[Download] 2025 Career Advancement in Manufacturing Report

Team Xometry
Written byTeam Xometry
1 min read
Published March 5, 2025Updated May 5, 2026
We conducted our fifth joint annual survey in collaboration with the Women in Manufacturing Association and Thomas, focusing on career advancement and women in the manufacturing sector.
2025 Career Advancement in Manufacturing Report

In collaboration with the Women in Manufacturing Association and Thomas, Xometry conducted its fifth joint annual survey on career advancement and women in the manufacturing sector. We surveyed more than 1,100 respondents to better understand the manufacturing workforce, including recruitment and retention strategies and overall satisfaction with manufacturing careers.

The survey revealed key insights about the state of manufacturing, including: 

  • 80% of women and 81% of men recommend a manufacturing career.
  • 78% of women believe significant progress has been made for women in manufacturing in the past five years.
  • 79% of companies report experiencing labor shortages.
  • 74% of women and 49% of men "fell into" manufacturing careers, highlighting a key difference in how genders enter the industry.
  • 87% of women and 56% of men agree that workplace diversity improves business outcomes.
Start Your Instant QuoteSTEP · STP · SLDPRT · STL · DXF · IPT · X_T · X_B · 3DXML · CATPART · PRT · SAT · 3MF · JTUpload Your Design
All uploads are secure and confidential
Xometry X Logo
Team XometryThis article was written by various Xometry contributors. Xometry is a leading resource on manufacturing with CNC machining, sheet metal fabrication, 3D printing, injection molding, urethane casting, and more.Read more articles by Team Xometry

Get in Touch

Ready to start your next manufacturing project? Our team is here to help with quotes, technical questions, and custom solutions.

By entering your contact information, you are agreeing to receive email communications about Xometry products and services. You may update your subscriptions or unsubscribe from these communications at any time using the link at the bottom of every marketing email or by contacting support. For more information, review our Privacy Policy.