South Carolina Study: Key Manufacturing Jobs Projected to Grow 12.6% through 2032

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A new study from the South Carolina Manufacturers and Commerce organization examines the impact of manufacturing on the state’s economy and the outlook for employment growth in the sector over the next six years. In the report entitled The Economic Impact of Manufacturing in South Carolina, the authors estimate that manufacturing contributes, directly and indirectly, approximately $300 billion to the South Carolina economy. Most of the report is backward looking and focuses principally on defining the state’s manufacturing profile. However, on page 32, the authors begin to discuss the future outlook for the state’s manufacturing sector and identify the 20 manufacturing jobs that they estimate will be in the greatest demand over the next six years. These high growth potential jobs cover a wide range, from mechanics to front line workers to engineers and inspectors. According to the study, employment in these 20 job types collectively is projected to increase 12.6% through 2032. Finally, the report does acknowledge though, that many manufacturing jobs in South Carolina are potentially exposed to advances in automation and AI, principally those in inventory management, shipping, inspections and packaging. 


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