Manufacturing – Relative Sector Size and Growth
The Bureau of Labor Statistics indicates that the Manufacturing sector will grow substantially over the next several years.
Projected Growth for Main Industry Sectors
Transportation Equipment Manufacturing
Within the Manufacturing sector, Transportation Equipment Manufacturing is the largest industry, by employment, for the entire sector.
Transportation Equipment Manufacturing
Transportation Equipment Manufacturing Industry Groups
The Transportation Equipment Manufacturing industry includes the following industry groups:
- Motor Vehicle Manufacturing
- Motor Vehicle Body and Trailer Manufacturing
- Motor Vehicle Parts Manufacturing
- Aerospace Product and Parts Manufacturing
- Railroad Rolling Stock Manufacturing
- Ship and Boat Building
- Other Transportation Equipment Manufacturing
Transportation Equipment Manufacturing Occupational Opportunities
The following lists the largest and fastest growing occupations in the Transportation Equipment Manufacturing industry for 2026.
- Industrial engineers (largest and fastest growing)
- Team assemblers (largest)
- First-line supervisors of production and operating workers (largest)
- Welders, cutters, solderers, and brazers (largest)
- Machinists (largest)
- Inspectors, testers, sorters, samplers, and weighers (largest)
- Mechanical engineers (largest)
- Laborers and freight, stock, and material movers, hand (largest)
- Aircraft structure, surfaces, rigging, and systems assemblers (largest)
- Cutting, punching, and press machine setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic (largest)
- Computer numerically controlled machine tool programmers, metal and plastic (fastest growing)
- Operations research analysts (fastest growing)
- Millwrights (fastest growing)
- Industrial machinery mechanics (fastest growing)
- Software developers, applications (fastest growing)
Industrial Engineers Outlook
Industrial engineers are projected to be one of the largest and fastest growing occupations in the Transportation Equipment Manufacturing industry.
Industrial Engineers – Size and Growth
The following indicates the projected size and growth for industrial engineers.
| Occupation | 2026 Projected Employment (in thousands) | 2026 Projected Percent of Subsector | Percent Employment Change (2016-2026) | Education Requirements | OJT Requirements |
| Industrial engineers | 52.5 | 3.3 | 15.8 | Bachelor’s degree | None |
Industrial Engineers – Highest Proportional Concentrations by State
The following shows the states with the highest concentration of jobs, relative to the nation as a whole, for industrial engineers.
| State | Employment | Employment per thousand jobs | Location quotient | Hourly mean wage | Annual mean wage |
| Michigan | 28,460 | 6.66 | 3.57 | $42.47 | $88,330 |
| South Carolina | 6,900 | 3.43 | 1.84 | $40.46 | $84,160 |
| Indiana | 10,180 | 3.37 | 1.81 | $35.63 | $74,110 |
| Minnesota | 8,970 | 3.16 | 1.70 | $43.55 | $90,580 |
| Connecticut | 5,200 | 3.14 | 1.69 | $43.16 | $89,760 |
Industrial Engineers – Highest Proportional Concentrations by Metropolitan Area
The following shows the metropolitan areas with the highest concentration of jobs, relative to the nation as a whole, for industrial engineers.
| Metropolitan area | Employment | Employment per thousand jobs | Location quotient | Hourly mean wage | Annual mean wage |
| Spartanburg, SC | 1,480 | 9.92 | 5.32 | $42.50 | $88,400 |
| Warren-Troy-Farmington Hills, MI Metropolitan Division | 12,040 | 9.78 | 5.25 | $45.16 | $93,940 |
| Sheboygan, WI | 550 | 9.50 | 5.10 | $39.56 | $82,290 |
| Ann Arbor, MI | 1,860 | 8.71 | 4.68 | $45.78 | $95,220 |
| Detroit-Dearborn-Livonia, MI Metropolitan Division | 5,460 | 7.43 | 3.99 | $43.56 | $90,610 |
| Peoria, IL | 1,240 | 7.27 | 3.90 | $44.97 | $93,550 |
| Bowling Green, KY | 510 | 6.92 | 3.71 | $38.02 | $79,090 |
| Muskegon, MI | 410 | 6.65 | 3.57 | $35.44 | $73,710 |
| Huntsville, AL | 1,430 | 6.46 | 3.47 | $46.01 | $95,690 |
| Bloomington, IN | 440 | 6.46 | 3.47 | $34.89 | $72,570 |
Team Assemblers Outlook
Team assemblers are projected to be one of the largest occupations in the Transportation Equipment Manufacturing industry.
Team Assemblers – Size and Growth
The following indicates the projected size and growth for team assemblers.
| Occupation | 2026 Projected Employment (in thousands) | 2026 Projected Percent of Subsector | Percent Employment Change (2016-2026) | Education Requirements | OJT Requirements |
| Team assemblers | 288.7 | 18.2 | -8.5 | High school diploma or equivalent | Moderate-term on-the-job training |
Team Assemblers – Highest Proportional Concentrations by State
The following shows the states with the highest concentration of jobs, relative to the nation as a whole, for team assemblers.
