COLUMBUS, Ohio – New analysis shows manufacturing continues to drive Ohio’s economy and remains the state’s largest private sector contributor, according to the 2025 Ohio Manufacturing Counts report released by the Ohio Manufacturers’ Association. 

The report details the sector’s impact on jobs, wages, exports and investment and highlights continued progress in efficiency and environmental performance.

Manufacturing GDP rose 2.9% to $137.9 billion in 2024, accounting for 16.5% of Ohio’s private economy, the largest share of any sector, the report says. Ohio ranked fifth nationally in manufacturing output and third in manufacturing employment with 687,345 jobs, trailing only California and Texas.

“Manufacturing sets the pace for Ohio’s economy,” said Ryan Augsburger, OMA president. “No other sector delivers this level of growth or competitiveness. Our companies are investing, hiring and modernizing in ways that keep Ohio ahead of the curve.”

According to the report, Ohio’s industrial footprint continues to produce high-wage jobs, exports and investment across the state, including:

  • $49.9 billion in wages, the highest among all Ohio sectors.
  • $76,493 average annual pay, up 9.3% from 2022.
  • $55.8 billion in exports to 210 countries and territories.
  • 11,278 new manufacturing jobs announced in 2023 investment projects.
  • Approximately 13,300 manufacturing establishments statewide.

Shelby County leads Ohio with 46.5% of local employment in manufacturing, followed by Auglaize at 39% and Williams at 38%. Ten counties including Cuyahoga, Hamilton, Franklin, Summit, Montgomery, Lake, Stark, Lucas, Butler and Lorain account for half of the state’s manufacturing establishments.

Ohio ranks 10th nationally in total exports, led by industrial machinery at $9.6 billion, according to the report. The state is first in exports of soaps, waxes and cleaning preparations and continues to expand its global share in paints, dyes and putty.

Environmental performance also continues to improve. Industrial emissions have fallen more than 75% since 1988. Industry now accounts for two-thirds of all materials reduced or recycled in Ohio.

“Ohio manufacturers are proving every day that economic growth and environmental progress can move together,” Augsburger said. “We are producing more with less energy, less waste and fewer emissions, and that momentum is accelerating.”

In 2023, more than 220 major manufacturing projects were announced statewide, representing roughly half of all qualifying business investments in Ohio.

“The numbers tell the story,” Augsburger said. “Ohio manufacturers are driving growth, strengthening supply chains and fueling the next chapter of American industry.”