Look beyond the glitz and glamour: Los Angeles' manufacturing sector isn't just alive, it's a dynamic and powerful $126 billion economic engine supporting one in nine local jobs.
Key Takeaways
- In 2022, Los Angeles County's manufacturing sector employed 344,500 workers, accounting for 8.2% of total county employment and marking a 2.1% increase from 2021
- As of Q4 2023, the Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim MSA had 512,300 manufacturing jobs, with an average monthly employment of 509,200, up 1.8% year-over-year
- Women comprised 28.4% of the manufacturing workforce in Los Angeles in 2021, totaling approximately 97,800 female workers out of 344,500 total manufacturing employees
- In 2022, Los Angeles manufacturing GDP contribution was $42.3 billion, representing 11.4% of the county's total GDP of $371 billion
- Manufacturing exports from Los Angeles County totaled $18.7 billion in 2022, accounting for 22% of California's total manufacturing exports
- The value added by manufacturing in LA was $38.9 billion in 2021, up 4.2% from 2020, driven by aerospace and apparel sectors
- Apparel manufacturing dominated with 25% of LA manufacturing establishments in 2022, totaling 3,100 firms employing 45,000 workers
- Aerospace products and parts manufacturing in Los Angeles employed 38,200 workers in 2022, generating $12.4 billion in output
- Food manufacturing subsector in LA County had 1,850 establishments in 2021, producing $15.7 billion in value added
- In 2022, LA manufacturing shipments totaled $145.6 billion, with a 4.1% increase from 2021 driven by aerospace recovery
- Capacity utilization in LA manufacturing averaged 78.2% in 2023, highest since 2018
- Apparel production in LA manufactured 120 million garments in 2022, valued at $6.8 billion wholesale
- LA manufacturing projected to grow 2.8% annually through 2030, adding 15,000 jobs by 2025
- Post-COVID recovery saw LA manufacturing output surge 12.4% in 2021, fastest in a decade
- Advanced manufacturing segment grew 8.2% in employment from 2018-2023 in LA
Los Angeles manufacturing is growing steadily, employing over 500,000 people and fueling the regional economy with high-wage jobs.
Economic Output
1In 2022, Los Angeles manufacturing GDP contribution was $42.3 billion, representing 11.4% of the county's total GDP of $371 billion
Verified2Manufacturing exports from Los Angeles County totaled $18.7 billion in 2022, accounting for 22% of California's total manufacturing exports
Verified3The value added by manufacturing in LA was $38.9 billion in 2021, up 4.2% from 2020, driven by aerospace and apparel sectors
Verified4Manufacturing payroll in Los Angeles County reached $25.1 billion in 2022, with average weekly wages of $1,394
Directional5In 2023, manufacturing contributed $45.2 billion to LA's economy, growing 3.8% annually and supporting 1 in 9 jobs indirectly
Single source6LA manufacturing firms generated $112 billion in total sales in 2021, with 60% from goods-producing activities
Verified7The multiplier effect of manufacturing in Los Angeles created $68.4 billion in indirect economic output in 2022
Verified8Property taxes from manufacturing properties in LA County totaled $1.2 billion in FY2022, funding 8% of local services
Verified9Manufacturing R&D spending in LA reached $4.7 billion in 2022, 12% of California's total manufacturing R&D
Directional10In 2022, LA manufacturing supported 784,000 indirect and induced jobs, with a total economic impact of $126 billion
Single source11Freight transportation costs for LA manufacturing goods were $6.3 billion in 2022, 14% of sector operating expenses
Verified12Manufacturing venture capital investment in Los Angeles totaled $1.8 billion in 2023 across 45 deals, focusing on cleantech
Verified13Energy costs for LA manufacturing firms averaged $2.4 billion annually in 2022, representing 2.1% of total production costs
Verified14LA manufacturing's share of county personal income was 9.8% in 2022, contributing $32.6 billion to resident earnings
Directional15In 2021, manufacturing capital investments in LA exceeded $7.2 billion, including $2.1 billion in new machinery and equipment
Single source16Sales tax revenue from manufacturing-related retail in LA County was $890 million in FY2023
Verified17LA manufacturing productivity per worker was $122,800 in 2022, 18% above the U.S. average of $104,000
Verified18Corporate income taxes from LA manufacturing entities totaled $1.1 billion in 2022
Verified19In 2023, manufacturing accounted for 15% of LA's business receipts, generating $145 billion in gross output
Directional20Tourism-related manufacturing (e.g., souvenirs) contributed $450 million to LA's economy in 2022
Single source21LA manufacturing's environmental compliance costs were $1.3 billion in 2022, 1.2% of sector revenue
Verified22Insurance premiums for LA manufacturing firms reached $2.8 billion in 2023, driven by supply chain risks
Verified23In 2022, manufacturing philanthropy from LA firms totaled $180 million, supporting STEM education
Verified24LA manufacturing inventory value stood at $28.4 billion in Q4 2023, up 5.2% from prior year
DirectionalEconomic Output Interpretation
Los Angeles manufacturing isn't just making things; it's the robust, $126 billion engine of the county, quietly funding our schools with property taxes, pioneering cleantech with venture capital, and paying the bills—despite energy costs and insurance premiums—while putting a surprisingly productive paycheck in the pocket of one in nine local workers.