| State | Employment | Employment per thousand jobs | Location quotient | Hourly mean wage | Annual mean wage |
| Kentucky | 62,840 | 33.49 | 3.65 | $17.77 | $36,960 |
| Indiana | 89,450 | 29.63 | 3.23 | $17.40 | $36,190 |
| Michigan | 106,070 | 24.81 | 2.71 | $17.44 | $36,280 |
| South Carolina | 43,810 | 21.80 | 2.38 | $16.49 | $34,290 |
| Alabama | 38,630 | 20.09 | 2.19 | $16.39 | $34,090 |
Team Assemblers – Highest Proportional Concentrations by Metropolitan Area
The following shows the metropolitan areas with the highest concentration of jobs, relative to the nation as a whole, for team assemblers.
| Metropolitan area | Employment | Employment per thousand jobs | Location quotient | Hourly mean wage | Annual mean wage |
| Elkhart-Goshen, IN | 19,620 | 154.24 | 16.83 | $20.57 | $42,780 |
| Battle Creek, MI | 3,600 | 64.22 | 7.01 | $18.61 | $38,700 |
| Spartanburg, SC | 9,450 | 63.34 | 6.91 | $19.81 | $41,200 |
| Columbus, IN | 2,950 | 60.26 | 6.58 | $14.98 | $31,160 |
| Lafayette-West Lafayette, IN | 5,470 | 59.48 | 6.49 | $19.17 | $39,880 |
| Elizabethtown-Fort Knox, KY | 3,180 | 59.04 | 6.44 | $20.35 | $42,340 |
| Tuscaloosa, AL | 5,530 | 55.28 | 6.03 | $21.21 | $44,110 |
| Lexington-Fayette, KY | 14,080 | 51.67 | 5.64 | $21.22 | $44,140 |
| Lewiston, ID-WA | 1,240 | 46.33 | 5.06 | (8) | (8) |
| Clarksville, TN-KY | 3,800 | 45.22 | 4.94 | $16.55 | $34,430 |
First-line Supervisors of Production and Operating Workers Outlook
First-line supervisors of production and operating workers iareprojected to be one of the largest occupations in the Transportation Equipment Manufacturing industry.
First-line Supervisors of Production and Operating Workers – Size and Growth
The following indicates the projected size and growth for first-line supervisors of production and operating workers.
| Occupation | 2026 Projected Employment (in thousands) | 2026 Projected Percent of Subsector | Percent Employment Change (2016-2026) | Education Requirements | OJT Requirements |
| First-line supervisors of production and operating workers | 57.2 | 3.6 | 3.7 | High school diploma or equivalent | None |
First-line Supervisors of Production and Operating Workers – Highest Proportional Concentrations by State
The following shows the states with the highest concentration of jobs, relative to the nation as a whole, for first-line supervisors of production and operating workers.
| State | Employment | Employment per thousand jobs | Location quotient | Hourly mean wage | Annual mean wage |
| Wisconsin | 23,740 | 8.40 | 1.96 | $28.69 | $59,660 |
| Indiana | 25,330 | 8.39 | 1.96 | $28.09 | $58,420 |
| Arkansas | 8,320 | 6.93 | 1.61 | $25.41 | $52,840 |
| Alabama | 12,880 | 6.70 | 1.56 | $28.64 | $59,570 |
| Michigan | 28,150 | 6.58 | 1.53 | $31.28 | $65,070 |
First-line Supervisors of Production and Operating Workers – Highest Proportional Concentrations by Metropolitan Area
The following shows the metropolitan areas with the highest concentration of jobs, relative to the nation as a whole, for first-line supervisors of production and operating workers.
| Metropolitan area | Employment | Employment per thousand jobs | Location quotient | Hourly mean wage | Annual mean wage |
| Elkhart-Goshen, IN | 2,400 | 18.87 | 4.40 | $29.17 | $60,670 |
| Dalton, GA | 1,180 | 17.98 | 4.19 | $27.85 | $57,930 |
| Columbus, IN | 860 | 17.49 | 4.08 | $28.51 | $59,300 |
| Racine, WI | 1,010 | 13.49 | 3.14 | $30.01 | $62,420 |
| Niles-Benton Harbor, MI | 840 | 13.31 | 3.10 | $30.82 | $64,110 |
| Oshkosh-Neenah, WI | 1,270 | 13.30 | 3.10 | $30.24 | $62,900 |
| Sheboygan, WI | 730 | 12.66 | 2.95 | $28.86 | $60,040 |
| Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC | 1,930 | 12.56 | 2.93 | $26.23 | $54,560 |
| Lafayette-West Lafayette, IN | 1,090 | 11.82 | 2.75 | $28.54 | $59,360 |
| Wausau, WI | 830 | 11.81 | 2.75 | $26.51 | $55,140 |
Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers Outlook
Welders, cutters, solderers, and brazers are projected to be one of the largest occupations in the Transportation Equipment Manufacturing industry.
Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers – Size and Growth
The following indicates the projected size and growth for welders, cutters, solderers, and brazers.
| Occupation | 2026 Projected Employment (in thousands) | 2026 Projected Percent of Subsector | Percent Employment Change (2016-2026) | Education Requirements | OJT Requirements |
| Welders, cutters, solderers, and brazers | 55.7 | 3.5 | 1.9 | High school diploma or equivalent | Moderate-term on-the-job training |
Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers – Highest Proportional Concentrations by State
The following shows the states with the highest concentration of jobs, relative to the nation as a whole, for welders, cutters, solderers, and brazers.
| State | Employment | Employment per thousand jobs | Location quotient | Hourly mean wage | Annual mean wage |
| Louisiana | 14,210 | 7.47 | 2.82 | $24.01 | $49,940 |
| South Dakota | 3,000 | 7.16 | 2.71 | $18.08 | $37,610 |
| Wyoming | 1,780 | 6.63 | 2.51 | $28.91 | $60,120 |
| Oklahoma | 9,440 | 6.00 | 2.27 | $21.36 | $44,440 |
| Mississippi | 6,230 | 5.56 | 2.10 | $21.28 | $44,270 |
Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers – Highest Proportional Concentrations by Metropolitan Area
The following shows the metropolitan areas with the highest concentration of jobs, relative to the nation as a whole, for welders, cutters, solderers, and brazers.
| Metropolitan area | Employment | Employment per thousand jobs | Location quotient | Hourly mean wage | Annual mean wage |
| Elkhart-Goshen, IN | 2,100 | 16.53 | 6.25 | $18.47 | $38,420 |
| Florence-Muscle Shoals, AL | 840 | 15.68 | 5.93 | $16.80 | $34,950 |
| Gulfport-Biloxi-Pascagoula, MS | 2,230 | 14.87 | 5.62 | $25.41 | $52,850 |
| Houma-Thibodaux, LA | 1,230 | 14.66 | 5.54 | $23.25 | $48,370 |
| Lake Charles, LA | 1,630 | 14.55 | 5.50 | $27.46 | $57,120 |
| Beaumont-Port Arthur, TX | 1,980 | 12.36 | 4.67 | $27.82 | $57,870 |
| Casper, WY | 420 | 11.13 | 4.20 | $27.13 | $56,440 |
| Farmington, NM | 530 | 10.84 | 4.10 | $25.28 | $52,580 |
| Elizabethtown-Fort Knox, KY | 530 | 9.90 | 3.74 | $19.12 | $39,760 |
| Midland, TX | 870 | 9.81 | 3.71 | $23.88 | $49,670 |
Machinists Outlook
Machinists is projected to be one of the largest occupations in the Transportation Equipment Manufacturing industry.
Machinists – Size and Growth
The following indicates the projected size and growth for machinists.
| Occupation | 2026 Projected Employment (in thousands) | 2026 Projected Percent of Subsector | Percent Employment Change (2016-2026) | Education Requirements | OJT Requirements |
| Machinists | 47.2 | 3.0 | 3.1 | High school diploma or equivalent | Long-term on-the-job training |
Machinists – Highest Proportional Concentrations by State
The following shows the states with the highest concentration of jobs, relative to the nation as a whole, for machinists.
| State | Employment | Employment per thousand jobs | Location quotient | Hourly mean wage | Annual mean wage |
| Michigan | 26,970 | 6.31 | 2.38 | $19.95 | $41,500 |
| South Carolina | 12,520 | 6.23 | 2.35 | $19.12 | $39,780 |
| Indiana | 17,170 | 5.69 | 2.14 | $20.43 | $42,500 |
| Illinois | 31,790 | 5.36 | 2.02 | $19.37 | $40,290 |
| Ohio | 27,710 | 5.16 | 1.94 | $20.65 | $42,950 |
Machinists – Highest Proportional Concentrations by Metropolitan Area
The following shows the metropolitan areas with the highest concentration of jobs, relative to the nation as a whole, for machinists.
| Metropolitan area | Employment | Employment per thousand jobs | Location quotient | Hourly mean wage | Annual mean wage |
| Rockford, IL | 2,770 | 19.28 | 7.27 | $19.00 | $39,520 |
| Muskegon, MI | 990 | 16.11 | 6.07 | $15.02 | $31,240 |
| Greenville-Anderson-Mauldin, SC | 6,460 | 16.09 | 6.06 | $18.59 | $38,680 |
| Sumter, SC | 530 | 14.31 | 5.39 | $17.48 | $36,360 |
| Jackson, MI | 850 | 14.30 | 5.39 | $18.56 | $38,610 |
| Elgin, IL Metropolitan Division | 3,110 | 12.34 | 4.65 | $16.77 | $34,890 |
| Toledo, OH | 3,000 | 10.10 | 3.81 | $24.43 | $50,810 |
| Fort Wayne, IN | 2,000 | 9.36 | 3.53 | $21.72 | $45,180 |
| Elmira, NY | 320 | 9.22 | 3.47 | $22.00 | $45,760 |
| Lima, OH | 450 | 9.02 | 3.40 | $22.80 | $47,420 |
Inspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers Outlook
Inspectors, testers, sorters, samplers, and weighers is projected to be one of the largest occupations in the Transportation Equipment Manufacturing industry.
Inspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers – Size and Growth
The following indicates the projected size and growth for inspectors, testers, sorters, samplers, and weighers.
| Occupation | 2026 Projected Employment (in thousands) | 2026 Projected Percent of Subsector | Percent Employment Change (2016-2026) | Education Requirements | OJT Requirements |
| Inspectors, testers, sorters, samplers, and weighers | 44.5 | 2.8 | -17.1 | High school diploma or equivalent | Moderate-term on-the-job training |
Inspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers – Highest Proportional Concentrations by State
The following shows the states with the highest concentration of jobs, relative to the nation as a whole, for inspectors, testers, sorters, samplers, and weighers.
