Are Manufacturing Jobs Coming Back in 2025?
The job market has been rough. High-quality jobs are harder to find than ever before. We’re inundated with fake job postings, predatory employers, and unrealistic role requirements. And manufacturing jobs are no different.
But hey! Nobody wants to work, amiright?
And if you’ve specialized in manufacturing, you know the job market has been constricting for decades now. Countless employers have moved production off-shore, eliminating 100,000s of high-paying jobs. Not just production roles but also in plant engineering, leadership, safety, quality, and maintenance.
But it may not be all bad news.
If you’ve been wondering about the future of manufacturing jobs, you’re in the right place. With recent announcements from big-name companies and a new administration shaking things up, 2025 is shaping up to be a big year for manufacturing in the U.S.
But what does that mean for you? Should we get our hopes up, or are they being replaced by robots?
I’ve got years of recruiting experience in Manufacturing, and I’ve been tracking these trends to help you navigate your next move. Let’s explore what’s happening, how many jobs are coming, and whether manufacturing could be your next career win.
Manufacturing Is Making a Comeback in the U.S.
Since President Trump took office on January 20, 2025, there’s been a wave of companies announcing new manufacturing plants in the U.S. This isn’t just talk—it’s backed by billions in investments and thousands of new jobs. Here’s the scoop:
- TSMC is investing $100 billion to expand chip manufacturing, creating over 40,000 jobs. Chips power everything from phones to cars, so this is huge.
- Apple committed $500 billion for AI servers and tech manufacturing, bringing 20,000 new jobs. If you’re into tech, this could be your in.
- GE Aerospace announced a $1 billion investment across 16 states, adding 5,000 jobs. Aerospace is a high-skill field with great pay.
- Stellantis is reopening its Belvidere, Illinois, plant with a $5 billion investment, rehiring 1,500 workers and creating more roles.
- Toyota pledged $14 billion for EV battery production, which will create 5,000 jobs. Green tech is a growing sector to watch.
That’s over 77,400 jobs already announced, and more companies like Hyundai, Nissan, and Nvidia are considering U.S. production to avoid tariffs. If you’re looking for a stable career, manufacturing might be heating up faster than you think.
Companies Building New Plants: Who’s Hiring in 2025?
Let’s get into the details—here’s a rundown of the companies making big moves since January 20, 2025, and what it means for job seekers like you. These are the players bringing manufacturing back to the U.S., and they’re creating opportunities you might want to jump on.
- TSMC (Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company)
Investment and Jobs: TSMC announced a $100 billion investment to expand chip manufacturing in the U.S., expected to create over 40,000 jobs.
Details: This move aligns with Trump’s America First trade policies, encouraging companies to onshore production. TSMC, a leader in semiconductor manufacturing, is likely to use advanced automation and AI in its facilities, as modern chip production relies on precision robotics and AI-driven quality control. That means fewer low-skill jobs and more opportunities for tech-savvy workers.
Source: https://www.reuters.com/technology/tsmc-ceo-meet-with-trump-tout-investment-plans-2025-03-03/ - Apple
Investment and Jobs: Apple committed to a $500 billion investment, focusing on AI servers and tech manufacturing, expected to create 20,000 U.S.-based jobs.
Details: Apple’s investment ties into Trump’s push for AI infrastructure, and you can bet these facilities will be high-tech. AI server production uses automated assembly lines and AI for testing, meaning these jobs will need skilled workers—not manual labor. If you’ve got tech skills, this could be your shot.
Source: https://www.apple.com/newsroom/2025/02/apple-will-spend-more-than-500-billion-usd-in-the-us-over-the-next-four-years/ - GE Aerospace
Investment and Jobs: GE Aerospace announced a $1 billion investment in its U.S.-based operations across 16 states, creating 5,000 new jobs.
Details: Aerospace is a high-skill field, and GE’s plants will likely use robotics for precision manufacturing and AI for quality checks. These jobs will need technicians and engineers, not low-skill workers, so start brushing up on those skills now.
Source: https://www.geaerospace.com/news/press-releases/ge-aerospace-invest-nearly-1b-us-manufacturing-2025 - Stellantis
Investment and Jobs: Stellantis pledged $5 billion to reopen its Belvidere, Illinois, assembly plant and boost its U.S. manufacturing network, rehiring 1,500 employees and creating additional jobs.
