommodate operational changes.

Charged with overseeing production systems across all stages of the manufacturing process, day-to-day responsibilities include reviewing technical manuals, repairing and replacing broken or malfunctioning components, performing diagnostic and predictive maintenance testing, and calibrating and cleaning machinery.   

With the rise of industrial automation, manufacturers are especially concerned with recruiting technically-skilled and computer-literate mechanics and millwrights. Professionals capable of working with highly specialized machinery and automated robotics systems are in exceptionally high demand.  

The Industrial Machinery Mechanic job market is projected to grow by 14.9% between 2022 and 2023, offering industrial workers one of the best outlooks of any manufacturing career. While some mechanics and millwrights complete a two-year associate’s degree program in industrial maintenance, a high school diploma combined with a year of on-the-job training will also suffice. 

The median annual wage for industrial machinery mechanics, machinery maintenance workers, and millwrights was $61,170 in May 2023. 

2. Manufacturing Maintenance Technician / Repair Worker

Maintenance Technicians and Repair Workers maintain and repair machinery and equipment in commercial buildings and industrial settings. Most of their time is spent performing routine maintenance activities, such as inspecting, testing, operating, calibrating, and replacing apparatus. Additional responsibilities include troubleshooting equipment malfunctions, assembling new machinery, coordinating complex repair work, ordering new components and supplies, and facility upkeep activities. 

The demand for technicians and repair workers is high as more manufacturers commit to implementing advanced technologies requiring specialized maintenance. These include 3D printers, robotic machinery, and automation equipment.

Growth in this sector is also attributed to more stringent safety regulations, which require manufacturers to operate at a minimum standard. For maintenance and repair workers, this means more robust equipment inspections, additional compliance activities, and timely repairs and replacements. 

Further, these professionals drive operational efficiencies via predictive and preventive maintenance activities, which reduce the risk of machinery breakdowns, downtime, and safety issues. This is particularly important when industrial budgets are tight, resulting in a dependence on older and far more unpredictable equipment. 

Workers who enjoy hands-on problem-solving are best suited to this role. However, the rise of sophisticated predictive maintenance, which leverages IoT- and AI-driven diagnostics, is creating exciting new opportunities for skilled workers in this sector. 

The salary for a Manufacturing Maintenance Technician ranges from $49,498 to $66,178.

3. Welder 

Welders leverage intense heat, gas, and specialized welding equipment to fuse metal pieces together to form strong and durable bonds. Using hand-held and remotely controlled equipment, these professionals provide critical services across various industries, including construction, shipbuilding, industrial maintenance and repair, agricultural engineering, and natural gas distribution. 

The welding process has complex and diverse applications, meaning most welders work in specialized areas. Inland welders, for example, work on bridges, dams, and small water vessels, while offshore welders handle pipelines, oil rigs, and large ships. 

Structural iron and steel welders work in the construction industry, and aerospace welders work on aircraft, satellites, missiles, and spacecraft. Crucially, the profession also includes welding inspectors responsible for reviewing and certifying other professionals’ work. 

A welder’s responsibilities include reading and interpreting blueprints and sketches, polishing and smoothing metals, fixing seams and filling holes, inspecting structures and materials, maintaining welding equipment and machinery, choosing appropriate welding materials and methods, monitoring the welding process to prevent overheating, and creating new structures. 

Welders are always in high demand because they bring invaluable expertise to countless industrial sectors and organizations. To qualify, a high school diploma or equivalent is required, followed by technical and on-the-job training. In some states, welders are required to obtain a certification from a professional organization, such as the American Welding Society.

In 2023, the median annual wage for welders, cutters, solderers, and brazers was $48,940. 

4. Production, Planning, and Expediting Clerk / Material Mover 

Production, Planning, and Expediting Clerks and Material Movers coordinate the flow of work and materials through an industrial facility, as per its production schedule. 

Their daily responsibilities include reviewing and distributing production activities, overseeing shipment schedules, optimizing operational processes, monitoring inventory levels, and resolving production bottlenecks. These professionals are often required to adjust production schedules at a moment’s notice to accommodate design changes, labor or material shortages, production backlogs, and surges in customer demand. The role typically demands close collaboration with cross-functional departments, including marketing, sales, production, and engineering. 

Increasingly, Production, Planning, and Expediting Clerks and Material Movers are expected to compile and analyze production data, identifying trends and opportunities for optimization. 

People who enjoy hands-on problem-solving and project management are well-suited to these roles. To qualify, a high school diploma or equivalent is required, followed by up to 12 months of on-the-job training. Employers may favor candidates with specialized experience or certifications. 

In 2023, the mean annual wage for Production, Planning, and Expediting Clerks was $57,610. 

5. Computer Numerical Control (CNC) Programmer

CNC machining is a modern-day manufacturing process in which pre-programmed computer software dictates the movement of factory tools and machinery. CNC Programmers are tasked with writing the software that controls these tools and machines, essentially instructing industrial machinery on how to cut, shape, and refine raw materials and components into finished products. In some cases, the role of a CNC programmer extends to installing, operating, and maintaining the equipment they program. 

The rise of CNC machining has revolutionized the manufacturing industry in recent years, offering unparalleled cost effectiveness, accuracy, and efficiency. The technology’s increased use across multiple sectors has sent the demand for experienced and skilled machinists skyrocketing, with the job market for CNC programmers projected to grow by 27% between 2020 and 2030.

While CNC programmers need only obtain a high school diploma (or equivalent), post-secondary courses or certifications in CNC programming are highly desirable and offer more opportunities for career advancement. People who enjoy analytical thinking and working with computers and complex machinery thrive in this industry. 

In 2023, the median annual wage for CNC programmers was $63,440. 

6. Software Developer

The software development market is expected to grow by 26% between 2021 and 2031, giving it one of the highest expansion rates of any profession. 

Though not a traditional manufacturing role, Software Developers serve an important purpose within many industrial organizations, thanks mainly to the rise of automated processes and robotics. 

Software developers in the industrial sector design, test, and maintain programs to assist with manufacturing operations, including designing and developing products and components. Most usefully, this software supports and enhances the most intricate and highly technical production processes, including those used in the ever-growing — and ever-critical — semiconductor industry. 

The median salary for a software developer in manufacturing is $138,100. Developers learn the principles of computer science and how to apply them via a bachelor’s degree in computer science, software engineering, or another related field. Industrial employers will favor candidates interested in industrial automation systems and manufacturing processes. 

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