| State | Employment | Employment per thousand jobs | Location quotient | Hourly mean wage | Annual mean wage |
| Michigan | 28,440 | 6.65 | 1.76 | $16.99 | $35,350 |
| Indiana | 19,180 | 6.35 | 1.69 | $18.33 | $38,120 |
| South Carolina | 12,740 | 6.34 | 1.68 | $18.56 | $38,610 |
| Kentucky | 11,050 | 5.89 | 1.56 | $18.29 | $38,050 |
| Ohio | 31,380 | 5.84 | 1.55 | $19.21 | $39,960 |
Inspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers – Highest Proportional Concentrations by Metropolitan Area
The following shows the metropolitan areas with the highest concentration of jobs, relative to the nation as a whole, for inspectors, testers, sorters, samplers, and weighers.
| Metropolitan area | Employment | Employment per thousand jobs | Location quotient | Hourly mean wage | Annual mean wage |
| Columbus, IN | 1,050 | 21.35 | 5.66 | $17.33 | $36,040 |
| Dalton, GA | 980 | 14.92 | 3.96 | $16.18 | $33,640 |
| Morristown, TN | 590 | 13.77 | 3.65 | $15.44 | $32,120 |
| Elkhart-Goshen, IN | 1,560 | 12.28 | 3.26 | $17.90 | $37,230 |
| Houma-Thibodaux, LA | 1,000 | 11.88 | 3.15 | $23.67 | $49,220 |
| Kankakee, IL | 490 | 11.12 | 2.95 | $25.63 | $53,310 |
| Burlington, NC | 650 | 10.87 | 2.88 | $15.59 | $32,420 |
| Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC | 1,600 | 10.38 | 2.75 | $15.52 | $32,290 |
| Anniston-Oxford-Jacksonville, AL | 440 | 10.28 | 2.73 | $15.83 | $32,920 |
| Grand Rapids-Wyoming, MI | 5,540 | 10.04 | 2.66 | $14.98 | $31,160 |
Mechanical Engineers Outlook
Mechanical engineers is projected to be one of the largest occupations in the Transportation Equipment Manufacturing industry.
Mechanical Engineers – Size and Growth
The following indicates the projected size and growth for mechanical engineers.
| Occupation | 2026 Projected Employment (in thousands) | 2026 Projected Percent of Subsector | Percent Employment Change (2016-2026) | Education Requirements | OJT Requirements |
| Mechanical engineers | 38.3 | 2.4 | 8.9 | Bachelor’s degree | None |
Mechanical Engineers – Highest Proportional Concentrations by State
The following shows the states with the highest concentration of jobs, relative to the nation as a whole, for mechanical engineers.
| State | Employment | Employment per thousand jobs | Location quotient | Hourly mean wage | Annual mean wage |
| Michigan | 44,680 | 10.45 | 5.11 | $43.68 | $90,850 |
| Wisconsin | 10,810 | 3.83 | 1.87 | $37.50 | $78,010 |
| New Hampshire | 1,990 | 3.07 | 1.50 | $45.46 | $94,570 |
| Ohio | 15,150 | 2.82 | 1.38 | $38.40 | $79,880 |
| Massachusetts | 9,480 | 2.69 | 1.32 | $46.16 | $96,010 |
Mechanical Engineers – Highest Proportional Concentrations by Metropolitan Area
The following shows the metropolitan areas with the highest concentration of jobs, relative to the nation as a whole, for mechanical engineers.
| Metropolitan area | Employment | Employment per thousand jobs | Location quotient | Hourly mean wage | Annual mean wage |
| Jackson, MI | 1,070 | 18.04 | 8.83 | $43.56 | $90,610 |
| Warren-Troy-Farmington Hills, MI Metropolitan Division | 21,970 | 17.84 | 8.73 | $45.11 | $93,830 |
| Detroit-Dearborn-Livonia, MI Metropolitan Division | 11,140 | 15.15 | 7.42 | $46.34 | $96,380 |
| Niles-Benton Harbor, MI | 890 | 14.19 | 6.95 | $45.38 | $94,400 |
| California-Lexington Park, MD | 510 | 11.22 | 5.49 | $45.24 | $94,110 |
| Columbus, IN | 480 | 9.89 | 4.84 | $33.31 | $69,280 |
| Sheboygan, WI | 530 | 9.18 | 4.49 | $42.51 | $88,410 |
| Decatur, IL | 350 | 7.08 | 3.46 | $46.87 | $97,490 |
| Kokomo, IN | 270 | 6.88 | 3.37 | $40.09 | $83,380 |
| Grand Rapids-Wyoming, MI | 3,750 | 6.79 | 3.32 | $35.06 | $72,920 |
Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, Hand Outlook
Laborers and freight, stock, and material movers, and is projected to be one of the largest occupations in the Transportation Equipment Manufacturing industry.
Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, Hand – Size and Growth
The following indicates the projected size and growth for laborers and freight, stock, and material movers, hand.
| Occupation | 2026 Projected Employment (in thousands) | 2026 Projected Percent of Subsector | Percent Employment Change (2016-2026) | Education Requirements | OJT Requirements |
| Laborers and freight, stock, and material movers, hand | 31.9 | 2.0 | 3.9 | No formal educational credential | Short-term on-the-job training |
Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, Hand – Highest Proportional Concentrations by State
The following shows the states with the highest concentration of jobs, relative to the nation as a whole, for laborers and freight, stock, and material movers, hand.
| State | Employment | Employment per thousand jobs | Location quotient | Hourly mean wage | Annual mean wage |
| Tennessee | 89,010 | 30.53 | 1.61 | $13.75 | $28,610 |
| New Jersey | 120,110 | 29.97 | 1.58 | $14.33 | $29,810 |
| Kentucky | 54,340 | 28.96 | 1.52 | $13.63 | $28,360 |
| Georgia | 118,700 | 27.58 | 1.45 | $13.07 | $27,190 |
| Indiana | 81,510 | 27.00 | 1.42 | $14.43 | $30,020 |
Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, Hand – Highest Proportional Concentrations by Metropolitan Area
The following shows the metropolitan areas with the highest concentration of jobs, relative to the nation as a whole, for laborers and freight, stock, and material movers, hand.
| Metropolitan area | Employment | Employment per thousand jobs | Location quotient | Hourly mean wage | Annual mean wage |
| Chambersburg-Waynesboro, PA | 4,140 | 72.80 | 3.83 | $17.01 | $35,380 |
| Memphis, TN-MS-AR | 39,640 | 64.15 | 3.37 | $13.75 | $28,610 |
| Elgin, IL Metropolitan Division | 13,370 | 53.09 | 2.79 | $12.61 | $26,240 |
| Scranton–Wilkes-Barre–Hazleton, PA | 12,300 | 47.72 | 2.51 | $14.88 | $30,950 |
| Gainesville, GA | 4,010 | 47.35 | 2.49 | $12.25 | $25,480 |
| Dalton, GA | 2,980 | 45.21 | 2.38 | $11.52 | $23,970 |
| Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA-NJ | 16,150 | 45.00 | 2.37 | $14.29 | $29,730 |
| Stockton-Lodi, CA | 10,380 | 42.77 | 2.25 | $18.63 | $38,750 |
| Savannah, GA | 7,270 | 42.59 | 2.24 | $15.17 | $31,550 |
| Spartanburg, SC | 6,270 | 42.02 | 2.21 | $13.37 | $27,800 |
Aircraft Structure, Surfaces, Rigging, and Systems Assemblers Outlook
Aircraft structure, surfaces, rigging, and systems assemblers is projected to be one of the largest occupations in the Transportation Equipment Manufacturing industry.
Aircraft Structure, Surfaces, Rigging, and Systems Assemblers – Size and Growth
The following indicates the projected size and growth for aircraft structure, surfaces, rigging, and systems assemblers.
| Occupation | 2026 Projected Employment (in thousands) | 2026 Projected Percent of Subsector | Percent Employment Change (2016-2026) | Education Requirements | OJT Requirements |
| Aircraft structure, surfaces, rigging, and systems assemblers | 31.1 | 2.0 | -18.5 | High school diploma or equivalent | Moderate-term on-the-job training |
Aircraft Structure, Surfaces, Rigging, and Systems Assemblers – Highest Proportional Concentrations by State
The following shows the states with the highest concentration of jobs, relative to the nation as a whole, for aircraft structure, surfaces, rigging, and systems assemblers.
| State | Employment | Employment per thousand jobs | Location quotient | Hourly mean wage | Annual mean wage |
| Kansas | 7,870 | 5.75 | 19.92 | $26.18 | $54,460 |
| Alabama | 1,410 | 0.73 | 2.54 | $23.96 | $49,830 |
| Connecticut | 1,180 | 0.71 | 2.47 | $34.06 | $70,850 |
| Oklahoma | 1,100 | 0.70 | 2.42 | $22.55 | $46,900 |
| Georgia | 2,790 | 0.65 | 2.25 | $27.65 | $57,510 |
Aircraft Structure, Surfaces, Rigging, and Systems Assemblers – Highest Proportional Concentrations by Metropolitan Area
The following shows the metropolitan areas with the highest concentration of jobs, relative to the nation as a whole, for aircraft structure, surfaces, rigging, and systems assemblers.
| Metropolitan area | Employment | Employment per thousand jobs | Location quotient | Hourly mean wage | Annual mean wage |
| Wichita, KS | 7,640 | 25.77 | 89.32 | $26.44 | $54,990 |
| Palm Bay-Melbourne-Titusville, FL | 300 | 1.43 | 4.95 | $21.87 | $45,490 |
| Bremerton-Silverdale, WA | 80 | 0.97 | 3.35 | $31.74 | $66,020 |
| Hartford-West Hartford-East Hartford, CT | 530 | 0.91 | 3.16 | $25.91 | $53,890 |
| San Diego-Carlsbad, CA | 860 | 0.60 | 2.09 | $20.61 | $42,880 |
| Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA | 1,060 | 0.41 | 1.41 | $28.97 | $60,250 |
| Phoenix-Mesa-Scottsdale, AZ | 500 | 0.25 | 0.87 | $25.03 | $52,070 |
| Los Angeles-Long Beach-Glendale, CA Metropolitan Division | 1,090 | 0.25 | 0.86 | $24.27 | $50,480 |
| Anaheim-Santa Ana-Irvine, CA Metropolitan Division | 350 | 0.21 | 0.74 | $18.88 | $39,260 |
| Kansas City, MO-KS | 190 | 0.18 | 0.62 | $18.41 | $38,290 |
Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic Outlook
Cutting, punching, and press machine setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic is projected to be one of the largest occupations in the Transportation Equipment Manufacturing industry.
Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic – Size and Growth
The following indicates the projected size and growth for cutting, punching, and press machine setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic.
| Occupation | 2026 Projected Employment (in thousands) | 2026 Projected Percent of Subsector | Percent Employment Change (2016-2026) | Education Requirements | OJT Requirements |
| Cutting, punching, and press machine setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic | 27.2 | 1.7 | -5.5 | High school diploma or equivalent | Moderate-term on-the-job training |
Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic – Highest Proportional Concentrations by State
The following shows the states with the highest concentration of jobs, relative to the nation as a whole, for cutting, punching, and press machine setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic.
| State | Employment | Employment per thousand jobs | Location quotient | Hourly mean wage | Annual mean wage |
| Michigan | 20,000 | 4.68 | 3.54 | $17.59 | $36,580 |
| Indiana | 12,950 | 4.29 | 3.25 | $15.70 | $32,650 |
| Wisconsin | 9,920 | 3.51 | 2.65 | $17.93 | $37,290 |
| Ohio | 17,380 | 3.24 | 2.45 | $16.07 | $33,430 |
| Alabama | 6,090 | 3.17 | 2.40 | $15.38 | $31,990 |
Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic – Highest Proportional Concentrations by Metropolitan Area
The following shows the metropolitan areas with the highest concentration of jobs, relative to the nation as a whole, for cutting, punching, and press machine setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic.
| Metropolitan area | Employment | Employment per thousand jobs | Location quotient | Hourly mean wage | Annual mean wage |
| Florence-Muscle Shoals, AL | 690 | 12.96 | 9.80 | $17.36 | $36,120 |
| Mansfield, OH | 630 | 12.58 | 9.51 | $12.84 | $26,710 |
| Elkhart-Goshen, IN | 1,490 | 11.73 | 8.87 | $14.83 | $30,850 |
| Wausau, WI | 580 | 8.31 | 6.29 | $18.09 | $37,630 |
| Niles-Benton Harbor, MI | 430 | 6.86 | 5.19 | $14.78 | $30,750 |
| Lafayette-West Lafayette, IN | 630 | 6.80 | 5.14 | $23.31 | $48,490 |
| Sheboygan, WI | 390 | 6.77 | 5.12 | $20.00 | $41,610 |
| Staunton-Waynesboro, VA | 300 | 6.34 | 4.80 | $19.23 | $39,990 |
| Grand Rapids-Wyoming, MI | 3,370 | 6.11 | 4.62 | $15.03 | $31,260 |
| Michigan City-La Porte, IN | 240 | 5.98 | 4.52 | $16.63 | $34,590 |
Computer Numerically Controlled Machine Tool Programmers, Metal and Plastic Outlook
Computer numerically controlled machine tool programmers, metal and plastic is projected to be one of the fastest growing occupations in the Transportation Equipment Manufacturing industry.
Computer Numerically Controlled Machine Tool Programmers, Metal and Plastic – Size and Growth
The following indicates the projected size and growth for computer numerically controlled machine tool programmers, metal and plastic.
| Occupation | 2026 Projected Employment (in thousands) | 2026 Projected Percent of Subsector | Percent Employment Change (2016-2026) | Education Requirements | OJT Requirements |
| Computer numerically controlled machine tool programmers, metal and plastic | 3.8 | 0.2 | 18.4 | High school diploma or equivalent | Long-term on-the-job training |
Computer Numerically Controlled Machine Tool Programmers, Metal and Plastic – Highest Proportional Concentrations by State
The following shows the states with the highest concentration of jobs, relative to the nation as a whole, for computer numerically controlled machine tool programmers, metal and plastic.
| State | Employment | Employment per thousand jobs | Location quotient | Hourly mean wage | Annual mean wage |
| Wisconsin | 1,420 | 0.50 | 3.01 | $25.89 | $53,860 |
| Michigan | 2,100 | 0.49 | 2.95 | $24.99 | $51,990 |
| Connecticut | 770 | 0.47 | 2.79 | $32.34 | $67,270 |
| Kansas | 610 | 0.44 | 2.67 | $29.18 | $60,700 |
| New Hampshire | 230 | 0.36 | 2.13 | $28.26 | $58,790 |
Computer Numerically Controlled Machine Tool Programmers, Metal and Plastic – Highest Proportional Concentrations by Metropolitan Area
The following shows the metropolitan areas with the highest concentration of jobs, relative to the nation as a whole, for computer numerically controlled machine tool programmers, metal and plastic.
| Metropolitan area | Employment | Employment per thousand jobs | Location quotient | Hourly mean wage | Annual mean wage |
| Jackson, MI | 130 | 2.22 | 13.28 | $25.46 | $52,960 |
| Wichita, KS | 330 | 1.12 | 6.71 | $35.34 | $73,520 |
| Niles-Benton Harbor, MI | 70 | 1.06 | 6.35 | $25.37 | $52,770 |
| Anniston-Oxford-Jacksonville, AL | 40 | 1.00 | 5.99 | $21.66 | $45,050 |
| Racine, WI | 70 | 0.94 | 5.64 | $21.51 | $44,750 |
| Florence-Muscle Shoals, AL | 50 | 0.90 | 5.39 | $18.51 | $38,500 |
| Haverhill-Newburyport-Amesbury Town, MA-NH NECTA Division | 60 | 0.88 | 5.25 | $29.67 | $61,700 |
| Mansfield, OH | 40 | 0.86 | 5.13 | $18.67 | $38,840 |
| Hartford-West Hartford-East Hartford, CT | 450 | 0.77 | 4.62 | $34.71 | $72,210 |
| Rockford, IL | 110 | 0.76 | 4.57 | $25.25 | $52,510 |
Operations Research Analysts Outlook
Operations research analysts is projected to be one of the fastest growing occupations in the Transportation Equipment Manufacturing industry.
