Report: Cities with the Most Manufacturing Jobs

Since 1999, total employment in manufacturing has drastically declined. At the same time, as a result of advances in technology and overall efficiency, manufacturing output has increased. Some cities rely more heavily on manufacturing work than others. A recent report from Smartest Dollar examines manufacturing jobs in the United States. Researchers identified the U.S. cities with the largest share of employment in manufacturing . Read on for a list of metro areas (small, medium and large) with the most manufacturing jobs.

Cities With the Most Manufacturing Jobs

Looking for a job in the manufacturing sector? Based on a recent report from Smartest Dollar, the following cities offer the most manufacturing job opportunities.

Small Metro Areas

1. Elkhart-Goshen, IN – 48.2% share*
2. Dalton, GA – 36.1%
3. Sheboygan, WI – 36%
4. Morristown, TN – 26.1%
5. Wausau-Weston, WI – 25.3%
6. Fond du Lac, WI – 23.2%
7. Decatur, AL – 23%
8. Spartanburg, SC – 22.6%
9. Racine, WI – 22.6%
10. Decatur, IL – 21.9%

Midsize Metro Areas

1. Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC – 27%
2. Wichita, KS – 18%
3. Reading, PA – 17.7%
4. York-Hanover, PA – 17%
5. Fort Wayne, IN – 16.7%
6. Canton- Massillon, OH – 15.4%
7. Toledo, OH – 15.1%
8. Greensboro-High Point, NC – 14.7%
9. Lancaster, PA – 14.4%
10. Peoria, IL – 13.6%

Large Metro Areas

1. Grand Rapids-Kentwood, MI – 21%
2. San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA – 15.1%
3. Milwaukee-Waukesha, WI – 13.7%
4. Detroit-Warren-Dearborn, MI – 12.6%
5. Louisville-Jefferson County, KY/IN – 12.3%
6. Cleveland-Elyria, OH – 11.4%
7. Cincinnati, OH – 10.8%
8. Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, WA/OR – 10.6%
9. Rochester, NY – 10.5%
10. Hartford-West Hartford-East Hartford, CT – 10.4%

*Share of employment in manufacturing. See the full report here: https://smartestdollar.com/research/cities-with-the-most-manufacturing-jobs-2020