U.S. Manufacturing Hiring Accelerates in April While Unfilled Positions Rise

The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported May 6th that hiring in the U.S. manufacturing sector accelerated in April, while unfilled positions in the sector rose. Today, we’re exploring the most recent manufacturing numbers from the Labor Department, providing the gains and losses by specific subsector, as well as the latest in manufacturing job openings. Let's take a look.

Hiring Trends in U.S. Manufacturing in April 2022

In April, U.S. manufacturers added 55,000 new positions, running ahead of the 33,000 jobs added in March, while the economy as a whole added 428,000 positions.

Meanwhile, the latest Job Openings and Labor Turnover survey finds that the number of job openings in manufacturing rose to 853,000 in March from 783,000 reported in February. Manufacturers continue to struggle with a labor shortage, with the ISM reporting more quits in April, and their employing index inching back accordingly.

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The Manufacturing Sectors That Added the Most Jobs in April 2022

In April, both durable and non-durable goods manufacturing added jobs, with durable goods adding 31,000 jobs and non-durable goods adding another 24,000.

Gains were led by transportation equipment, which added 13,700 jobs. The U.S. food manufacturing sector added another 7,900, while machinery gained 7,400 jobs.

Other sectors adding jobs included plastics and rubber products (+5,700); computer & electronic products (+3,700); fabricated metal products (+3,500) and printing/related support activities (+3,100).

The Manufacturing Industries That Lost Jobs in April 2022

Manufacturing job losses in April were few and far between, seen most heavily in miscellaneous durable goods manufacturing (-1,400); and furniture/related products (1,100). Other industries posting losses included apparel (-600) and textile product mills (-400).

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