Home to almost 1,200 Manufacturing firms who provide over 41,700 jobs, Central Minnesota is a Manufacturing powerhouse. Manufacturing continues to grow and now accounts for over 15% of all employment in the region – or more than one in every seven jobs – plus provides average annual wages of almost $66,000, which is $11,000 higher than the average across all industries in the region. In fact, Central Minnesota manufacturers paid more than $2.75 billion to workers in wages in 2023!

For students and job seekers, your search for a great job might lead to a career in Manufacturing, since the industry requires a variety of skills and expertise ranging from assembly line workers to engineers, as well as technicians, quality control specialists and logistics professionals. This diversity allows individuals to find a role that aligns with their interests and strengths. If you enjoy working with tools, machinery and physical processes, Manufacturing can be a fulfilling career choice. The satisfaction of seeing a tangible product take shape through your efforts can be incredibly rewarding.

Many manufacturers in the region are continuously evolving with the integration of advanced technologies like robotics, automation and artificial intelligence. This means that working in the industry offers opportunities to stay at the forefront of technological advancements. To keep up with changing technology, most manufacturing companies prioritize promoting from within, providing employees with opportunities for career growth and upward mobility. With experience and further education, workers can move into supervisory, managerial or specialized roles.

Lance Louis, CEO of Louis Industries in Paynesville, said, "We love to get kids from robotics programs, they are typically curious and have a knack for machines." Louis goes on to mention how a bit of patience is the key to gaining a thriving career in manufacturing. According to Louis, "Having enough patience to climb up in a company instead of jumping jobs for modest wage gains usually works out much better, and in five years, the person that stays has been promoted well above their job-jumping peers. We strive for our people to come with a smile and leave at the end of the day with a smile, that's what drives our strategy to attract and retain the best and brightest."

Allison Waggoner, the director of HR and safety at DCI, Inc. in St. Cloud, said a few key skills they and other manufacturers look for when considering new workers include: "Technical skills -- mechanical aptitude is by far the biggest skill needed. Basic math and the ability to read blueprints are also helpful. We even offer blueprint reading classes. As an engineered-to-order shop, the ability to retain training from project to project is exceptionally important. This is not an assembly line process." She goes on to mention that "Interpersonal skills – listening, adaptability, showing up ready to work, and ability to communicate with co-workers both in the office and the shop, as well as customers and vendors" are also important.

Scott Rosenburg from Southern Minnesota Beet Sugar Cooperative in Renville echoed Waggoner's thoughts on the most desirable skills, stating that "hardworking, loyal, passionate and responsible" are the traits that help launch a new manufacturing worker from an entry level job to a successful and well compensated career.

With more than 1,200 openings at any given time, Central Minnesota manufacturers have plenty of opportunities in a wide variety of occupations!

October is Manufacturing Month in Minnesota. You can find a listing of career exploration and hiring events taking place throughout the month around the state.

For More Information

Contact Luke Greiner, Labor Market Analyst, at luke.greiner@state.mn.us