The names of regional manufacturers are probably familiar to you: AAR, Altec, Amsoil, Bendtec, Cirrus, IKONICS, IPS Cranes, Sappi, SCS Interiors, TriTec, USG, Ziegler CAT — and more. Companies like these offer some of the highest-paying gigs around — and demand for manufacturing jobs only continues to grow in the Northland.
Manufacturing is a powerhouse of an industry in Northeast Minnesota and Northwest Wisconsin, contributing a whopping $52.7 billion to Minnesota’s economy and $63 billion to Wisconsin’s economy.
In Northeast Minnesota specifically, 344 manufacturers employ 8,728 workers, paying an average $60,944 annual salary. Within manufacturing, the highest wages are paid by the paper manufacturing industry, with an average annual wage of $89,128. That’s nearly twice the average wage in the area.
Keep an eye on our events page for Manufacturing Month highlights, such as Lake Superior College’s Manufacturing Career Night on October 23. Manufacturing employers will be in attendance at these events, ready to meet with students and professionals who are interested in breaking into this industry!
- Wisconsin Manufacturing: State of Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development
- Minnesota Manufacturing: Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development