Overview of Auto Manufacturing in the U.S.
Automobile manufacturing remains a crucial source of employment across America, employing over a million people in 2025. From the rich heritage of Detroit’s Motor City in Michigan to the emerging manufacturing plants in Southern states like Kentucky and Alabama, the U.S. boasts several key vehicle manufacturing hubs.
Top 10 States by Auto Manufacturing Jobs
This infographic ranks the top 10 U.S. states by total auto manufacturing jobs as of February 2025, using preliminary data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. It categorizes employment into vehicle manufacturing and assembly, body/trailer manufacturing, and vehicle parts manufacturing.
Employment Breakdown
The top 10 states collectively employ over 520,000 workers in auto manufacturing, which accounts for more than half of the industry's nationwide employment. Here’s how the top states rank:
- Michigan leads with 164,000 auto manufacturing jobs, representing over 15% of the national total. This dominance is fueled by legacy automakers like Ford, General Motors, and Stellantis (previously Chrysler).
- Indiana and Ohio are significant players in parts production, with Indiana also excelling in bodies and trailers manufacturing.
- Southern states, particularly Kentucky and Alabama, are becoming increasingly vital, attracting investments from foreign automakers such as Toyota, Hyundai, and Mercedes-Benz.
Current Trends in Employment
Despite the strong presence of these states, overall employment in U.S. auto manufacturing has decreased by 12.7% from the previous year, with the parts manufacturing segment hit the hardest at -17.8%. California has experienced the largest drop in jobs within this segment, falling 6.5% since February 2024.
Challenges Facing the U.S. Auto Industry
The U.S. auto industry faces challenges due to recent tariffs imposed by the Trump administration, including a 25% levy on imported auto parts and fully assembled vehicles. According to S&P Global, U.S. light vehicle sales are expected to decline by 700,000 units in 2025, with North American production projected to drop by nearly 1.3 million units due to these tariffs. Consequently, increased manufacturing costs are likely to lead to higher vehicle prices.
Explore More on the Voronoi App
If you found this infographic insightful, check out more engaging graphics on the Voronoi app, including the Favorite Car Brands of America’s Ultra-Wealthy.
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