Manufacturers’ Association Releases 2026 Annual Wage & Salary Survey Report

Manufacturing Employment Outlook Strengthens as Hiring Challenges Persist

(York, PA) – The Manufacturers’ Association of Central PA has released its 2026 Annual Manufacturing Wage & Salary Survey Report, revealing a notable rebound in hiring optimism even as persistent workforce challenges continue to shape the regional manufacturing landscape. The report, compiled from responses by nearly 70 employers from across the region, serves as a critical benchmarking tool for manufacturing HR professionals and company leadership.
The 2026 report marks a meaningful shift in the employment outlook: 70% of manufacturers plan to increase overall employment in the next 12 months, up significantly from 52% in 2025 signaling renewed confidence in regional manufacturing growth.

Wage and Salary notable results for 2026:
• Hiring difficulty remains elevated with 81% of companies report difficulty filling positions, down from 87% in 2025, though still a persistently high number. Hourly and skilled hourly workers remain the most difficult positions to hire, with Machinists, Toolmakers, and Maintenance occupations most frequently cited. Competing wage rates is the top-cited reason for hiring difficulty at 59%, up from 54% in 2025. Unqualified applicants ranked second at 54%, down from 70% in 2025.
• Strong employment growth forecasted with 70% of manufacturers intending to grow their workforce over the next 12 months, which is the highest level since 2021. Companies are projecting 816 new hires over the coming year (with two companies accounting for 350 of those positions). This marks a significant jump from 320 new hires forecasted in 2025.
• Workforce aging trend continues with an increase in companies reporting higher numbers of employees close to, or past retirement age which signals a growing need for succession planning and pipeline development.
• Longer hiring timelines persisted this year with 45% of companies note an increase in the time between posting and filling positions.
• Recruiting strategies shifted this year, the most popular were increased wages to attract talent, raise starting wages, and adopting flexible work hours (60% increase from prior year responses).
• Wage growth leveled off and the average entry-level production wages have moderated after years of significant increases post pandemic.
• Turnover Eases Slightly, but despite the slight improvement, turnover rates remain roughly double pre-pandemic levels, continuing to challenge retention across the industry.

The Manufacturers’ Association’s Annual Wage & Salary Survey is designed to serve as a benchmarking tool for manufacturing management and HR personnel. The data is collected from manufacturers across the region and allows individual companies to determine where they stand relative to the marketplace in terms of wage and salary compensation and helps gauge industry averages and ranges for talent. The 2026 survey was conducted during the summer and early fall with nearly 70 participating employers.

The Manufacturers’ Association thanks all participants for supporting this critical benchmarking effort. Employers who participated received the report at no cost. Beyond the survey, the Association offers members a range of HR and benefits resources:
• Members Discounted Job Sourcing Tools
• Supervisory and leadership certificate training
• HR Hotline (Free to Members): hr@mascpa.org
• HR Consulting: Recruiting, mentoring, training, handbooks, policies, outsourced HR, and more
• Competitive Group Insurance: Medical, dental, and vision
• Group 401(k) Plan: Save time and reduce management expenses

For more information or to access the full 2026 Wage and Salary Survey Report, visit www.macentralpa.org or contact the Association at office@macentralpa.org.

About the Manufacturers’ Association

The Manufacturers’ Association is a member-driven organization serving manufacturers across Central Pennsylvania. With a longstanding commitment to workforce development, the Association operates a comprehensive training center offering technical, safety, and professional development programs designed to strengthen the regional manufacturing community and support the growth of the industrial workforce.