U.S. Manufacturing Jobs by State 2026: Which States Have the Most Factory Jobs?
Manufacturing remains one of the largest sources of skilled employment in the United States, but those jobs are far from evenly distributed.
As of August 2026, California alone had more than 1.2 million manufacturing jobs, while Texas remained close to one million. Traditional industrial states including Ohio, Michigan, Illinois and Pennsylvania also continue to employ hundreds of thousands of manufacturing workers. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Quick Answer
Some of the largest manufacturing employment bases in the United States in 2026 include:
| State | Manufacturing employment |
|---|---|
| California | 1.204 million |
| Texas | About 980,000* |
| Ohio | 688,300 |
| Michigan | 583,300 |
| Illinois | 571,400 |
| Pennsylvania | 557,300 |
| Indiana | 516,900 |
| Wisconsin | 458,400 |
| North Carolina | 450,000 |
| Georgia | 425,500 |
*Latest Texas state series available in the BLS Economy at a Glance page showed approximately 979,700 jobs in July 2026. August state tables should be treated as preliminary where applicable. Bureau of Labor Statistics
California remains the largest manufacturing employer
California recorded approximately 1.204 million manufacturing jobs in August 2026, according to seasonally adjusted BLS data. Bureau of Labor Statistics
The state's manufacturing base is unusually diverse, covering aerospace, electronics, food production, medical devices, transportation equipment and advanced technology.
Its scale means California can lead in absolute employment even though manufacturing represents a smaller share of total jobs than it does in several Midwestern states.
Texas is approaching one million manufacturing jobs
Texas had roughly 980,000 manufacturing jobs in mid-2026.
Its industrial base includes semiconductors, aerospace, machinery, chemicals, energy-related equipment, electronics and automotive production. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Texas also recorded some of the strongest overall employment gains in the country during the year ending August 2026. Bureau of Labor Statistics
The Midwest still matters enormously
Ohio, Michigan, Illinois, Indiana and Wisconsin together account for millions of manufacturing positions.
Ohio had about 688,300 manufacturing jobs in August, while Michigan recorded approximately 583,300 and Illinois about 571,400. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Indiana had approximately 516,900, making manufacturing particularly important relative to the state's overall workforce. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Wisconsin recorded about 458,400 manufacturing jobs in August. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Manufacturing jobs are shifting, not disappearing
National manufacturing employment has faced automation, productivity changes and cyclical pressure for decades, but employers still report substantial hiring needs.
The latest Job Openings and Labor Turnover Survey showed approximately 522,000 manufacturing job openings in August 2026, with about 332,000 hires during the month. Bureau of Labor Statistics
That illustrates an important distinction: a state can have flat manufacturing employment while employers still need large numbers of replacement workers.
Which states could benefit from new manufacturing investment?
The largest employment bases are not necessarily the fastest-growing markets.
Southern states including Texas, Georgia and North Carolina have attracted major investments in automobiles, batteries, semiconductors and advanced manufacturing, while the Midwest remains central to automotive, machinery and fabricated metals.
For manufacturers deciding where to expand, employment totals are only one part of the equation.
Labor availability, wages, logistics, electricity costs, taxes and supplier networks can matter just as much.
FAQ
Which U.S. state has the most manufacturing jobs?
California had approximately 1.204 million manufacturing jobs in August 2026, according to BLS data. Bureau of Labor Statistics
How many manufacturing jobs are open in the United States?
BLS reported approximately 522,000 manufacturing job openings in August 2026. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Which Midwestern state has the most manufacturing jobs?
Ohio had about 688,300 manufacturing jobs in August 2026, more than Michigan, Illinois, Indiana or Wisconsin. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Are these numbers final?
No. Recent BLS state employment estimates are preliminary and may be revised when new benchmark information becomes available. Bureau of Labor Statistics