Data: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics; Map: Alex Fitzpatrick/Axios Florida's manufacturing sector is alive and well, with employment up almost 10% since 2019. Why it matters: Manufacturing employment has rebounded nationwide — driven in part by Florida, which added over 36,000 new jobs, according to data from the Economic Innovation Group, a centrist think tank. Zoom in:...

Florida's manufacturing sector is alive and well, with employment up almost 10% since 2019.

Why it matters: Manufacturing employment has rebounded nationwide — driven in part by Florida, which added over 36,000 new jobs, according to data from the Economic Innovation Group, a centrist think tank.

Zoom in: Florida's annual average employment in the sector swelled from 383,956 in 2019 to 420,942 in 2023.

• Pinellas had 34,500 manufacturing jobs in 2023, while Hillsborough had around 29,000.

Between the lines: The state's growth is due in part to its large population. 

• Manufacturers seek locations near key markets to cut costs, build community ties and create jobs that boost economic growth, per the Florida Chamber.

The big picture: The manufacturing industry's recovery across the U.S. has been uneven and fairly concentrated. Florida is among five states that accounted for two-thirds of the sector's job growth.

• Transportation and food accounted for much of the growth. 
• Another bright spot was computer and electronics manufacturing, spurred on by the Biden administration's efforts to bolster domestic chip-making.

Friction point: Manufacturing jobs are still disappearing in the Rust Belt, including in Ohio and battleground states Pennsylvania, Michigan and Wisconsin. 

• That group saw jobs in the sector decline 1.7% from 2019 to 2023.

Yes, but: Though manufacturing grabs a lot of attention politically, it's not a big piece of the overall job market anymore.

• In 1970, manufacturing jobs made up 31% of private employment. In 2023, that share was down to 9.7%, notes EIG.

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