Executive Summary
This report presents long-term industry employment projections for Nevada's Manufacturing sector (NAICS 31–33) covering the 2024–2034 projection decade. Prepared by the Research & Analysis Bureau of the Nevada Department of Employment, Training and Rehabilitation (DETR), these 10-year projections provide essential labor market intelligence for policymakers, workforce development boards, educational institutions, and economic development agencies statewide.
Between 2024 and 2034, Nevada’s manufacturing sector is projected to expand significantly, growing from 66,380 jobs to 76,343 jobs. This represents a net addition of 9,963 positions and a projected 10-year growth rate of 15.01% (1.41% CAGR). Manufacturing growth will substantially outpace Nevada's total statewide employment expansion across all industries (10.52%), elevating manufacturing's share of total statewide nonfarm employment from 4.04% to 4.20%.
- Top Statewide Growth Subsectors: Expansion is heavily driven by Miscellaneous Manufacturing (NAICS 339, +2,422 jobs / +35.38%), Electrical Equipment and Component Manufacturing (NAICS 335, +1,772 jobs / +13.00%), Fabricated Metal Product Manufacturing (NAICS 332, +1,431 jobs / +19.94%), and Nonmetallic Mineral Product Manufacturing (NAICS 327, +1,016 jobs / +25.35%).
- Regional Concentration & Specialization: The Las Vegas MSA will generate the largest total volume of new jobs (+6,085 jobs / +20.13%), supported by medical technology, gaming equipment fabrication, commercial printing, and metal products. The Reno MSA will expand by +3,212 jobs (+11.52%), anchored by battery technology, clean-energy component manufacturing, and electronics. Carson City exhibits strong specialized machinery manufacturing expansion (+298 jobs / +10.92%), while the Balance of State adds +368 jobs (+6.63%) tied to mining support and chemical processing.
- Occupational & Pipeline Implications: Growth in advanced production technology will heighten demand for high-skill and mid-skill occupations, including industrial machinery mechanics, electrical assemblers, welders, quality assurance technicians, and STEM engineering roles. Aligning Nevada's higher education (NSHE), career technical education (CTE), and apprenticeship pipelines with these high-growth subsectors will be vital to sustaining regional manufacturing momentum.
Introduction
Long-term employment projections serve as a cornerstone for Nevada's workforce development infrastructure. By estimating 10-year industry and occupational growth trajectories, DETR enables workforce development boards, community colleges, and state policymakers to make data-driven decisions regarding resource allocation, curriculum design, and career technical education.
This report analyzes the Manufacturing supersector, defined under the North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) as sectors 31 through 33. Manufacturing comprises establishments engaged in the mechanical, physical, or chemical transformation of materials, substances, or components into new products. The statewide analysis covers 19 detailed 3-digit NAICS subsectors, evaluating employment changes from the 2024 base year through the 2034 projection horizon.
Statewide Manufacturing Subsector Analysis
Nevada’s manufacturing sector is projected to add 9,963 net new jobs between 2024 and 2034, rising from 66,380 to 76,343 jobs (15.01% total growth). Eighteen of the nineteen manufacturing subsectors are projected to experience positive job growth over the decade, reflecting broad-based industrial strength across the Silver State.
The table below details baseline employment, projected 2034 employment, net job change, and percentage growth for all 19 manufacturing subsectors.
