A larger share of women in manufacturing at the national level, Illinois share remains steady
The manufacturing sector in the United States has undergone significant changes in recent decades, particularly concerning women's participation in manufacturing and the necessary skill set among the workforce. The industry has adapted to changes in the workforce and global market dynamics, resulting in a shift towards highly automated manufacturing environments that require a workforce with strong STEM skills. This shift has led to an increase in women's participation, especially in management positions, despite the traditionally male-dominated nature of manufacturing. The industry's susceptibility to economic downturns has been highlighted, but employment has been on the rise again in the most recent years, albeit with changes in job profiles and skill requirements. Education plays a crucial role in shaping employment prospects in the industry, with post-secondary education providing individuals with better opportunities to succeed. Initiatives that have been implemented
From 2001 to 2023 to attract more women to manufacturing, such as increasing women’s participation in STEM programs, demonstrate a concerted effort to address gender disparities and build a more diverse workforce. A recent story produced by the U.S. Census Bureau highlights these trends at a national level. According to the article, the share of women in manufacturing rose among all working-age groups at the national level between 2010 and 2020.
In Illinois, the total number of jobs in the manufacturing sector decreased from 839,749 in 2001 to 576,244 in 2023, while hitting a 25-year low of 555,406 during the pandemic in 2021. The overall trend in manufacturing employment in Illinois mirrors national trends. However, unlike the increased share of manufacturing jobs held by women over time at the national level, the share of manufacturing jobs held by women in Illinois has remained flat over time. In 2001 women held 31.8 percent of manufacturing jobs in Illinois and in 2023 women held 31.9 percent. Figure 1 below shows the trend of male and female manufacturing jobs in Illinois.
The manufacturing sector in the United States has undergone significant changes in recent decades, particularly concerning women's participation in manufacturing and the necessary skill set among the workforce. The industry has adapted to changes in the workforce and global market dynamics, resulting in a shift towards highly automated manufacturing environments that require a workforce with strong STEM skills. This shift has led to an increase in women's participation, especially in management positions, despite the traditionally male-dominated nature of manufacturing. The industry's susceptibility to economic downturns has been highlighted, but employment has been on the rise again in the most recent years, albeit with changes in job profiles
and skill requirements. Education plays a crucial role in shaping employment prospects in the industry, with post-secondary education providing individuals with better opportunities to succeed. Initiatives that have been implemented from 2001 to 2023 to attract more women to manufacturing, such as increasing women’s participation in STEM programs, demonstrate a concerted effort to address gender disparities and build a more diverse workforce. A recent story produced by the U.S. Census Bureau highlights these trends at a national level. According to the article, the share of women in manufacturing rose among all working-age groups at the national level between 2010 and 2020.
In Illinois, the total number of jobs in the manufacturing sector decreased from 839,749 in 2001 to 576,244 in 2023, while hitting a 25-year low of 555,406 during the pandemic in 2021. The overall trend in manufacturing employment in Illinois mirrors national trends. However, unlike the increased share of manufacturing jobs held by women over time at the national level, the share of manufacturing jobs held by women in Illinois has remained flat over time. In 2001 women held 31.8 percent of manufacturing jobs in Illinois and in 2023 women held 31.9 percent.
Figure 1 below shows the trend of male and female manufacturing jobs in Illinois.
The largest share of manufacturing jobs in Illinois are held by older workers
Between 2001 and 2023 there was a discernible shift in the age composition of the manufacturing workforce in Illinois. In 2001 people between the ages of 55-64 and 65 years and over held 12.7% and 2.7% of the manufacturing jobs, respectively. By 2023 their shares of manufacturing employment had grown to 22.8% and 8.1%. Conversely, the share of manufacturing employment held by young workers declined over the same time. In 2001 workers between the ages of 14-24 and 25-34 held 8.5% and 21.0% respectively. By 2023 their share of employment had shrunk to 6.8% and 17.8%. The proportion of manufacturing jobs held by 35-44 year olds also decreased, while 45-54 year olds increased their share.
Keeping up with current trends in Illinois' manufacturing sector is crucial for effective workforce planning and policymaking. It's essential to recognize the shift in age demographics and accommodate the needs of both younger and older workers to adapt to these changes. Workforce dynamics are shaped by various economic, demographic, and social factors, which can result in periods of growth and expansion, as well as economic downturns and recovery. Understanding these trends is vital for policymakers, employers, and individuals to overcome challenges, promote inclusive growth, and foster resilience in the labor market.
