The job market for metal workers in the United States

There are currently an estimated 154,600 metal workers in the United States. The metal worker job market is expected to shrink by 3.8% between 2024 and 2034.

How employable are metal workers?

CareerExplorer rates metal workers with a F employability rating, meaning this career should provide poor employment opportunities for the foreseeable future. Over the next 10 years, it is expected the US will lose -5,800 metal workers.

Are metal workers in demand?

Demand and employment opportunities for metal workers are in decline. The principal reasons for this are technological advances and foreign competition. Labor-saving machinery, especially computer numerically controlled (CNC) machine tools and robots, is improving output quality and reducing production costs. This, in turn, is decreasing the levels of required manpower. The demand for metal workers is also directly affected by the demand for the parts they produce. As the manufacturing industries in both the United States and Canada face competition from abroad, the number of orders for parts made domestically is falling. In addition, some American and Canadian manufacturers have relocated their production facilities overseas, dramatically diminishing employment in North America. There is currently a drive to repatriate some exported jobs, which, if successful, could improve prospects for aspiring metal workers. Job seekers who are able to operate CNC machines and have an extensive background in machine operations will likely be the most sought-after candidates.

What’s the supply of metal workers?

The metal worker industry is concentrated in Michigan, Ohio, Illinois

Metal Worker job market by state