Are you looking for career-path employment without taking on the expense of a 4-year college degree? Did you know that many manufacturing jobs can be started with a high school diploma or GED and on-the-job training? Did you also know that in some cases manufacturing employers will help you earn while you learn with apprenticeship programs that combine classroom learning with paid, hands-on training?

Earn while you learn opportunities like apprenticeships pay off. The national average salary for someone who completes a registered apprenticeship and remains employed in their field is $80,000. The manufacturing industry offers many positions that provide family-sustaining wages regardless of how you get into the field. In Minnesota, more than 320,000 people work in manufacturing – and they made an average annual wage of just under $83,280, which is $9,000 (12%) higher than the state’s overall average wage in 2024.

There is a big demand for people to work in manufacturing positions in Minnesota, now and into the future: Minnesota expects more than 93,000 job openings for manufacturing production positions from 2022 through 2032, due to new jobs being created and a large number of replacement openings – jobs that become available as existing workers retire out of the labor force or change careers.

View resources below to help you get started in a career in manufacturing. You may be able to earn while you learn!

• Learn about opportunities for high school students through Youth Skills Training
• View opportunities for people with a high school diploma or GED through Registered Apprenticeships
• Access resources to help you find a career path in manufacturing in Minnesota
• Explore information about manufacturing employment in Minnesota, links to videos and information about high-demand occupations and much more
• Find help getting started. Contact a CareerForce location near you today!