Facts About Iowa Manufacturing:
- Technological advances and changes to the industry have transformed the way in which manufacturing work is performed and have created a demand for more middle-skilled workers.
- Manufacturing firms supply more than 208,858 jobs to Iowans representing more than 14% of the state’s total employment.
- Iowa’s factories have added 6,900 jobs since 2010, a gain of 3.4%.
- Manufacturing accounts for 87.9% of Iowa’s exports.
- 32% of Iowa’s counties are classified as Manufacturing dependent.
- Technological advances and changes to the industry have transformed the way in which manufacturing work is performed and have created a demand for more middle-skilled workers.
Careers with growth expected by 2020 in Iowa:
- Computer Numerically Controlled (CNC) Machining + 23%
- Transportation & Logistics +19%
- Machining +17%
- Industrial Automation +16%
- Welding +14%
- Industrial Maintenance + 11
- Tool & Die +8%
- Manufacturing Technology +3%
Middle-skill jobs currently represent about 56 percent of the jobs that make up Iowa’s economy. They are generally defined as those that require education and training beyond high school, but less than a bachelor’s degree. These jobs can be found in all of the state’s industries and many offer relatively high pay. Recent studies have shown that two-year degree holders, especially in high-demand occupations, can earn salaries that surpass those of college graduates.
Click here to read the full 2013 IWD Middle-Skills Report.
Industry data provided by O-net online.