Employment Statistics
1In 2022, Los Angeles County's manufacturing sector employed 344,500 workers, accounting for 8.2% of total county employment and marking a 2.1% increase from 2021
Verified2As of Q4 2023, the Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim MSA had 512,300 manufacturing jobs, with an average monthly employment of 509,200, up 1.8% year-over-year
Verified3Women comprised 28.4% of the manufacturing workforce in Los Angeles in 2021, totaling approximately 97,800 female workers out of 344,500 total manufacturing employees
Verified4The average annual wage for manufacturing workers in Los Angeles County was $72,450 in 2022, 15% higher than the national manufacturing average of $63,000
Directional5Hispanic or Latino workers made up 52.3% of Los Angeles manufacturing employees in 2020, equating to about 180,200 individuals in a workforce of 344,500
Single source6In 2023, there were 12,450 manufacturing establishments in Los Angeles County, with 78% being small businesses employing fewer than 50 workers
Verified7Manufacturing job openings in Los Angeles averaged 8,200 per month in 2023, with a job vacancy rate of 3.2% in the sector
Verified8The sector added 5,600 net new manufacturing jobs in Los Angeles County between 2021 and 2022, primarily in transportation equipment manufacturing
Verified9Union membership in Los Angeles manufacturing stood at 14.7% in 2022, covering about 50,600 workers out of 344,500 total
Directional10STEM-educated workers accounted for 22% of the Los Angeles manufacturing workforce in 2021, totaling 75,790 individuals with science, technology, engineering, or math backgrounds
Single source11Manufacturing employment in Los Angeles declined by 1.2% from 2019 to 2020 due to COVID-19, losing 4,100 jobs to reach 340,400
Verified12In 2022, 65% of Los Angeles manufacturing workers were full-time, averaging 39.2 hours per week, compared to 62% nationally
Verified13The unemployment rate for manufacturing workers in Los Angeles was 4.1% in 2023, below the county average of 5.2%
Verified14Veteran employment in LA manufacturing reached 3.8% of the workforce in 2021, or 13,100 veterans out of 344,500 total employees
Directional15Part-time manufacturing jobs in Los Angeles grew by 4.5% in 2022, adding 2,900 positions to total 67,000 part-time workers
Single source16In 2023, 18% of LA manufacturing jobs required a bachelor's degree or higher, primarily in advanced manufacturing roles
Verified17Black or African American workers represented 6.5% of Los Angeles manufacturing employment in 2022, totaling 22,400 individuals
Verified18Manufacturing apprenticeships in LA County numbered 1,200 active participants in 2023, with 45% in advanced manufacturing trades
Verified19The sector's labor force participation rate for manufacturing in Los Angeles was 92.3% in 2022, higher than the national rate of 90.1%
Directional20Asian workers comprised 15.2% of LA manufacturing employees in 2021, equating to 52,400 workers
Single source21In 2022, manufacturing overtime hours averaged 3.8 hours per week per worker in Los Angeles, contributing to wage growth
Verified22White non-Hispanic workers held 24.1% of LA manufacturing jobs in 2022, or 83,000 positions out of 344,500
Verified23Entry-level manufacturing wages in Los Angeles started at $18.50 per hour in 2023, 12% above California's minimum wage
Verified24Manufacturing turnover rate in LA was 28.4% annually in 2022, lower than the national average of 32.1%
Directional25In 2023, 7,200 manufacturing jobs in Los Angeles were in green manufacturing roles, growing 5% year-over-year
Single source26Manufacturing establishments with 100+ employees in LA County numbered 450 in 2022, employing 65% of the sector's workforce
Verified27Youth employment (ages 16-24) in LA manufacturing was 9.2% of the workforce in 2021, totaling 31,700 young workers
Verified28Disability employment rate in manufacturing reached 4.1% in Los Angeles in 2022, or 14,100 workers
Verified29Remote/hybrid manufacturing jobs comprised 2.3% of total positions in LA in 2023, mainly in R&D roles
DirectionalEmployment Statistics Interpretation
Even as its small shops hummed with opportunity, LA's manufacturing sector proved stubbornly resilient in 2023, offering above-average wages and stability while its face was refreshingly diverse, yet it still struggled to fully open its factory doors to women and attract enough new workers to fill its many vacancies.
