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.