Operations Research Analysts – Size and Growth
The following indicates the projected size and growth for operations research analysts.
| Occupation | 2026 Projected Employment (in thousands) | 2026 Projected Percent of Subsector | Percent Employment Change (2016-2026) | Education Requirements | OJT Requirements |
| Operations research analysts | 4.0 | 0.3 | 17.7 | Bachelor’s degree | None |
Operations Research Analysts – Highest Proportional Concentrations by State
The following shows the states with the highest concentration of jobs, relative to the nation as a whole, for operations research analysts.
| State | Employment | Employment per thousand jobs | Location quotient | Hourly mean wage | Annual mean wage |
| Virginia | 9,200 | 2.43 | 3.26 | $50.33 | $104,680 |
| Delaware | 960 | 2.16 | 2.91 | $44.43 | $92,410 |
| Maryland | 4,060 | 1.52 | 2.05 | $47.19 | $98,160 |
| Arizona | 3,810 | 1.41 | 1.89 | $34.58 | $71,930 |
| District of Columbia | 840 | 1.18 | 1.59 | $53.67 | $111,630 |
Operations Research Analysts – Highest Proportional Concentrations by Metropolitan Area
The following shows the metropolitan areas with the highest concentration of jobs, relative to the nation as a whole, for operations research analysts.
| Metropolitan area | Employment | Employment per thousand jobs | Location quotient | Hourly mean wage | Annual mean wage |
| California-Lexington Park, MD | 620 | 13.61 | 18.29 | $52.53 | $109,260 |
| Bloomington, IL | 900 | 10.10 | 13.57 | $43.75 | $90,990 |
| Dover-Durham, NH-ME | 210 | 4.12 | 5.54 | $43.42 | $90,310 |
| Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV Metropolitan Division | 7,640 | 3.03 | 4.08 | $52.03 | $108,220 |
| Wilmington, DE-MD-NJ Metropolitan Division | 870 | 2.51 | 3.38 | $44.37 | $92,280 |
| Huntsville, AL | 530 | 2.37 | 3.19 | $46.68 | $97,090 |
| Silver Spring-Frederick-Rockville, MD Metropolitan Division | 1,180 | 2.02 | 2.72 | $47.44 | $98,670 |
| Phoenix-Mesa-Scottsdale, AZ | 3,480 | 1.76 | 2.36 | $34.28 | $71,300 |
| Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA NECTA Division | 3,180 | 1.73 | 2.32 | $36.41 | $75,740 |
| Omaha-Council Bluffs, NE-IA | 800 | 1.65 | 2.22 | $31.46 | $65,430 |
Millwrights Outlook
Millwrights is projected to be one of the fastest growing occupations in the Transportation Equipment Manufacturing industry.
Millwrights – Size and Growth
The following indicates the projected size and growth for millwrights.
| Occupation | 2026 Projected Employment (in thousands) | 2026 Projected Percent of Subsector | Percent Employment Change (2016-2026) | Education Requirements | OJT Requirements |
| Millwrights | 4.3 | 0.3 | 15.4 | High school diploma or equivalent | Apprenticeship |
Millwrights – Highest Proportional Concentrations by State
The following shows the states with the highest concentration of jobs, relative to the nation as a whole, for millwrights.
| State | Employment | Employment per thousand jobs | Location quotient | Hourly mean wage | Annual mean wage |
| Mississippi | 1,140 | 1.02 | 3.52 | $22.57 | $46,950 |
| Indiana | 2,310 | 0.76 | 2.64 | $25.95 | $53,980 |
| Alaska | 230 | 0.71 | 2.45 | $28.51 | $59,310 |
| Louisiana | 1,300 | 0.68 | 2.35 | $25.49 | $53,020 |
| Iowa | 1,050 | 0.68 | 2.35 | $25.90 | $53,870 |
Millwrights – Highest Proportional Concentrations by Metropolitan Area
The following shows the metropolitan areas with the highest concentration of jobs, relative to the nation as a whole, for millwrights.
| Metropolitan area | Employment | Employment per thousand jobs | Location quotient | Hourly mean wage | Annual mean wage |
| Kokomo, IN | 240 | 6.18 | 21.29 | $35.05 | $72,890 |
| Longview, WA | 200 | 5.38 | 18.55 | $31.66 | $65,860 |
| Saginaw, MI | 290 | 3.44 | 11.86 | $28.38 | $59,040 |
| Florence, SC | 230 | 2.67 | 9.20 | $23.49 | $48,850 |
| Alexandria, LA | 150 | 2.50 | 8.60 | $28.06 | $58,370 |
| Albany, OR | 100 | 2.34 | 8.05 | $22.46 | $46,730 |
| Mount Vernon-Anacortes, WA | 100 | 2.07 | 7.13 | $28.17 | $58,600 |
| Cedar Rapids, IA | 280 | 1.98 | 6.81 | $26.32 | $54,740 |
| Gary, IN Metropolitan Division | 420 | 1.57 | 5.42 | $26.73 | $55,600 |
| Gulfport-Biloxi-Pascagoula, MS | 230 | 1.55 | 5.34 | (8) | (8) |
Industrial Machinery Mechanics Outlook
Industrial machinery mechanics is projected to be one of the fastest growing occupations in the Transportation Equipment Manufacturing industry.
