The Job Market for Metal Workers in the United States

Current Employment Statistics

• Estimated Number of Metal Workers: Approximately 167,900.
• Projected Job Market Change: An expected decline of -3.7% from 2022 to 2032, with a forecasted loss of 500 jobs over the next decade.

Employability Rating

• CareerExplorer Rating: Metal workers receive a D employability rating, indicating weak employment opportunities in the near future.
• Retirement Impact: The expected job loss is primarily due to the retirement of about 5,700 existing metal workers.

Demand for Metal Workers

• Declining Demand: Employment opportunities for metal workers are decreasing due to:
  • Technological Advances: The rise of labor-saving machinery, such as CNC machine tools and robots, is improving production efficiency and reducing the need for manual labor.
  • Foreign Competition: Increased competition from abroad has reduced domestic demand for parts produced by metal workers.
  • Manufacturing Relocation: Some manufacturers are moving production overseas, further impacting job availability in North America.
• Potential Repatriation: There are initiatives to bring some jobs back to the U.S., which could improve job prospects for metal workers in the future.

Skill Requirements

• High Demand Skills: Job seekers with skills in operating CNC machines and extensive experience in machine operations are likely to be the most sought after.

Job Market by State

The distribution of employed metal workers varies by state, with the following states having the highest number of metal workers:

State	Employed Metal Workers
Ohio	16,220
Michigan	15,000
Indiana	14,670
Wisconsin	9,260
California	8,630
Texas	8,250
North Carolina	7,610
Pennsylvania	5,760
Illinois	5,120
Missouri	4,940
Georgia	4,200
Alabama	3,960
Tennessee	3,590
Florida	3,450
Minnesota	3,070
New York	3,060
Kentucky	2,790
Iowa	2,760
Virginia	2,600
Washington	2,590
South Carolina	2,430

Summary

The job market for metal workers in the U.S. is facing significant challenges, with a projected decline in employment opportunities driven by technological advancements and foreign competition. However, there may be future opportunities for those skilled in CNC operation and related fields, particularly if initiatives to bring jobs back to the U.S. are successful.