Cleveland’s manufacturing employment outlook in 2024 appears to be fairly steady. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reported 119,600 manufacturing jobs in November 2023. This number was 0.2% lower than the previous November.
The BLS reported that Cleveland’s unemployment rate was 2.7% in November 2023. This was a decrease of 0.9% from the previous November.
Learn more about Cleveland’s manufacturing employment outlook in 2024.
Cleveland’s Growing Population
Younger workers are moving to the Cleveland area to find more affordable living. Many of these workers likely are looking for jobs in manufacturing. These workers are needed to replace baby boomers who are retiring and workers who are leaving manufacturing for other industries.
Having popular online magazines rank Cleveland as a top city to live in further increases the attraction to the city:
- In 2023, Forbes Advisor named Cleveland, Columbus, and Cincinnati among the top 10 places for young professionals to live. The ranks were based on employment and pay, housing affordability, lifestyle, and cost of living.
- Medium’s 2023 Best of the Midwest: Startup City Rankings included Cleveland, Columbus, and Cincinnati. The ranks were based on an annual deep dive into understanding how micro-environments in the Midwest perform relative to each other in terms of startup activity, access to resources, and business climate.
These rankings encourage manufacturing workers to live and find jobs in Cleveland.
Cleveland’s Workforce Training Opportunities
Two Cleveland colleges provide manufacturing career training programs for students:
- Ohio Technical College offers more than a dozen hands-on, automotive-related training programs that include manufacturing, repair, and restoration.
- Cuyahoga Community College has one of the largest Manufacturing Technology Centers in the country.
Many graduates of these colleges start their manufacturing careers in Cleveland. The graduates who remain long-term provide additional value to area employers and the economy.
Ohio’s Minimum Wage Increase
Ohio’s minimum wage increased to $10.45 per hour for non-tipped employees on January 1, 2024. This increase is tied to the rate of inflation as determined by the Consumer Price Index.
Since the Ohio Constitution requires the state’s minimum wage to be adjusted annually for inflation, the minimum wage is likely to increase again in future years. As a result, each increase likely will impact manufacturing employees.
Cleveland’s Ideal Location for Manufacturing
Cleveland is located on Lake Erie and near the convergence of many railroad lines. This location creates an ideal place to receive coal, iron ore, and other raw materials for manufacturing.
Cleveland has a long history of production, a dedicated workforce, and a considerably low cost of doing business compared to similar coastal cities. These characteristics enhance the city’s ability to attract manufacturing firms and create jobs.
Cleveland Is Home to Major Manufacturing Firms
Two world-famous manufacturing firms are located in Cleveland:
- Sherwin-Williams has been in Cleveland since its founding in 1866. The company is one of the largest producers of paints in the United States and distributes worldwide.
- Northern Stamping Inc. grew from a simple stamping plant serving the automotive industry in 1989 to a design, engineering, and manufacturing firm in the mid-1990s. General Motors awarded the company a series of redesigned stamps and complex welding assemblies for its pickup trucks and sports utility vehicles. Because of ongoing development, Northern Stamping Inc. currently operates out of two buildings totaling approximately 227,000 square feet.
Cleveland’s Economic Development
The ongoing focus on growth, innovation, and economic development in Cleveland is helping the manufacturing industry rebound from the coronavirus pandemic. As a result, the city continues to produce steel and metals that account for a significant portion of the national output.
The Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Manufacturing Jobs
Artificial intelligence (AI) is being used to automate tasks, improve efficiency, and make better business decisions. For instance, AI-powered robots are used to assemble products.
Small and midsize manufacturing firms are using automation and other AI-powered technologies to increase productivity without hiring additional employees. Therefore, AI likely will eliminate certain manufacturing jobs and create new ones. As a result, many manufacturing employees are developing additional skills to maintain employability.
Technological Advancements Increase Manufacturing GDP
The implementation of the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT), 3D printing, and other innovative technologies is expected to significantly grow Northeastern Ohio’s GDP through 2025. The use of these technologies provides thousands of high-tech manufacturing jobs. As a result, there are increasing opportunities for manufacturing employees to develop the skills required to fill these roles.
Do You Need Help to Hire Manufacturing Employees in Cleveland?
Vector Technical can place you with manufacturing workers to fill your Cleveland company’s hiring needs. Contact us to learn more today.
