Central Minnesota is a
powerhouse in Minnesota’s
manufacturing economy and
accounts for more than 1- in- 7 jobs.
In 2024, Central Minnesota was
home to nearly 1,200 manufacturing
establishments employing around
41,000 people. That’s significantly
above the statewide average and
reflects the vital role manufacturing
plays in the region.

Across the state, manufacturing
remains Minnesota’s second largest
employer and, contributing 11 % of
all jobs in At the same time, modern
production has evolved: these jobs
require more skills, technical training,
and offer solid career ladders—from
machine operators and production
technicians to engineers and
managers.

Figure 1 illustrates the broad variety
of manufacturing activity in Central
Minnesota. The vast majority have
average annual wages well above the
$56,940 average across the entire
regional economy.

Recent trends confirm strong
demand: Central Minnesota posted
nearly 1,200 manufacturing openings
in 2024, with starting wages typically
just over $21.50 per hour.
Local wages are competitive: in
Central Minnesota typical hourly pay
for production occupations ranges
from roughly $24 per hour for people
early in their career to nearly $35
per hour for manufacturing workers
who have mastered skills and gained
experience.

Figure 2: highlights some of the
most highly demanded occupations
in manufacturing.

Communities are actively partnering
with schools and associations
like the Central Minnesota
Manufacturers Association (CMMA)
and Vex Robotics to promote youth
apprenticeships, summer camps,
and K12 STEM initiatives tied to
manufacturing. These programs
give high school students hands-on
access to equipment, engineering,
robotics, and career exposure—
bridging classroom learning with
real-world jobs.

Manufacturing careers offer
opportunities to find success in a
variety of types of careers, from
advertisement, human resources,
sales and management to accounting,
production and logistics.

Manufacturing in Central Minnesota
provides a compelling mix: good
pay, technical learning, purposeful
work, and strong community
support. Whether you’re drawn
to hands-on machinery, digital
fabrication, quality control, or
engineering, there’s a place for you
in building the region’s innovation—
and your future.

For students contemplating what’s
next for them, the Launch Your
Future Today video helps think
through various paths to success
following high school.