Top 10 U.S. States by Auto Manufacturing Jobs

What We’re Showing

This infographic ranks the top 10 U.S. states by total auto manufacturing employment, based on data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, as of February 2025 (preliminary). 

It includes jobs in vehicle assembly, body/trailer manufacturing, and auto parts manufacturing.

Key Takeaways

• Michigan, home to “Motor City” Detroit,  remains America’s automotive powerhouse with 164,000 jobs in vehicles and parts manufacturing. 
• Indiana (92K) and Ohio (84K) round out the top three, each supported by a large base of parts manufacturers.
• Southern states like Kentucky and Alabama are growing as auto hubs, supported by plants from foreign automakers like Toyota, Hyundai, and Mercedes-Benz.
• Together, the top 10 states account for more than half of all U.S. auto manufacturing jobs. 
• Parts manufacturing leads all categories, making up 60% of all auto manufacturing jobs among the top 10 states. 
• Nationwide, auto manufacturing employment is down 12.7% over the past year, with the biggest drawdown in vehicle parts manufacturing (-17.8%).