man in orange hard hat using tools to work on large machinery in industrial setting

Manufacturing

Industry Profile
Employment
(2023)
171,896
Employment Growth
(2024-2034)
+0.7%
Job Openings
(2024-2034)
56,240

Industry Overview

The Manufacturing industry is made up of businesses that are typically engaged in the physical or chemical transformation of materials or substances into new products. These products can be ready for use or put into the creation of another product.

Key Facts

  • The majority of employment in this industry occurs in the Mainland / Southwest region.
  • Most employees in the industry is in the private sector.
  • There are far fewer women in this industry than in others.

Hourly Earnings

Earnings is income that workers receive in exchange for their labour. Below are the average hourly earnings for this industry.

B.C. Average Hourly Earnings (2023)

Industry Average Hourly Earnings (2023)

Source: 2023 Labour Force Survey

Workforce

The workforce includes people who are employed or unemployed but actively looking for work. The workforce is made up of people who are 15 years of age and older and living in Canada.

Employment by Sex (2023)

BC Average (2023)

Source: 2023 Labour Force Survey

Employment by Age Group

Age GroupIndustry Average (2023)B.C. Average (2023)
15 - 24 years8.0%13.3%
25 - 54 years65.1%64.8%
55+ years26.9%21.9%
Source: 2023 Labour Force Survey

Labour Market Statistics

Discover data, facts and information that have been gathered and analyzed. Learn about the characteristics of the economy and labour market in B.C.

Employment

Find out about employment types and trends by region and industry.

Types of Employment

Shows % of persons employed for each type

B.C. (2023)

Industry (2023)

Source: 2023 Labour Force Survey

Employment by Region

Cariboo
Kootenay
Mainland/Southwest
North Coast and Nechako
Northeast
Thompson-Okanagan
Vancouver Island/Coast
Region% Employment this Industry (2023)% Employment All Industries (2023)
Cariboo 5.2% 3.0%
Kootenay 3.0% 2.9%
Mainland/Southwest 65.1% 64.5%
North Coast and Nechako 2.2% 1.6%
Northeast 0.8% 1.3%
Thompson-Okanagan 12.6% 10.9%
Vancouver Island/Coast 11.1% 15.8%
Source: 2023 Labour Force Survey

Labour Market Outlook

The B.C. Labour Market Outlook is a 10-year forecast of the expected supply and demand for labour in the province. It’s usually updated every year. The purpose is to provide British Columbians with the knowledge to make informed decisions on careers, skills training, education and hiring.

Forecasted Average Annual Employment Growth Rate

Source: B.C. Labour Market Outlook

Forecasted 10-Year Industry Share of Total Employment

Source: B.C. Labour Market Outlook

Top Occupations by Job Openings

Top occupations are those with stronger demand and offer higher pay compared to other occupations.

Resources