The people who make things in Lehigh Valley are younger, more educated, and more diverse than they were 15 years ago.
A new analysis by Lehigh Valley Economic Development Corporation (LVEDC) reveals how the workforce has evolved since 2010, a period of remarkable change and growth in an industry adopting new technologies. During this time, manufacturing employment in the region grew three times faster than the national rate, creating new opportunities for workers with a wide range of skills and backgrounds.
In recognition of National Manufacturing Month, LVEDC analyzed federal and industry workforce data to examine how the people powering one of Lehigh Valley’s most important industries have changed.
Here are three trends shaping the region’s manufacturing workforce and why they matter.
More Educated Workforce
The Data: Manufacturing employees with a postsecondary education (ranging from a certificate to a degree) have outpaced the growth of manufacturing employees with only a high school diploma. Workers with a postsecondary education have increased by 33.8%, more than four times the rate of workers with a high school diploma (8.1%).
Why it Matters: From medical devices to food and beverages to semiconductors, the production occurring at the Lehigh Valley’s 700+ manufacturers is continuously adapting to technologies that improve scale and efficiency. Manufacturers are seeking employees with the skills to fill those roles, and a willingness to learn new skills that may be needed in the future, according to the 2026 Lehigh Valley Talent Study conducted by LVEDC. By skilling up, employees are advancing their careers and supporting their families. And having a well-educated labor force helps to attract and retain high quality manufacturers to the Lehigh Valley.
Younger Workforce
The Data: In 2010, workers aged 45-64 made up more than half of the manufacturing workforce. Today, workers aged 22-44 outnumber workers aged 45-64.
Why it Matters: Having a large base of younger workers strengthens the talent pipeline for employers, ensuring there is an ample workforce for the future.
More Diverse Workforce
The Data: Since 2010, the manufacturing workforce that is Hispanic or Latino has grown by 183%. And the number of female workers has increased by 24.7%.
Why it Matters: Lehigh Valley’s population has diversified as the region has grown to a record high in population. The diversification of the manufacturing workforce shows that those opportunities for family-sustaining careers are available to all parts of the growing, diversifying community.
Manufacturing in the Lehigh Valley
Twice in the past three years, Lehigh Valley has been ranked as the No. 1 mid-sized market in the U.S. for economic development. Manufacturing continues to be a leading driver of the Lehigh Valley economy.
More than 700 manufacturers collectively generate about $9 billion in output annually, which places the region among the Top 15% of markets nationwide for manufacturing. Manufacturing represents 16% of the Lehigh Valley’s Gross Domestic Product. Nationally, manufacturing is 11% of GDP.
Those companies make products including semiconductors and technology, medical equipment, HVAC filters, cement equipment, candy, beer, pet foods, battery storage systems, coffee, hydraulics, stainless-steel tubing, plastics, and food packaging, among others.
Lehigh Valley is home to global brands including Mack Trucks, Crayola, and Martin Guitar.
Eli Lilly and Company will break ground soon on the Lehigh Valley’s largest investment ever, a $3.5 billion pharmaceutical manufacturing campus that will employ 850 workers. It is the largest life sciences investment in Pennsylvania history.
Lehigh Valley is also home to the largest dairy investment in Pennsylvania history, with Chobani recently purchasing a factory to establish a $1.2 billion production center that will employ 900 people.
LVEDC analyzed manufacturing workforce data from the U.S. Census Bureau, Center for Economic Studies, and Chmura Economics JobsEQ.
Photos by LVEDC and Rick Kintzel