Manufacturing companies are struggling to find enough people who can program and run the high-tech machines that cut metal and plastic components. But these precision manufacturing jobs are also among the highest-paying. Though the total number of jobs is expected to shrink in the next decade, demand for these skills is expected to remain strong.
MedianMinnesotaProjected
hourly payemploymentchange,
2009-2019
CNC* machine$25.49510-17.1%
tool programmers
Sources: Bureau of Labor Statistics; MN Dept. of Employment and Economic Development. Data through 3Q 2011. * CNC: computer numerical control
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