February 24, 2025 The Growing Demand for Manufacturing & Logistics Talent

An analysis of 40 million job postings reveals top U.S. jobs—dominated by manufacturing & logistics.

By Doug Hammond, Randstad USA

The latest research from Randstad—the world’s leading talent company—has uncovered that the manufacturing and logistics industries play a key role in the rapidly changing U.S. labor market. An analysis of 40 million job postings revealed that many of the U.S.’s top 15 most in-demand jobs for 2025 fall under these sectors.

To meet evolving industry needs in a shifting economy, manufacturing and logistics employers must remain agile in their hiring strategies.

Keeping Up with the Logistics Boom

Due to the increasing scale of e-commerce and complexities in supply chains, the manufacturing and logistics sectors need to strategically prepare for talent solutions in 2025. These sectors remain key pillars of the U.S. economy, with a growing demand for workers such as warehouse laborers, machine operators and truck drivers—essential roles for maintaining efficiency in a fast-paced market.

Top 10 Manufacturing Jobs

The most in-demand jobs within the manufacturing sector for this year are:

1. Machine operator
2. Field service technician
3. Maintenance mechanic
4. Heavy equipment operator
5. Electrician
6. Production worker
7. Welder
8. Manufacturing manager
9. Millwright
10. Production scheduler

Top 10 Logistics Jobs

The most in-demand jobs within the logistics sector for this year are:

1. Warehouse associate
2. Forklift operator
3. Assembler
4. Driver
5. Dispatcher
6. Order filler
7. Warehouse supervisor
8. Logistics coordinator
9. Scheduler
10. Logistics manager

Employers who strategically fill these positions will ensure smooth operations while staying ahead of the curve in an evolving industry.

Competition for building a strong workforce is steep, as a variety of industries are looking to hire manufacturing and logistics professionals. The top hiring industries for these sectors are:

Manufacturing

1. Employment Placement Agencies
2. Electrical Contractors
3. Engineering Services
4. Machinery Manufacturing
5. Food Manufacturing

Logistics

1. General Freight Trucking, Long-Distance, Truckload
2. Employment Placement Agencies
3. Retail
4. Couriers and Delivery

Talent agencies are one of the leading recruiters for such roles, due to the flexible workforce solutions they provide employers. A strategic talent partner can help companies go beyond filling the number of people needed for their workforces and hire those with the right skills for in-demand positions.

Skilled Trades Resurgence

Skilled trades are experiencing a resurgence, presenting an opportunity for employers to invest in technical professionals who are vital to the U.S. workforce. The rising need for roles such as electricians and welders underscores a nationwide focus on infrastructure development and sustainability.

Professionals in each sector with the following skills are the most sought-after:

Manufacturing

• Machinery
• Hand tools
• Forklift trucks
• Continuous improvement process
• Good manufacturing practice (GMP)

Logistics

• Forklifts (counter balance, reach, cherry picker or walkie)
• Pallet jacks
• Purchasing
• Inventory management
• Warehousing
• Shipping and receiving

Equipping employees with credentials that back those skills is also crucial. The most useful certifications for professionals across the manufacturing and logistics sectors are:

• Forklift Certification
• Commercial Driver’s License (CDL)
• American Society for Quality (ASQ) Certification

As the labor market evolves, manufacturing and logistics employers must take a proactive approach to training and development to secure a stable workforce that drives long-term success.

Companies Adapt Alongside Technology

Workers skilled in programming and maintaining automated systems, like machine operators and field service technicians, are in high demand.

With continuous advancements in technology and automation, employers in the manufacturing and logistics sectors must hire professionals, capable of upskilling to leverage new technologies, who can bridge the gap between traditional and digital processes.

By offering clear advancement pathways paired with competitive compensation, employers can make it clear that manufacturing and logistics careers offer a rewarding path, with room for growth alongside evolving technology.

Salary expectations in manufacturing vary by experience level, as entry-level employees earn an average of $27/hour, mid-level earn $31/hour and senior-level earn $35/hour. Logistics jobs advertise similar averages, with entry-level employees at $27/hour, mid-level at $30/hour and senior-level at $34/hour.

While these numbers are averages for the entire U.S., Randstad USA offers a comprehensive salary guide which enables employers to view salary averages based on region, alongside key trends impacting their respective industries.

Looking Ahead

These insights reflect a labor market that, despite economic uncertainties, is expected to remain resilient in 2025. Employers that embrace industry growth and invest in the workforce will be well-equipped to navigate the future of work in manufacturing and logistics with confidence.

From warehousing to production to transportation, businesses need skilled employees who can adapt to industry advancements and drive continued growth. With a proactive hiring approach, a commitment to employee development, and a keen eye on industry trends, businesses in manufacturing and logistics can secure the talent necessary to sustain and improve operations.

About the Author:
As president of Operational Talent Solutions (OTS) at Randstad USA, a subsidiary of the world’s leading talent company, Doug Hammond is responsible for providing strategic direction and leading operational excellence. Hammond began his tenure with Randstad as a regional vice president in 2013 where he quickly developed a reputation for innovation and driving results. He holds an MBA from Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management and has a track record of providing vision and clarity, while driving organizational change.

Read more from the author:

The advantages of partnering with a recruitment agency | Randstad USA, January 29, 2024

5 HR automotive industry trends firms need to follow | Randstad USA, December 18, 2023

Subscribe to Industry Today