Based on data from early 2026, there are approximately 400,000 to over 430,000 manufacturing job openings in the United States. US.COM +2
While some reports indicated 403,000 openings in November 2025, more recent data from the January 2026 Manufacturing and Engineering Jobs Report (based on December 2025 JOLTS) showed 433,000 job openings in the sector. National Association of Manufacturers - NAM +1
Key Details on 2026 Manufacturing Job Openings:
Persistent Vacancies: Despite a slight dip in total employment, manufacturers continue to face significant talent shortages, with vacancy rates averaging around 4.2% (Q3 2025 data, persisting into 2026).
High Demand Roles: In-demand roles include machine operators, field service technicians, maintenance mechanics, and welders.
Industry Trends: The sector is seeing a mix of high-volume, lower-skill roles being automated, while high-skill manufacturing jobs remain difficult to fill.
Future Outlook: Some projections suggest that to meet demand and replace retiring workers, the industry may need to fill millions of roles by 2033, keeping recruitment demand high in 2026. LinkedIn +3
The manufacturing labor market is experiencing a "low-hire, low-fire" dynamic, where, despite high vacancy numbers, many employers are acting selectively due to economic uncertainty. Indeed Hiring Lab +1
As of early 2026, the U.S. manufacturing industry has approximately 433,000 to 462,000 job openings, according to the latest U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data. National Association of Manufacturers - NAM +1
Current Data (Early 2026)
Job Openings: There were 433,000 manufacturing job openings reported in the December Job Openings and Labor Turnover (JOLTS) report, an increase of 34,000 from the previous month. Some industry estimates for early 2026 suggest openings could be as high as 462,000.
Employment Trends: Total manufacturing employment stood at roughly 12.59 million in January 2026. The sector gained 5,000 jobs in January after 13 consecutive months of decline.
Specific Growth Areas: Job gains in January were primarily led by transportation equipment (+4,800), nonmetallic mineral products (+1,700), and electrical equipment (+1,400). National Association of Manufacturers - NAM +6
Long-Term Outlook
Structural Talent Gap: Despite current fluctuations, manufacturers face a long-term labor shortage. Industry analysts from Deloitte and the Manufacturing Institute estimate that the U.S. may need to recruit nearly 3.8 million new employees by 2033 to replace retiring workers and meet new demand.
Skilled Trade Demand: High-demand roles include welders, technicians, and engineers, which remain insulated from automation and are central to "reshoring" efforts and new infrastructure projects.
Investment Drivers: Large-scale projects backed by federal support, such as the CHIPS Act for semiconductor fabs, are expected to create thousands of new construction and manufacturing jobs as facilities come online throughout 2026. Deloitte +4
https://www.google.com/search?q=how+many+manufacturing+job+openings+are+in+the+US+in+2026+google+ai
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