Auto manufacturing continues to be a major source of employment across the United States, despite recent declines. As of February 2025, more than 520,000 workers are employed across the top 10 states in the sector, accounting for over half of the industry’s national workforce. In total, the sector employs over one million people across the country.
From Michigan’s historic “Motor City” roots to the rising hubs in Southern states like Kentucky and Alabama, auto manufacturing remains critical to several regional economies. However, employment trends are shifting. Preliminary data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics shows that overall employment in U.S. auto manufacturing is down 12.7% compared to a year ago.
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The hardest-hit segment is vehicle parts manufacturing, which recorded a 17.8% decline year-on-year. California experienced the sharpest state-level drop in this segment, with employment falling by 6.5% compared to February 2024.
An infographic released alongside the data ranks the top 10 states by total auto manufacturing jobs. It breaks down employment into vehicle manufacturing and assembly, body and trailer manufacturing, and parts manufacturing. Tracking these changes offers a window into broader economic shifts impacting the auto sector nationwide.
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According to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, here are the top 10 U.S. states for auto manufacturing jobs in 2025
1. Michigan – 164,000 Employees
Michigan continues to lead the nation with 164,000 auto manufacturing workers. The state has 49,000 employees in vehicle manufacturing and 115,000 in parts manufacturing. However, Michigan saw a 3.8% decline in its annual growth rate.
2. Indiana – 92,000 Employees
Indiana holds second place with 92,000 workers. The state’s employment figures come largely from 39,000 workers in bodies and trailers manufacturing and 53,000 in parts manufacturing. Indiana’s annual growth rate fell by 2.0%.
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3. Ohio – 84,000 Employees
Ohio employs 84,000 people in auto manufacturing. Of this figure, 19,000 are involved in vehicle manufacturing, while 65,000 focus on parts production. The state recorded a 1.9% decline over the past year.
4. Kentucky – 58,000 Employees
Kentucky is fourth with 58,000 workers in the industry. The majority are engaged in vehicle manufacturing, with 24,000 employees, and 34,000 in parts manufacturing. Kentucky’s employment rate dipped by 0.7%.
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5. Alabama – 53,000 Employees
Alabama has 53,000 workers, driven by 23,000 in vehicle manufacturing and 30,000 in parts manufacturing. Alabama experienced a slight 0.1% rise in its annual growth rate, making it one of the few states to see positive change.
6. California – 25,000 Employees
California has 25,000 employees, all in vehicle manufacturing. The state recorded the sharpest annual decline among the top 10, with a 6.5% decrease in employment.
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7. Texas – 16,000 Employees
Texas has 16,000 workers in vehicle manufacturing. The state’s auto manufacturing employment dropped by 0.7% over the year.
8. Missouri – 14,000 Employees
Missouri employs 14,000 people in vehicle manufacturing. The state’s employment numbers remained steady over the past year with no significant growth or decline.
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9. New York – 8,000 Employees
New York has 8,000 employees focused solely on parts manufacturing. The state’s employment numbers fell by 0.5%.
10. Mississippi – 6,000 Employees
Mississippi rounds out the top 10 with 6,000 workers in parts manufacturing. The state experienced a slight 0.1% decline in its annual growth rate.
