Hiring in U.S. Manufacturing Struggles in June

The latest employment summary from the U.S. Department of Labor finds employment levels in U.S. manufacturing declined by 7,000 jobs in June. This follows a loss of 8,000 jobs in May and 1,000 jobs in April.

Meanwhile, the overall jobs report found the U.S. economy added 147,000 jobs in June, roughly in line with the 139,000 jobs gained in May. The unemployment rate was unchanged at 4.1%. Employment gains were led by state government and health care.

Additionally, the latest Job Openings and Labor Turnover survey finds that unfilled positions in U.S. manufacturing increased to 416,000 unfilled positions in May, compared to 381,000 open positions in March. (JOLTS data runs a month behind).

Meanwhile, a more in-depth look at the data from the Labor Department finds some notable gains—and losses within specific subsectors. Let’s take a look:

U.S. Manufacturing Hiring Trends in June 2025

In June, losses were led by the durable goods sector, which shed 5,000 jobs. Meanwhile, nondurable goods lost 2,000 jobs, for a total loss of 7,000 jobs for the sector.  Next, we’ll explore gains and losses in specific industry subsectors. 

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The Manufacturing Sectors That Lost Jobs in June 2025

Employment losses in June were spread out across a range of sectors and were sharpest in computer & electronics manufacturing (-4,900 jobs); navigation, measuring & control instruments (-3,600); rubber/plastics (3,400)food manufacturing (-3,100);wood products (-2,100); machinery manufacturing (-1,600); and fabricated metals (1,500). manufacturing (-900 jobs).

Additional marginal losses were seen in primary metals manufacturing; motor vehicles; communications equipment; semiconductors, and more.

The Manufacturing Industries That Gained Jobs in June 2025

June manufacturing job gains were led paper manufacturing (+2,300 jobs) furniture & related product manufacturing (+2,100 jobs); transportation equipment (+1,500 jobs); and electrical equipment (+1,100 jobs). Marginal gains were also seen in chemical manufacturing; petroleum & coal products; beverage, tobacco & leather; nonmetallic minerals; and computer & peripheral equipment manufacturing. 

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Source: https://www.bls.gov/news.release/empsit.t17.htm

Editor's note: This article is updated on the first Friday of every month, based on the latest data released by the Department of Labor.