Manufacturing is the backbone of our economy. Although, over last decades, the service industry is growing rapidly but the manufacturing remains a major force and the biggest employment sector in our economy.
The latest data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) for the third quarter of 2008 identified 19,169 manufacturing establishments in the state employing 662,944 people. In Central Illinois there were 1,420 manufacturing establishments employing 69,789 people.
The U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) produces the Gross Domestic Product by State. The state’s GDP in 2007 was $609.6 billion. The manufacturing share was $76.6 billion.
You can virtually be anywhere in central Illinois or anywhere in the state and get a job in the manufacturing industry. Some of the top national leading manufacturers have plants in Illinois.
Post-secondary opportunities are available in many forms. Technical colleges offer one-and two-year programs in production and management. There are four-year degrees at several colleges and universities to pursue an education in manufacturing. Continuing education is an important part of the industry as new processes, products and methods are introduced. Industry association, manufacturer, technical colleges and on-line courses are among the many ways that workers can gain knowledge.
There are also various forms of scholarships and financial aids that are available for students who want to pursue higher education and a career in manufacturing. These are offered for all levels of education.
In Illinois, average earnings in the following occupations are higher than national average.
Electric Motor, power tool, and related repairs occupation
|
| Median Wages (2007) |
$16.41 hourly, $34,134 annual |
| Employment (2006) |
25,000 employees |
| Projected growth Decline slowly or moderately |
(-3% to -9%) |
| Projected need (2006-2016) |
10,000 additional employees |
| Projected need for Illinois (2006-2016) |
400 additional employees |
Electrical & Electronics Repairers, Commercial & Industrial Equipment
Median wages (2007)
|
$22.65 hourly, $47,110 annual |
| Employment (2006) |
Average (7% to 13%) |
| Projected growth (2006-2016) |
Average (7% to 13%) |
| Projected growth (2006-2016) |
33,000 additional employees |
| Projected need for Illinois (2006-2016) |
1,000 additional employees |
Production, Planning & Expediting Clerk
| Median wages (2007) |
$19.08 hourly, $39,690 annual |
| Employment (2006) |
293,000 employees |
| Projected growth (2006-2016) |
(3% to 6%) |
Projected need (2006-2016)
|
92,000 additional employees |
| Projected need for Illinois (2006-2016) |
3,900 additional employees |
Boilermakers
| Median wages (2007) |
$24.38 hourly, $50,700 annual |
| Employment (2006) |
18,000 employees |
| Projected growth (2006-2016) |
Faster than average (14% to 20%) |
| Projected need (2006-2016) |
9,000 additional employees |
| Projected need for Illinois (2006-2016) |
500 additional employees |
Cutters and Trimmers, Hand - Occupation Information
| Median wages (2007) |
$11.19 hourly, $23,280 annual |
| Employment (2006) |
29,000 employees |
| Projected growth (2006-2016) |
Decline slowly or moderately (-3% to -9%) |
| Projected need (2006-2016) |
4,000 additional employees |
| Projected need for Illinois (2006-2016) |
200 additional employees |
Welding, Soldering, and Brazing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders
| Median wages (2007) |
Projected need for Illinois (2006-2016) |
| Employment (2006) |
53,000 employees |
| Projected growth (2006-2016) |
Slower than average or moderately (3% to 6%) |
| Projected need (2006-2016) |
13,000 additional employees |
| Projected need for Illinois (2006-2016) |
500 additional employees |
Electrical and Electronic Equipment Assemblers
| Median wages (2007) |
$12.76 hourly, $26,540 annual |
| Employment (2006) |
213,000 employees |
| Projected growth (2006-2016) |
Decline slowly or moderately (-3% to -9%) |
| Projected need (2006-2016) |
11,000 additional employees |
| Projected need for Illinois (2006-2016) |
500 additional employees |
Engine and Other Machine Assemblers
| Median wages (2007) |
$15.14 hourly, $31,500 annual |
| Employment (2006) |
45,000 employees |
| Projected growth (2006-2016) |
Declined rapidly (- 10% or lower) |
| Projected need (2006-2016) |
36,000 additional employees |
| Projected need for Illinois (2006-2016) |
1400 additional employees
For other occupations that are not listed above related to manufacturing industry please visit http://online.onetcenter.org/
