Free U.S. Top 5 States with the Fastest Decline in Manufacturing Jobs (2015-2025) Chart
The chart reveals a significant contraction in manufacturing jobs between 2015 and 2025, with West Virginia experiencing the steepest drop at 38.8%, indicating the state’s heavy exposure to declining industrial employment. Wyoming follows with a 37.6% reduction, showing a similarly sharp decline in its manufacturing sector. Ohio faces a 34.6% drop, reflecting the ongoing shift from traditional manufacturing to other industries. Pennsylvania records a 33.2% decrease, highlighting notable job losses across its industrial base, while Indiana shows the smallest but still substantial decline at 31.5%. These numbers underscore the broader trend of deindustrialization and economic transformation, where traditional manufacturing hubs are transitioning toward more technology-driven or service-oriented sectors. The data illustrates how several states with strong manufacturing histories are facing pronounced employment challenges in this sector over the decade.
| Labels | 2015-2025 Total Decline (%) |
|---|---|
| West Virginia | 38.8 |
| Wyoming | 37.6 |
| Ohio | 34.6 |
| Pennsylvania | 33.2 |
| Indiana | 31.5 |
