A recent Wall Street Journal article painted an outdated picture of American manufacturing—gritty, grueling, and unappealing to younger workers. While that portrayal may reflect a narrow slice of the industry, it does not represent the thriving, innovative, and opportunity-rich sector we know here in Tampa Bay.
As the Bay Area Manufacturers Association, we feel it's important to set the record straight.
A Leading Economic Driver in Tampa Bay
Tampa Bay is home to over 3,500 manufacturers, employing more than 68,000 workers, and contributing significantly to our regional economy. Our manufacturers produce everything from aerospace components and medical devices to electronics and defense systems. These are clean, high-tech, highly-skilled jobs.
Between 2019 and 2023, Florida's manufacturing employment grew by nearly 10%, adding over 36,000 new jobs—many of them right here in the Tampa Bay area.
According to the Tampa Bay Economic Development Council, the region's manufacturing sector has experienced significant growth:
Employment Growth: Over the past five years, manufacturing employment in the Tampa MSA grew by 12.2%, adding more than 370 manufacturing businesses between 2018 and 2022.
Statewide Impact: Tampa accounts for 18% of Florida's total manufacturing employment, boasting the second-highest manufacturing employment in the state and ranking 30th nationally.
Diverse Sectors: Key manufacturing sectors in Tampa Bay include aerospace and defense, medical devices and life sciences, electronics and electrical equipment, food and beverage processing, metal fabrication and machinery, plastics and rubber products, and printing and support services.
This diversity in industries reflects a vibrant manufacturing ecosystem that is both resilient and future-oriented.
Strong Wages and Career Advancement
Manufacturing roles in Tampa Bay offer strong starting salaries and clear paths for growth. According to the 2023 Florida Manufacturing Report, the average annual wage for manufacturing workers in the state is $74,647—17% higher than the average wage across all industries statewide.
These are not only good jobs—they're gateway careers into engineering, plant management, quality assurance, and advanced technical operations.
World-Class Educational Pathways Right Here at Home
What makes Tampa Bay's manufacturing future even brighter is our exceptional network of local educational institutions creating direct pathways into these high-paying careers.
University of South Florida: Leading Innovation in Medical Devices
USF's cutting-edge programs are training the next generation of manufacturing engineers and innovators. The university's Medical Engineering Department offers both undergraduate and graduate programs in biomedical engineering, with a focus on medical device design and manufacturing. Through the VirtualMDLab (Virtual Medical Device Laboratory), students get hands-on experience with CNC lathes, milling machines, and 3D manufacturing equipment specifically for medical device production.
This program directly supports Tampa Bay's growing biotech and medical device manufacturing hub, preparing students for careers with companies designing everything from artificial organs to advanced prosthetics. USF's partnership with the Morsani College of Medicine creates a unique environment where engineering meets healthcare innovation.
Hillsborough Community College: Advanced Manufacturing Excellence
HCC has built one of the most comprehensive manufacturing training programs in Florida. Their Engineering Technology Associate in Science degree is specifically designed for advanced manufacturing careers and includes multiple specialized pathways:
- Advanced Manufacturing Specialization with state-of-the-art robotics labs featuring FANUC industry-standard robots
- Automation Certificate preparing students for PLC programming and production control systems
- Lean Manufacturing Certificate focusing on quality systems and process improvement
- CNC Machinist Certificate for precision manufacturing operations
- Mechatronics Certificate combining mechanical, electrical, and computer systems
HCC's curriculum aligns with the Manufacturing Skills Standards Council (MSSC) Certified Production Technician certification, ensuring graduates meet industry standards. The program includes partnerships with local manufacturers, providing internships and direct job placement opportunities.
St. Petersburg College: Innovation in Manufacturing Technology
SPC has established itself as a regional leader in manufacturing education through its Collaborative Center for Emerging Technologies—the first of its kind in Florida. This state-of-the-art facility offers:
- Applied Engineering Technology A.S. Degree with hands-on training in additive manufacturing, rapid prototyping, and quality measurement
- Biomedical Engineering Technology program with pathways in Medical Device Design and Manufacturing, and Medical Device Networking and Cybersecurity
- SolidWorks Design Center featuring Computer Numerical Control (CNC) equipment, 3D scanners, and 3D printers
- Certified Production Technician short-term training program recognized by MSSC
SPC's programs are designed in direct partnership with regional manufacturers, ensuring graduates have the exact skills employers need. The college is a charter member of the Manufacturing Institute's "M-List," recognizing excellence in manufacturing education.
Florida Youth Are Opting In, Not Out
The idea that younger generations are avoiding the trades doesn't hold true in Florida.
Florida Trend's recent article, "Trade Shift" (October 29, 2024), profiles students like Matthew Marcusky of Flagler Beach who are choosing welding school and hands-on career training over traditional four-year degrees. His story represents a wider movement across the state.
According to the Florida Department of Education:
CTE Enrollment: Career and technical education (CTE) enrollment grew by 8% in the 2022–2023 school year.
Apprenticeships: Apprenticeships and pre-apprenticeships increased by 14%, reaching a record 19,605 participants.
This surge reflects a shift in values: students want careers that are purposeful, practical, and financially smart.
BAMA's Commitment to Workforce and Innovation
At BAMA, we're proud to support the next generation of skilled workers through:
- Partnerships with high schools, colleges, and technical centers
- STEM and robotics education
- Apprenticeships and certification pathways
- Efforts to diversify and modernize the talent pipeline
These programs not only provide talent for employers—they offer life-changing career opportunities for individuals and families.
Clear Pathways from Classroom to Career
The connection between our local educational institutions and manufacturing employers creates unprecedented opportunities:
- Direct Transfer Agreements: Students can start at HCC or SPC and seamlessly transfer to USF's four-year engineering programs
- Industry Certifications: Programs at our local institutions offer nationally recognized certifications that employers specifically seek
- Paid Internships: Local manufacturers partner directly with these colleges to provide hands-on experience and job placement
- Stackable Credentials: Students can earn certificates quickly to enter the workforce, then return to complete associate or bachelor's degrees while working
The Bottom Line
Manufacturing is not a fallback. It's a forward-facing, future-building career. In Tampa Bay, manufacturing is where innovation meets opportunity, and the workforce is as diverse as the products we make.
With world-class educational pathways right in our backyard at USF, HCC, and St. Pete College, students can go from classroom to career in months, not years, while earning industry-leading wages and building skills for the future.
Let's move past outdated narratives. The real story of Florida manufacturing is one of growth, talent, and transformation. There are clear pathways to success starting right here at home.
To learn more or get involved, visit www.bama-fl.org
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