In celebration of Manufacturing Week, the New Mexico Economic Development Department (EDD) announces continued strong national rankings in employment and wage growth within the manufacturing sector.
Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham
Cabinet Secretary Rob Black
Deputy Cabinet Secretary Isaac Romero
Contact: Chris Chaffin
Chris.Chaffin@edd.nm.gov
(505) 490-7962
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
October 8, 2025
New Mexico ranks high in manufacturing growth: 6th in employment, 5th in wage
State celebrates continued growth during National Manufacturing Week
SANTA FE — In celebration of Manufacturing Week, the New Mexico Economic Development Department (EDD) announces continued strong national rankings in employment and wage growth within the manufacturing sector.
EDD economists have reviewed the national data and found that from August 2024 through August 2025, New Mexico ranked sixth in the nation for year-over-year (YOY) growth in manufacturing employment, recording a 1.4 percent increase. Over the same period, national manufacturing employment declined by 0.6 percent.
The state has shown continued growth in this category, ranking third last year. The state’s growth in manufacturing employment stands out against its neighbors: Colorado ranks 16th at 0.3 percent, Arizona is 30th at -0.6 percent, and Texas comes in 34th at -0.7 percent.
In addition to employment growth, from Q1 2024 to Q1 2025, New Mexico ranked fifth in the nation for YOY average weekly wage growth in manufacturing, with wages rising 5.7 percent. During this period, the national average wage in the sector grew by 3 percent.
During the same period, Colorado, Texas, and Arizona ranked 41st, 45th and 47th at 1.6, 0.8, and -1.3 percent consecutively.
“New Mexico’s manufacturing industry plays a crucial role in helping us create pathways to prosperity, generating local jobs and increased wages for tens of thousands of residents,” said EDD Cabinet Secretary Rob Black. “We’re continuing to invest in the future of this important industry sector that provides such significant contributions to the state’s economy and workforce.”
Manufacturing data was sourced through the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. National Manufacturing Week 2025 runs from Oct 3-10, with celebrations hosted by the U.S. Census Bureau.
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