The recession has decimated many fields, but the manufacturing sector
-- once given up for dead -- is making a big comeback, thanks in part to
a revived U.S. auto industry.It's greatest among computer-controlled machine tool operators, an occupation that now has more workers than in 2007, according to a new study by Economic Modeling Specialists Intl. and CareerBuilder (an AOL Jobs sponsor). Machinists, engine assemblers and other production jobs also are on the upswing, nearing their pre-recession employment levels.
The report, which includes data for employees as well as self-employed workers, culled from more than 90 national and state employment resources, found four major areas of re-emerging jobs:
- Metal-Refining Furnace Operators and Tenders -- Employment increased 16 percent from 2010 to 2012, after declining 16 percent from 2007 to 2009.
- Computer-Controlled Machine Tool Operators, Metal and Plastic -- Employment increased 14 percent from 2010 to 2012, after declining 13 percent from 2007 to 2009.
- Pourers and Casters, Metal -- Employment increased 13 percent from 2010 to 2012, after declining 23 percent from 2007 to 2009.
- Engine and Other Machine Assemblers -- Employment increased 13 percent from 2010 to 2012, after declining 16 percent from 2007 to 2009.
Overall, CareerBuilder reports, manufacturing increased by 4 percent from 2010 to 2012. The jobs site notes these findings, in particular, from the report:
- Primary metal manufacturing added 47,000 new jobs (13 percent growth), at employers such as iron and steel mills, steel product manufacturing and foundries.
- Fabricated metal product manufacturing employment rose by 124,000 new jobs (10 percent growth), including shipping containers, forging and stamping, and machine shops.
- Machinery manufacturing increased by 118,000 new jobs (12 percent growth), including mining, agricultural machinery, engine and turbines, and plastic and rubber machinery manufacturing.
- Transportation equipment manufacturing grew by 140,000 new jobs (10 percent growth), at businesses that make cars, motor vehicle bodies, motor vehicle parts, railroad stock, and to a lesser degree, aerospace.
Source: AOL