Details: The auto industry loves automation—think robotic arms for welding and AI for quality control. These plants focus on skilled roles like engineers and technicians, so if you’re in this field, it’s time to get your resume ready.
Source: https://www.euronews.com/business/2025/01/23/car-giant-stellantis-gears-up-for-multi-billion-dollar-us-investment - Toyota
Investment and Jobs: Toyota announced a $14 billion investment in battery manufacturing for electric vehicles, expected to create 5,000 jobs.
Details: EV battery production is super automated, using robotics for assembly and AI for quality monitoring. These jobs will lean toward skilled workers, so if green tech is your thing, this is a great opportunity.
Source: Check out the announcement on Toyota’s official newsroom (Note: Search for Toyota’s U.S. battery manufacturing investment on their pressroom for the exact release). - Johnson & Johnson
Investment and Jobs: Johnson & Johnson committed $55 billion to biologics manufacturing, expected to create over 5,000 jobs.
Details: Biologics production uses automated systems for sterile manufacturing and AI for process optimization, meaning these jobs will need skilled professionals. If you’re in healthcare or tech, this could be a fit.
Source: https://www.investor.jnj.com/news/news-details/2025/Johnson–Johnson-Increases-U-S–Investment-to-More-than-55-Billion-Over-the-Next-Four-Years/default.aspx - Clarios
Investment and Jobs: Clarios, a leader in low-voltage energy storage, announced a $6 billion plan to expand its U.S.-based manufacturing, though specific job numbers weren’t detailed.
Details: Energy storage manufacturing uses automation for battery assembly and AI for testing, focusing on high-tech roles over manual labor. This is another green tech opportunity to watch.
Source: Read more in the White House statement. - Leprino Foods
Investment and Jobs: Leprino Foods announced a $1 billion investment in a new dairy manufacturing facility, with job numbers not specified.
Details: Dairy manufacturing often uses automation for packaging and processing, so while it’s not as AI-heavy as tech, it’s still moving away from low-skill labor. Look for roles in operations or maintenance here.
Source: Find more details on Leprino Foods’ press page (Note: Search for their U.S. dairy manufacturing investment on their news section). - Siemens
Investment and Jobs: Siemens announced a $285 million investment in U.S. electrical product manufacturing, creating over 900 skilled jobs.
Details: Electrical product manufacturing uses automation for assembly and AI for quality control, focusing on skilled technicians. This is a great field for those with technical training.
Source: See the White House announcement. - ABB
Investment and Jobs: ABB, a Switzerland-based company, announced a $120 million investment to expand production in Tennessee and Mississippi, though specific job numbers weren’t provided.
Details: ABB focuses on electrification products, using automation and robotics to streamline production. These jobs will need skilled workers, not manual laborers.
Source: https://new.abb.com/news/detail/123896/abb-to-invest-120-million-to-expand-us-manufacturing - Saica Group
Investment and Jobs: Saica Group, a Spain-based corrugated packaging maker, announced a $110 million facility in Anderson, Indiana, with no specific job numbers provided.
Details: Packaging manufacturing uses automation for cutting and assembly, focusing on efficiency. Look for roles in operations or machine maintenance here.
Source: See the White House statement. - Saint Gobain Ceramics
Investment and Jobs: Saint Gobain Ceramics announced a $40 million NorPro manufacturing facility in Wheatfield, New York, with job numbers not specified.
Details: Ceramics manufacturing uses automation for precision molding, meaning these jobs will likely need technical skills.
Source: Learn more from the White House announcement. - Asahi Group Holdings
Investment and Jobs: Asahi Group Holdings, a Japanese beverage maker, announced a $35 million investment to boost production in Wisconsin, though job numbers weren’t specified.
Details: Beverage production uses automated bottling lines, focusing on efficiency over manual labor. Roles here might include maintenance or quality control.
Source: Check the White House release. - LGM Pharma
Investment and Jobs: LGM Pharma announced a $6 million investment to expand its facility in Rosenberg, Texas, with no job numbers provided.