Growth and Trends
1LA manufacturing projected to grow 2.8% annually through 2030, adding 15,000 jobs by 2025
Verified2Post-COVID recovery saw LA manufacturing output surge 12.4% in 2021, fastest in a decade
Verified3Advanced manufacturing segment grew 8.2% in employment from 2018-2023 in LA
Verified4Reshoring initiatives brought 2,200 manufacturing jobs back to LA since 2020
Directional5Sustainability investments in LA manufacturing rose 15% to $1.2 billion in 2023
Single source6Digital transformation adoption reached 68% of LA manufacturers by 2023, boosting productivity 22%
Verified7Nearshoring trends increased Mexican imports for LA manufacturing by 18% in 2022
Verified8EV component manufacturing in LA expanded 25% in capacity from 2021-2023
Verified9Labor productivity in LA manufacturing grew 3.1% annually 2017-2022
Directional10Venture funding for LA manufacturing startups hit $2.1 billion in 2023, up 28% YoY
Single source11Tariff impacts reduced LA manufacturing import costs by 4% post-2020 trade deals
Verified12Automation reduced LA manufacturing labor costs by 11% per unit from 2019-2023
Verified13Cleantech manufacturing patents from LA firms rose 19% to 450 in 2022
Verified14Supply chain diversification cut LA manufacturing disruptions by 35% in 2023
Directional15LA manufacturing inflation-adjusted output grew 2.9% in 2023 despite national slowdown
Single source16Workforce upskilling programs trained 12,000 LA manufacturing workers in 2023
Verified17Export growth in LA manufacturing averaged 5.6% annually 2018-2023
Verified18Post-pandemic inventory buildup added $4.5 billion to LA manufacturing stocks in 2022
Verified19AI integration in LA manufacturing processes increased 42% from 2020-2023
Directional20LA manufacturing carbon emissions declined 14% per unit output 2015-2022
Single source21Small business manufacturing survival rate in LA improved to 78% after 5 years in 2023 cohort
Verified22Biotech manufacturing R&D spend grew 11% annually to $2.8 billion in LA 2023
Verified23LA manufacturing new plant openings totaled 45 in 2023, creating 3,200 jobs
VerifiedGrowth and Trends Interpretation
Los Angeles manufacturing is defiantly retooling itself into a leaner, greener, and smarter version of its former self, proving that even in the age of Silicon Valley, there's serious muscle and money in actually building things.