Industrial Machinery Mechanics – Size and Growth
The following indicates the projected size and growth for industrial machinery mechanics.
| Occupation | 2026 Projected Employment (in thousands) | 2026 Projected Percent of Subsector | Percent Employment Change (2016-2026) | Education Requirements | OJT Requirements |
| Industrial machinery mechanics | 23.0 | 1.4 | 14.2 | High school diploma or equivalent | Long-term on-the-job training |
Industrial Machinery Mechanics – Highest Proportional Concentrations by State
The following shows the states with the highest concentration of jobs, relative to the nation as a whole, for industrial machinery mechanics.
| State | Employment | Employment per thousand jobs | Location quotient | Hourly mean wage | Annual mean wage |
| Wyoming | 2,080 | 7.77 | 3.25 | $31.79 | $66,130 |
| Alabama | 10,720 | 5.58 | 2.33 | $24.40 | $50,750 |
| Michigan | 20,100 | 4.70 | 1.96 | $25.00 | $52,000 |
| Kentucky | 8,650 | 4.61 | 1.92 | $24.86 | $51,700 |
| Mississippi | 5,150 | 4.60 | 1.92 | $23.35 | $48,580 |
Industrial Machinery Mechanics – Highest Proportional Concentrations by Metropolitan Area
The following shows the metropolitan areas with the highest concentration of jobs, relative to the nation as a whole, for industrial machinery mechanics.
| Metropolitan area | Employment | Employment per thousand jobs | Location quotient | Hourly mean wage | Annual mean wage |
| Dalton, GA | 1,340 | 20.27 | 8.47 | $20.16 | $41,930 |
| Odessa, TX | 990 | 14.46 | 6.04 | $25.09 | $52,180 |
| Battle Creek, MI | 670 | 12.03 | 5.02 | $25.92 | $53,920 |
| Farmington, NM | 580 | 11.96 | 4.99 | $27.11 | $56,390 |
| Pine Bluff, AR | 310 | 10.03 | 4.19 | $27.86 | $57,940 |
| Tuscaloosa, AL | 980 | 9.77 | 4.08 | $29.26 | $60,860 |
| Midland, TX | 850 | 9.62 | 4.02 | $27.92 | $58,070 |
| Spartanburg, SC | 1,430 | 9.58 | 4.00 | $25.95 | $53,980 |
| Casper, WY | 350 | 9.30 | 3.88 | $28.18 | $58,610 |
| Bowling Green, KY | 680 | 9.19 | 3.84 | $24.07 | $50,060 |
Software Developers, Applications Outlook
Software developers, applications is projected to be one of the fastest growing occupations in the Transportation Equipment Manufacturing industry.
Software Developers, Applications – Size and Growth
The following indicates the projected size and growth for software developers, applications.
| Occupation | 2026 Projected Employment (in thousands) | 2026 Projected Percent of Subsector | Percent Employment Change (2016-2026) | Education Requirements | OJT Requirements |
| Software developers, applications | 12.0 | 0.8 | 12.5 | Bachelor’s degree | None |
Software Developers, Applications – Highest Proportional Concentrations by State
The following shows the states with the highest concentration of jobs, relative to the nation as a whole, for software developers, applications.
| State | Employment | Employment per thousand jobs | Location quotient | Hourly mean wage | Annual mean wage |
| Washington | 51,540 | 16.17 | 2.71 | $63.19 | $131,430 |
| New Jersey | 43,760 | 10.92 | 1.83 | $51.46 | $107,040 |
| Colorado | 27,210 | 10.65 | 1.79 | $50.30 | $104,620 |
| Delaware | 4,640 | 10.48 | 1.76 | $49.16 | $102,250 |
| Virginia | 35,960 | 9.49 | 1.59 | $53.37 | $111,010 |
Software Developers, Applications – Highest Proportional Concentrations by Metropolitan Area
The following shows the metropolitan areas with the highest concentration of jobs, relative to the nation as a whole, for software developers, applications.
| Metropolitan area | Employment | Employment per thousand jobs | Location quotient | Hourly mean wage | Annual mean wage |
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA | 48,750 | 44.77 | 7.51 | $63.55 | $132,170 |
| Seattle-Bellevue-Everett, WA Metropolitan Division | 47,920 | 29.09 | 4.88 | $64.33 | $133,810 |
| Boulder, CO | 4,980 | 27.89 | 4.68 | $50.32 | $104,670 |
| San Francisco-Redwood City-South San Francisco, CA Metropolitan Division | 30,120 | 26.98 | 4.53 | $70.96 | $147,590 |
| Trenton, NJ | 4,350 | 18.94 | 3.18 | $49.91 | $103,820 |
| Framingham, MA NECTA Division | 3,170 | 18.33 | 3.08 | $56.61 | $117,750 |
| Nashua, NH-MA NECTA Division | 2,310 | 17.46 | 2.93 | $52.24 | $108,670 |
| Durham-Chapel Hill, NC | 4,280 | 14.33 | 2.40 | $47.61 | $99,030 |
| Raleigh, NC | 8,520 | 14.04 | 2.36 | $48.54 | $100,960 |
| Austin-Round Rock, TX | 13,680 | 13.73 | 2.30 | $50.69 | $105,430 |