| NAICS | Subsector Title | 2024 Emp | 2034 Emp | Net Change (#) | Growth (%) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 311 | Food Manufacturing | 8,202 | 8,666 | +464 | +5.66% |
| 312 | Beverage and Tobacco Product Manufacturing | 1,197 | 1,387 | +190 | +15.87% |
| 314 | Textile Product Mills | 576 | 623 | +47 | +8.16% |
| 315 | Apparel Manufacturing | 77 | 83 | +6 | +7.79% |
| 321 | Wood Product Manufacturing | 1,747 | 1,775 | +28 | +1.60% |
| 322 | Paper Manufacturing | 1,096 | 1,186 | +90 | +8.21% |
| 323 | Printing and Related Support Activities | 3,970 | 4,679 | +709 | +17.86% |
| 324 | Petroleum and Coal Products Manufacturing | 388 | 420 | +32 | +8.25% |
| 325 | Chemical Manufacturing | 2,935 | 3,190 | +255 | +8.69% |
| 326 | Plastics and Rubber Products Manufacturing | 3,886 | 4,571 | +685 | +17.63% |
| 327 | Nonmetallic Mineral Product Manufacturing | 4,008 | 5,024 | +1,016 | +25.35% |
| 331 | Primary Metal Manufacturing | 819 | 913 | +94 | +11.48% |
| 332 | Fabricated Metal Product Manufacturing | 7,176 | 8,607 | +1,431 | +19.94% |
| 333 | Machinery Manufacturing | 2,061 | 2,368 | +307 | +14.90% |
| 334 | Computer and Electronic Product Manufacturing | 3,815 | 4,214 | +399 | +10.46% |
| 335 | Electrical Equipment, Appliance, and Component | 13,629 | 15,401 | +1,772 | +13.00% |
| 336 | Transportation Equipment Manufacturing | 2,055 | 2,161 | +106 | +5.16% |
| 337 | Furniture and Related Product Manufacturing | 1,892 | 1,802 | -90 | -4.76% |
| 339 | Miscellaneous Manufacturing | 6,845 | 9,267 | +2,422 | +35.38% |
| 31–33 | Total Manufacturing (Supersector NAICS 101300) | 66,380 | 76,343 | +9,963 | +15.01% |
*Note: Sum of individual 3-digit subsectors (66,374 in 2024; 76,337 in 2034) differs slightly from the official supersector total (66,380 and 76,343) due to BLS benchmark suppression adjustments and unclassified establishment calculations.
In terms of net job creation, growth is concentrated in high-value, tech-aligned subsectors. Miscellaneous Manufacturing (NAICS 339) leads all subsectors by adding 2,422 jobs (+35.38%), driven by medical devices, gaming device assembly, and specialized equipment fabrication. Electrical Equipment, Appliance, and Component Manufacturing (NAICS 335) represents the second largest growth driver, adding 1,772 jobs (+13.00%) due to major lithium-ion battery cell and clean energy component operations in Northern Nevada.
On a percentage growth basis, Miscellaneous Manufacturing (+35.38%) and Nonmetallic Mineral Product Manufacturing (+25.35%) lead the state, followed by Fabricated Metal Product Manufacturing (+19.94%) and Printing & Related Support Activities (+17.86%). Only Furniture and Related Product Manufacturing (NAICS 337) is projected to contract (-90 jobs / -4.76%), mirroring national trends in automation and imported assembly consolidation.
Regional Manufacturing Analysis
Manufacturing growth across Nevada is shaped by distinct regional economic bases, infrastructure availability, and geographic advantages. The table below details baseline and projected 2034 manufacturing employment across Nevada's four primary reporting regions.
| Geographic Region | 2024 Employment | 2034 Employment | Net Change (#) | Growth Rate (%) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Las Vegas MSA (Clark County) | 30,223 | 36,308 | +6,085 | +20.13% |
| Reno MSA (Washoe & Storey Counties) | 27,879 | 31,091 | +3,212 | +11.52% |
| Carson City MSA | 2,730 | 3,028 | +298 | +10.92% |
| Balance of State (Rural Counties) | 5,548 | 5,916 | +368 | +6.63% |
| Statewide Total | 66,380 | 76,343 | +9,963 | +15.01% |
Las Vegas MSA accounts for 61.1% of all net new manufacturing jobs added statewide (+6,085 jobs / +20.13%). Southern Nevada's growth is propelled by medical technology manufacturing, gaming device electronics, commercial printing, and structural metal product fabrication.
Reno MSA contributes 3,212 new jobs (+11.52%), cementing its standing as a premier West Coast clean-technology and advanced production hub. Expansion at the Tahoe-Reno Industrial Center (TRIC) in battery storage, electric vehicle components, and power grid machinery anchors Northern Nevada's momentum.
Carson City MSA expands by 298 jobs (+10.92%), heavily driven by specialized Machinery Manufacturing (NAICS 333), which grows by +39.54% (306 to 427 jobs). The Balance of State adds 368 jobs (+6.63%), supported by nonmetallic mineral processing, lime and cement products, and mining machinery maintenance.
