Total U.S. manufacturing employment, 1970–2013
| Year | Manufacturing employment (millions) |
|---|---|
| 1970 | 17.8 |
| 1971 | 17.2 |
| 1972 | 17.7 |
| 1973 | 18.6 |
| 1974 | 18.5 |
| 1975 | 16.9 |
| 1976 | 17.5 |
| 1977 | 18.2 |
| 1978 | 18.9 |
| 1979 | 19.4 |
| 1980 | 18.7 |
| 1981 | 18.6 |
| 1982 | 17.4 |
| 1983 | 17.0 |
| 1984 | 17.9 |
| 1985 | 17.8 |
| 1986 | 17.6 |
| 1987 | 17.6 |
| 1988 | 17.9 |
| 1989 | 18.0 |
| 1990 | 17.7 |
| 1991 | 17.1 |
| 1992 | 16.8 |
| 1993 | 16.8 |
| 1994 | 17.0 |
| 1995 | 17.2 |
| 1996 | 17.2 |
| 1997 | 17.4 |
| 1998 | 17.6 |
| 1999 | 17.3 |
| 2000 | 17.3 |
| 2001 | 16.4 |
| 2002 | 15.3 |
| 2003 | 14.5 |
| 2004 | 14.3 |
| 2005 | 14.2 |
| 2006 | 14.2 |
| 2007 | 13.9 |
| 2008 | 13.4 |
| 2009 | 11.8 |
| 2010 | 11.5 |
| 2011 | 11.7 |
| 2012 | 11.9 |
| 2013 | 12.0 |
Note: Shaded areas denote recessions.
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics (2014a)