Manufacturing Sector: Employment for All Workers
PRS30006011 • Economic Data from Federal Reserve Economic Data (FRED)
Latest Value
-0.50
Year-over-Year Change
-110.20%
Date Range
1/1/1988 - 4/1/2025
Summary
This indicator tracks the total number of workers employed in the U.S. manufacturing sector. It serves as a key metric for assessing the health and activity levels of the domestic manufacturing industry.
Analysis & Context
This economic indicator provides valuable insights into current market conditions and economic trends. The data is updated regularly by the Federal Reserve and represents one of the most reliable sources for economic analysis.
Understanding this metric helps economists, policymakers, and investors make informed decisions about economic conditions and future trends. The interactive chart above allows you to explore historical patterns and identify key trends over time.
About This Dataset
The Manufacturing Sector: Employment for All Workers indicator provides a broad measure of employment in the manufacturing segment of the U.S. economy. It captures both production and non-production workers, offering insight into overall staffing and operational trends within this critical economic sector.
Methodology
The data is collected through monthly surveys of U.S. businesses by the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Historical Context
This metric is closely watched by policymakers, economists, and market analysts as a barometer of manufacturing industry performance and broader economic conditions.
Key Facts
- Manufacturing employs over 12 million workers in the U.S.
- Manufacturing accounts for nearly 11% of total U.S. employment.
- The sector lost over 2 million jobs during the 2008-2009 recession.
FAQs
Q: What does this economic trend measure?
A: This indicator tracks the total number of workers employed in the U.S. manufacturing sector, including both production and non-production employees.
Q: Why is this trend relevant for users or analysts?
A: Manufacturing employment is a key indicator of the health and activity levels within this critical sector of the U.S. economy, providing insight into broader economic conditions.
Q: How is this data collected or calculated?
A: The data is collected through monthly surveys of U.S. businesses conducted by the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Q: How is this trend used in economic policy?
A: Policymakers, economists, and market analysts closely monitor this metric as a barometer of manufacturing industry performance and the broader economy.
Q: Are there update delays or limitations?
A: The data is released monthly with a relatively short delay, providing timely insights into current manufacturing employment trends.
Related Trends
Employment for Manufacturing: Railroad Rolling Stock Manufacturing (NAICS 3365) in the United States
IPUEN3365W010000000
Combined Inputs Costs for Manufacturing: Other Textile Product Mills (NAICS 3149) in the United States
IPUEN3149M021000000
Sectoral Output for Manufacturing: All Other Fabricated Metal Product Manufacturing (NAICS 33299) in the United States
IPUEN33299T301000000
Sectoral Output Price Deflator for Manufacturing: Wood Kitchen Cabinet and Countertop Manufacturing (NAICS 337110) in the United States
IPUEN337110T051000000
Employment for Manufacturing: Machine Shops (NAICS 332710) in the United States
IPUEN332710W200000000
Sectoral Output Price Deflator for Manufacturing: Ready-Mix Concrete Manufacturing (NAICS 32732) in the United States
IPUEN32732T050000000
Citation
U.S. Federal Reserve, Manufacturing Sector: Employment for All Workers (PRS30006011), retrieved from FRED.