Are factory jobs making a comeback in 2025? The short answer: yes—but not in the way you might expect. With the U.S. government pushing for a domestic manufacturing revival and employers offering factory salaries that exceed $80K per year, interest in industrial careers is growing. Yet despite these high-paying opportunities, many young workers—especially Gen Z—remain skeptical. So what’s behind the resurgence of factory work, and what needs to change for it to attract a new generation?

What’s Really Happening with Factory Jobs in 2025?

Manufacturing jobs are surging in 2025, particularly in the auto industry, which added nearly 9,000 jobs in February alone after major losses the year before. The White House has positioned these jobs as central to rebuilding America’s industrial base, calling them "great jobs of the future." The manufacturing sector is clearly rebounding, but skepticism remains—especially among Gen Z, who see factory jobs as outdated, low-paying, and lacking flexibility.

Why Gen Z Isn’t Buying Into the Hype

For many Gen Zers, factory work still conjures up images of dusty assembly lines and dead-end careers. According to recent surveys, only 14% of Gen Z say they’d consider a career in industrial work, and nearly 40% admit they don't actually know what modern factory workers do. In an era when job seekers value flexibility, work-life balance, and purpose-driven work, the factory floor isn’t their first stop.

Part of the disconnect is rooted in outdated perceptions. While some see factory work as a relic of the past, the reality is that today’s manufacturing roles often involve advanced technology, clean workspaces, and strong benefits. But until employers update the narrative, they’ll continue struggling to recruit younger workers.

Why Factory Jobs Deserve a Second Look

Behind the scenes, there’s a different story unfolding—one filled with potential. With baby boomers retiring in large numbers and turnover in manufacturing nearing 40%, companies are increasing wages to attract new talent. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports average hourly earnings in manufacturing at $35.06—up over 4% from last year. And that’s just the average.

Take Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) engineers, for example. These professionals earn an average salary of over $83,000 annually, with the top 10% making upwards of $115,000. These are high-skill, high-pay roles that don’t require a traditional four-year degree, making them especially attractive for those rethinking the value of college in today's uncertain economy.

How Employers Can Win Over Gen Z

The challenge isn’t just about creating jobs—it’s about making those jobs desirable. To win over Gen Z, manufacturing employers must reshape their image. This means highlighting the tech-forward nature of modern factory work. Gen Z is tech-native, and 33% say they prefer to work for companies that embrace new technologies. Yet only 18% believe industrial workplaces are actually tech-savvy.

To close this gap, manufacturers must invest in innovation—and promote it. Companies like Soter are already using AI and computer vision to detect safety risks in under 30 seconds. Tools like these not only modernize the workplace but show Gen Z that manufacturing is evolving. Industry leaders are also encouraging clients to adopt more automation and training to prepare younger employees for future-ready roles.

The Bottom Line

So, are factory jobs making a comeback? Absolutely—but their future depends on whether employers can shift public perception and embrace innovation. These jobs are no longer just about manual labor; they’re about using advanced tools, solving real-world problems, and earning a competitive salary in the process.

For Gen Z, the key is education and exposure. When young professionals understand that manufacturing careers can offer six-figure incomes, cutting-edge tech, and long-term security, they may start to see the factory floor in a whole new light.

Thinking differently about your career? Explore how high-paying factory jobs are reshaping the workforce—and share this with someone who might be ready for a new path.