Southeast Minnesota is a health care and agricultural powerhouse. The region is home to the renowned Mayo Clinic and some of the world's most recognized food companies and brands.
Advanced manufacturing is especially strong here, with machinery, chemicals, and electronics among the top products.
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As Manufacturing Month approaches, it's time to shine light on this vital industry in Southeast Minnesota.
9/15/2025 10:52:56 AM
Amanda Blaschko
As Manufacturing Month approaches, it's time to shine light on this vital industry in Southeast Minnesota. Manufacturing remains the region's second largest industry, with 35,968 jobs across 659 firms, representing 14.6% of total jobs in the region. While the sector experienced a decline of 2,766 jobs from 2019 to 2024, representing a 7.1% decrease, wages have continued to rise, averaging $77,480, which is well above the regional average of $66,560. The sector's 659 firms generate $2.8 billion in total payroll. With many job vacancies available throughout the region, Manufacturing continues to offer promising career paths for job seekers.
| Manufacturing Industry Statistics in Southeast Minnesota, 2024 | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Industry | 2024 | 2014-2024 | ||||
| Number of Jobs | Number of Firms | Total Payroll | Avg. Annual Wage | Numeric Change | Percent Change | |
| Total, All Industries | 247,153 | 13,740 | $16,454,245,246 | $66,560 | 11,771 | 5.0% |
| Manufacturing | 35,968 | 659 | $2,787,015,140 | $77,480 | -1,214 | -3.3% |
| Food Manufacturing | 10,682 | 104 | $774,423,118 | $72,384 | 370 | 3.6% |
| Machinery Manufacturing | 4,440 | 65 | $327,389,984 | $73,684 | 741 | 20.0% |
| Computer & Electronic Product Manufacturing | 4,147 | 27 | $512,870,020 | $123,604 | -845 | -16.9% |
| Fabricated Metal Product Manufacturing | 3,860 | 117 | $263,868,645 | $68,328 | -257 | -6.2% |
| Nonmetallic Mineral Product Manufacturing | 2,037 | 47 | $151,677,587 | $74,412 | -230 | -10.1% |
| Chemical Manufacturing | 1,555 | 26 | $144,213,952 | $92,508 | 502 | 47.7% |
| Plastics & Rubber Products Manufacturing | 1,425 | 21 | $88,187,037 | $61,880 | 256 | 21.9% |
| Furniture & Related Product Manufacturing | 1,398 | 43 | $89,027,575 | $63,752 | 106 | 8.2% |
| Miscellaneous Manufacturing | 1,362 | 60 | $75,993,306 | $55,796 | -708 | -34.2% |
| Printing & Related Support Activities | 1,065 | 44 | $57,827,824 | $54,236 | -484 | -31.2% |
| Primary Metal Manufacturing | 612 | 11 | $72,551,465 | $118,404 | 186 | 43.7% |
| Textile Product Mills | 571 | 10 | $40,152,320 | $70,252 | -70 | -10.9% |
| Paper Manufacturing | 554 | 6 | $37,356,646 | $67,496 | 177 | 46.9% |
| Wood Product Manufacturing | 534 | 30 | $28,034,873 | $52,728 | -41 | -7.1% |
| Transportation Equipment Manufacturing | 409 | 14 | $28,683,992 | $69,992 | -447 | -52.2% |
| Beverage & Tobacco Product Manufacturing | 192 | 22 | $3,176,022 | $16,536 | 117 | 156.0% |
| Electrical Equip., Appliance, & Component Mfg. | 187 | 6 | $15,495,930 | $82,940 | -455 | -70.9% |
| Source: Quarterly Census of Employment & Wages | ||||||
Three major subsectors employ more than half of all manufacturing jobs in the region. Food Manufacturing dominates with 10,682 jobs across 104 firms, and it's grown 1.9% since 2019. Machinery Manufacturing has 4,440 jobs at 65 firms, with average wages of $73,684 for skilled production work. Computer & Electronic Product Manufacturing rounds out the top three with 4,147 jobs at 27 firms, paying the highest wages in manufacturing at $123,604 annually.
Southeast Minnesota has strong manufacturing specializations, with certain subsectors making up a much larger share of local jobs than they do statewide. Textile Product Mills has a location quotient of 3.2, meaning this industry represents over three times its typical share compared to Minnesota overall. Food Manufacturing has a location quotient of 2.7, and Nonmetallic Mineral Product Manufacturing has 2.5, showing these industries are also highly concentrated in this region.
Five of fifteen subsectors have surpassed pre-pandemic employment levels. Chemical Manufacturing jumped 16.5% since 2019, while Primary Metal Manufacturing surged 30.8% over the same period. Other steady performers include Plastics, Rubber Products, and Paper Manufacturing. This mix creates job opportunities for workers at different skill levels, from entry-level production jobs to advanced technical positions that require specialized training.
With 654 production job vacancies in 2024 (down slightly from 690 in 2023), Southeast Minnesota manufacturers continue seeking workers across skill levels, with median wage offers of $21.65 per hour. The range of job vacancies shows how manufacturing has evolved beyond traditional assembly line work into specialized roles requiring different training paths.
Entry-level opportunities remain strong, led by Meat, Poultry & Fish Cutters & Trimmers with 95 openings with a median wage offer of $16.55 per hour. These positions provide direct pathways into the region's dominant Food Manufacturing sector. For workers seeking leadership roles, there were just over 50 First Line Supervisor positions that were offering $25.89 per hour, with 96% requiring prior experience and 19% seeking postsecondary education, reflecting clear career progression within manufacturing.
Likewise, the skilled trades continue showing exceptional demand, with Welders, Cutters, Solderers & Brazers offering a median wage of $31.32 per hour across 52 openings. With 80% requiring postsecondary certification, these positions show how today's production work increasingly rewards specialized training and credentials.
Manufacturing Month showcases an industry that's both traditional and transforming in Southeast Minnesota. The 659 firms generating $2.8 billion in payroll offer career paths ranging from immediate-start positions in food processing to high-skill trades requiring technical training. Whether someone is looking for their first job or ready to advance their manufacturing career, the current job market provides multiple entry points into this industry.
October is Manufacturing Month in Minnesota. You can find many Manufacturing Month resources, including information about career exploration and hiring events taking place throughout the month around the state at CareerForce.MN.gov/Manufacturing.
For more information about Manufacturing in Southeast Minnesota, contact Amanda Blaschko at Amanda.Blaschko@state.mn.us.