Figure 2: Manufacturing Jobs in Illinois by Age Groups 2001-2023
The racial composition of the manufacturing workforce has shifted over time, some groups remain under-represented.
The decline in manufacturing jobs in Illinois have impacted all racial groups except for individuals who identify as two or more races. 2023 manufacturing employment numbers for individuals who identify as White were at 65.1% of 2001 levels. Black or African American individuals saw the second largest decrease over the same time frame holding 84.5% of the number of manufacturing jobs in 2023 as compared to 2001. Similarly, all other racial groups saw a decrease over the time period which reflects the overall trend of job loss in the manufacturing sector. Individuals who identify as two more races saw an increase in employment in manufacturing between 2001 and 2023 (see Figure 3). However, much of this increase may be attributed to the changes in how the U.S. Census Bureau asks individuals about their racial identity starting with the 2020 Decennial Census. As a result of changes in data collection, the overall number of individuals who identify as two or more races increased significantly in the 2020 census.
Figure 3: Manufacturing Jobs by Race in Illinois Indexed to 2001 Employment Levels
In Illinois, an analysis of racial representation in the manufacturing workforce compared to population demographics sheds light on disparities and trends over the years. In 2010, individuals who identify as White constituted 72.5% of the population while holding 85.6% of manufacturing jobs, indicating over-representation compared to the demographic composition of the population. By 2022, although their population share decreased to 61.1%, White workers still held a considerable proportion (81.4%) of manufacturing roles, albeit showing a slight decrease in over-representation.
On the other hand, Black or African American individuals, comprising 14.5% of the population in 2010, were significantly under-represented in manufacturing jobs, holding only 7.4% of the positions. Despite a slight decrease in population share to 13.4% by 2022, Black or African Americans saw a rise in manufacturing job representation to 10.1%, though still indicating under-representation. Asian individuals were represented in manufacturing close to their overall proportion in the population. Asian individuals comprised 4.6% of the population in 2001 while holding 5.1% of the manufacturing jobs, in 2022 both their population share and share of manufacturing jobs held was 6.0 % (see Figure 4).
Figure 4: Racial Composition of the Population vs Manufacturing Workforce in Illinois
|
Illinois Population by Race |
||
|
|
2022 |
2010 |
|
White |
61.1% |
72.5% |
|
Black or African American |
13.4% |
14.5% |
|
American Indian and Alaska Native |
0.7% |
0.2% |
|
Asian |
6.0% |
4.6% |
|
Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander |
0.1% |
0.0% |
|
Two or more races |
10.9% |
1.9% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Illinois Manufacturing Jobs by Race |
||
|
|
2022 |
2010 |
|
White |
81.4% |
85.6% |
|
Black or African American |
10.1% |
7.4% |
|
American Indian or Alaska Native |
0.8% |
0.7% |
|
Asian Alone |
6.0% |
5.1% |
|
Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander |
0.2% |
0.1% |
|
Two or More Race Groups |
1.5% |
1.1% |
The U.S. Census Bureau collects race and ethnicity data separately including enumerating Hispanic or Latino and non-Hispanic or Latino populations. In 2010, Hispanic or Latino individuals of any race comprised 15.2% of the population while holding 19.1% of the manufacturing jobs in Illinois. In 2022, Hispanic or Latino individuals were still slightly over-represented in manufacturing comprising 18.3% of total population while holding 22% of manufacturing jobs.
In conclusion, the analysis of manufacturing job trends in Illinois reveals a nuanced landscape characterized by shifts in workforce demographics and disparities, though improvements, in representation. Despite the sector's challenges amidst economic fluctuations, notable trends emerge, including the increased participation of women at the national level, contrasted with Illinois' flat representation. Moreover, a demographic transition towards an older manufacturing workforce is evident, with implications for workforce planning and skill development initiatives. The trends also highlight persistent racial disparities in manufacturing job representation. Addressing these inequities requires concerted efforts from policymakers, employers, and stakeholders to implement inclusive strategies that foster diversity and provide equitable opportunities for all individuals in the manufacturing sector. By recognizing and addressing these challenges, Illinois can enhance its manufacturing workforce's resilience, promote economic growth, and foster a more inclusive and equitable labor market for all.