Occupational Projections & Staffing Patterns
As Nevada's manufacturing base expands by nearly 10,000 jobs, occupational demand is shifting rapidly toward higher-skill technical, engineering, and specialized maintenance roles. Below is a breakdown of key occupational staffing needs across the top growth subsectors:
NAICS 339 — Miscellaneous Manufacturing (+2,422 Jobs / +35.38%)
Occupational expansion focuses on medical appliance assemblers, precision digital interface calibrators, mechanical inspectors, and electro-mechanical automated assembly technicians.
NAICS 335 — Electrical Equipment & Component (+1,772 Jobs / +13.00%)
Key occupations include electrical and electronic equipment assemblers, industrial machinery mechanics, battery cell quality control operators, and STEM-aligned electrical engineering technicians.
NAICS 332 — Fabricated Metal Product Manufacturing (+1,431 Jobs / +19.94%)
Occupational demand centers on structural metal welders, CNC machinists, sheet metal workers, millwrights, and first-line production supervisors.
NAICS 327 — Nonmetallic Mineral Product Manufacturing (+1,016 Jobs / +25.35%)
Growth drives hiring for heavy truck drivers, material moving equipment operators, crushing and grinding machine operators, and industrial repair mechanics.
Workforce Pipeline & Education Alignment
Sustaining projected manufacturing growth will require coordinated investments across Nevada's workforce ecosystem. Key priorities include:
- State Registered Apprenticeships: Expanding earn-and-learn apprenticeship pathways for industrial machinery mechanics, electricians, and tool and die makers.
- NSHE & Community College Partnerships: Strengthening short-term certificate programs in automated systems, robotics, CNC machining, and battery manufacturing at TMCC, CSN, and WNC.
- Career & Technical Education (CTE): Aligning K-12 CTE academies with advanced manufacturing skill taxonomies to establish robust youth talent pipelines.
Economic Context & Industry Dynamics
Nevada’s projected 15.01% manufacturing expansion reflects major macroeconomic trends, state economic diversification initiatives, and regional supply chain positioning. Key structural factors shaping the sector include:
- Clean Energy & Clean-Tech Investment: Federal incentives and state tax abatements continue to attract significant private investment in lithium battery manufacturing, solar component assembly, and recycling technology.
- Automation & Technological Integration: Adoption of robotics, computer-integrated manufacturing, and AI quality control is displacing routine manual labor while elevating demand for tech-literate maintenance and programming personnel.
- West Coast Supply Chain Positioning: Nevada’s proximity to major California logistics hubs and favorable tax environment make it an attractive destination for regional manufacturing relocation.
- Macroeconomic Risks & Headwinds: Potential headwinds include global supply chain volatility, elevated commercial interest rates impacting real estate expansion, and severe local shortages of skilled industrial technicians.
Conclusion
Nevada's manufacturing sector is poised for dynamic expansion over the 2024–2034 decade, adding 9,963 net new jobs (+15.01% growth) and reaching 76,343 positions statewide. Growth outpaces total statewide employment growth (10.52%), demonstrating manufacturing's increasing importance in Nevada's long-term economic diversification strategy.
Acknowledgements & Funding Disclaimer
This workforce product was funded by a grant awarded by the U.S. Department of Labor's Employment and Training Administration (ETA). The product was created by the recipient and does not necessarily reflect the official position of the U.S. Department of Labor. The U.S. Department of Labor makes no guarantees, warranties, or assurances of any kind, express or implied, including any information on linked sites and including, but not limited to, accuracy, completeness, timeliness, usefulness, adequacy, continued availability, or ownership. This product is copyrighted by the institution that created it.
Data Sources & Methodology
These long-term industry employment projections are calculated internally by the Research & Analysis Bureau of DETR. Methodology relies upon standardized employer survey programs and administrative data collected in cooperation with the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS):
- Quarterly Census of Employment and Wages (QCEW): Base year employment benchmarks.
- Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS): Staffing pattern matrices.
- Projections Central & BLS Projections Methodology: Standardized state modeling guidelines.
References
- Nevada Department of Employment, Training and Rehabilitation (DETR), Research & Analysis Bureau. Long-Term Industry Projections (2024-2034). https://www.nevadaworkforce.com/Projections
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Quarterly Census of Employment and Wages (QCEW) Program. https://www.bls.gov/cew/
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) Program. https://www.bls.gov/oes/
- U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration. O*NET OnLine Taxonomy. https://www.onetonline.org/
- Executive Office of the President, Office of Management and Budget. North American Industry Classification System (NAICS). https://www.census.gov/naics/