Details: Pharma manufacturing uses automation for drug production and AI for quality assurance, focusing on skilled roles.
Source: See the White House statement. - ViDARR Inc.
Investment and Jobs: ViDARR Inc., a defense optical equipment manufacturer, announced a $2.69 million investment for a new facility in Virginia, with no specific job numbers.
Details: Defense manufacturing uses high-tech automation and AI for precision, meaning these jobs will need technical expertise.
Source: Learn more from the White House announcement. - Nvidia
Investment and Jobs: Nvidia announced hundreds of billions of dollars in investments in its U.S.-based manufacturing operations over the next four years, though specific job numbers weren’t provided.
Details: As a chipmaking leader, Nvidia’s facilities will rely on automation and AI, focusing on high-skill roles over manual labor.
Source: https://www.axios.com/2025/03/20/nvidia-spend-hundreds-billions-us-during-trump-term - Companies Considering U.S. Manufacturing: Hyundai, Nissan, Honda, Samsung, LG, and Volkswagen are exploring U.S. production to avoid tariffs, with Hyundai investing $20 billion (including $5.8 billion for a steel plant in Louisiana). A Canadian furniture maker and a U.S. toymaker also plan to move production from China to the U.S. White House Announcement.
That’s at least 77,400 jobs, with more on the horizon. These companies are betting big on the U.S., and that’s good news for job seekers.
But Wait—What About Automation and AI?
Here’s the catch: These aren’t your grandpa’s factory jobs. Modern manufacturing is leaning hard into automation and AI, which means fewer low-skill, repetitive roles like those in sweatshops overseas. Instead, companies are prioritizing efficiency and precision. Let’s break it down:
- Chipmakers like TSMC and Nvidia use robotics for precision assembly and AI for quality control. Manual labor? Not so much.
- Automakers like Stellantis and Toyota rely on robotic arms for welding and assembly, with AI ensuring every car meets standards.
- Pharma giants like Johnson & Johnson use automated systems for sterile production, cutting out repetitive tasks.
This shift means the jobs being created are for skilled workers—think engineers, technicians, and machine operators. If you’re worried about being replaced by a robot, focus on upskilling.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics shows roles like industrial machinery mechanics are growing, with median salaries around $60,000 a year.
Is Manufacturing Right for You?
Manufacturing jobs can be a great fit, especially if you’re looking for stability and growth. But let’s be real—it’s not for everyone. Here’s how to decide:
- Pros: Steady demand, competitive pay (many production roles start at $50,000+, with technical roles easily earning $100k+), and opportunities to learn cutting-edge tech.
- Cons: You’ll need training for most roles, and some jobs require physical work or odd hours/shifts. Remote jobs are increasingly uncommon.
- Skills to Focus On: Get familiar with automation tools, basic coding, or machine maintenance. Certifications like OSHA safety training can make you stand out.
If you’re ready to pivot, check out my Career Change Toolkit for step-by-step guidance on breaking into a new industry.
How to Get Started in Manufacturing
If you want to get started in manufacturing, here’s your action plan:
- Research Growing Sectors: Look into tech, automotive, pharmaceuticals, or aerospace—sectors with big investments in 2025 and 2026.
- Upskill Fast: Take a course on platforms like Coursera for skills like robotics, AI or quality control. Look for certifications that are required in your job field.
- Network Smart: Connect with hiring managers on LinkedIn and mention your interest in manufacturing roles.
- Apply Early: Companies like TSMC and Toyota are hiring now—don’t wait for the rush.
Naturally, you’ll also need to learn how to market yourself effectively for these jobs. Start by crafting a resume that gets noticed. My Resume Rocketfuel course can help you stand out to manufacturing recruiters.
Then, follow it up with some targeted networking on LinkedIn, and you’ll give yourself a better chance of landing a high-paying role.
The Bottom Line
Manufacturing jobs are getting a major boost in 2025, with over 77,400 new roles announced and more on the way. But automation and AI are changing the game—low-skill jobs are out, and skilled roles are in. If you’re willing to learn and adapt, this could be your chance to land a stable, well-paying career.
If you want to make a career change, manufacturing might be worth a look in 2025 and beyond.
For more career tips, check out my career tips at A Life After Layoff.
