Manufacturing Job Creation Since COVID-19

In terms of raw numbers, Ohio is a national leader in creating and regaining manufacturing jobs since the pandemic, adding nearly 30,000 positions since January 2021. According to Axios’ analysis, the Buckeye State is No. 4 for manufacturing jobs added over the last two-and-a-half years.

But when comparing manufacturing job growth rates, Ohio and other Midwestern states trail some southern states. Ned Hill, an economic development professor at The Ohio State University, says the lagging rates can be linked to slower population growth and a shortage of semi-skilled workers.

Some experts note that southern states have been more aggressive in preparing industrial sites, while offering right-to-work protections. (Ohio’s new biennial budget includes $750 million for industrial site development.) 8/15/2023