2026 Michigan Manufacturing Industry Workforce Analysis
Real-Time Demand

Source: The Conference Board-Lightcast Help Wanted OnLine®

Note: 2026 is a seven-month average from January through July 2026.

Note: An index year of 2021 means that advertisements in Manufacturing and the state were set equal to 100, and percent changes were calculated from there.

Due to its size within the state, Manufacturing online job advertisements generally trend in the same direction as the state. In 2025, the sector accounted for about 10 percent of unique active advertisements in the state with 102,800 ads. The first seven months of 2026 indicate an increase in Manufacturing ads compared to prior years, if the trend continues. Between January and July 2026, the average number of unique active advertisements per month was nearly 11,200 in the sector. In 2025, this average was 8,600 ads per month. 

The top 10 certifications and skills are based on how frequently they were listed in an online job advertisement from August 2025 to July 2026. Certifications are designated credentials earned by an individual to verify skills or knowledge gained to perform a job. Common skills are often called “foundational skills” and are defined as the nonspecialized skills that cut across a broad range of occupations. Lastly, specialized skills include professional and job-specific skills requested in job advertisements.

Common certifications and skills within Manufacturing included a commercial driver’s license, forklift certification, and problem solving skills.

Figure 12: Top Certifications and Skills (Aug 2025–Jul 2026), Michigan Manufacturing

Source: The Conference Board-Lightcast Help Wanted OnLine®

Note: Skills and certifications are sorted alphabetically rather than by number of ads they appeared in.