Did you know that over 70 percent of Americans view manufacturing as the most important industry for a strong economy and national defense, but only 30 percent of parents encourage their kids to enter manufacturing? Or that the manufacturing sector has added more than 700,000 jobs over the last four-and-a-half years and is growing at twice the rate of GDP? Clearly there is a disconnect. The future of American manufacturing is bright and provides many benefits, both in the number of high-quality, good paying job opportunities and the sector’s contribution to the U.S. economy.

Here is what manufacturing really looks like today:

• Manufacturing supports 17.4 million U.S. jobs
• Manufacturing career opportunities include engineers, designers, machinists, computer programmers among others
• The annual average salary of entry-level manufacturing engineers is nearly $60,000
• The annual average salary of manufacturing workers is more than $77,000, which is approximately 17% more than similar workers employed in other sectors
• For every $1.00 spent in manufacturing, the sector creates $1.32 for the U.S. economy
• Manufacturing comprises 12.5% of the American GDP
• In just five states manufacturing adds over half a trillion dollars to the economy

Manufacturing is vital to our economy and depends on a skilled workforce. Companies are reporting they have jobs they can’t fill due to a skills gap. Therefore, National Manufacturing Day, which takes place this year on October 3^rd, celebrates the contributions of manufacturing the U.S. economy and the wide variety of careers that it offers. Over 1000 manufacturers from around the country are opening their doors in an effort to inform and engage the public about the industry and to attract a new generation of manufacturing workers. Make sure to find and attend an event in your area!