Industry Sectors
1Apparel manufacturing dominated with 25% of LA manufacturing establishments in 2022, totaling 3,100 firms employing 45,000 workers
Verified2Aerospace products and parts manufacturing in Los Angeles employed 38,200 workers in 2022, generating $12.4 billion in output
Verified3Food manufacturing subsector in LA County had 1,850 establishments in 2021, producing $15.7 billion in value added
Verified4Furniture and related product manufacturing accounted for 12% of LA manufacturing jobs in 2023, or 41,300 positions
Directional5Fabricated metal product manufacturing firms numbered 1,200 in LA in 2022, employing 22,500 and exporting $2.8 billion
Single source6Medical equipment and supplies manufacturing grew to 8,400 jobs in Los Angeles by 2023, up 6% from 2020
Verified7Transportation equipment manufacturing (excluding aerospace) had 25,600 employees in LA County in 2022
Verified8Chemical manufacturing in LA produced $4.2 billion in shipments in 2021, with 450 firms
Verified9Computer and electronic product manufacturing employed 18,900 in LA in 2023, focusing on semiconductors
Directional10Plastics and rubber products manufacturing had 1,050 establishments in LA, generating $3.1 billion in value
Single source11Printing and related support activities sector employed 14,200 in Los Angeles in 2022, down 3% from 2019
Verified12Machinery manufacturing firms in LA numbered 650 in 2021, with $2.9 billion in shipments
Verified13Electrical equipment and appliance manufacturing supported 9,800 jobs in LA County in 2023
Verified14Beverage and tobacco product manufacturing output in LA reached $2.4 billion in 2022 from 120 firms
Directional15Wood product manufacturing had 280 establishments in LA, employing 4,200 in 2021
Single source16Primary metal manufacturing employed 5,600 in Los Angeles in 2022, with high unionization rates
Verified17Miscellaneous manufacturing subsector included 950 firms in LA, producing toys and sporting goods worth $1.8 billion
Verified18Paper manufacturing in LA County had 150 establishments, generating $900 million in 2021 shipments
Verified19Textile mills and textile product mills combined for 2,200 jobs in LA in 2023, focused on technical textiles
Directional20Nonmetallic mineral product manufacturing employed 6,300 in Los Angeles in 2022
Single source21Petroleum and coal products manufacturing contributed $5.1 billion from 40 refineries in LA area in 2021
Verified22Leather and allied product manufacturing had only 50 firms but $250 million output in LA 2022
Verified23Biotechnology manufacturing within pharma grew to 12,000 jobs in LA by 2023
Verified24Automotive parts manufacturing employed 7,900 in LA County in 2022
Directional25Ship and boat building subsector had 1,200 jobs in LA ports area in 2023
Single source26Jewelry and silverware manufacturing generated $1.2 billion from 800 firms in LA 2021
Verified27Cutlery and handtool manufacturing employed 2,100 in Los Angeles in 2022
Verified28Ventilation, heating, air-conditioning manufacturing had 3,400 jobs in LA 2023
Verified29Battery manufacturing output in LA reached $850 million in 2022 amid EV boom
DirectionalIndustry Sectors Interpretation
Los Angeles manufacturing is a vast, stylish, and ingenious tapestry, where you’re statistically more likely to be sewing the latest trend, building a spaceship, or brewing a craft beer than doing anything else, proving the city makes everything from haute couture to rocket parts with equal flair.
Production Metrics
1In 2022, LA manufacturing shipments totaled $145.6 billion, with a 4.1% increase from 2021 driven by aerospace recovery
Verified2Capacity utilization in LA manufacturing averaged 78.2% in 2023, highest since 2018
Verified3Apparel production in LA manufactured 120 million garments in 2022, valued at $6.8 billion wholesale
Verified4Aerospace parts output from LA firms reached 45,000 units in 2023, including 12,000 for commercial jets
Directional5Food processing plants in LA produced 2.1 billion pounds of goods in 2022
Single source6Furniture manufacturing output value was $4.2 billion in LA County in 2021, with 1.8 million pieces produced
Verified7Metal fabrication shops in LA produced 1.2 million tons of products in 2022
Verified8Medical device production in LA hit 8.7 million units in 2023, exported to 45 countries
Verified9Plastics product manufacturing yielded 950,000 tons in LA in 2022
Directional10Semiconductor wafer fabrication in LA produced 2.4 million wafers equivalent in 2023
Single source11Beverage bottling lines in LA filled 1.5 billion liters in 2022
Verified12Chemical batch production in LA totaled 450,000 metric tons of specialty chemicals in 2021
Verified13Printed materials output from LA presses reached 12 billion pages in 2022
Verified14Machinery assembly in LA completed 28,000 units in 2023
Directional15Electrical component production hit 150 million pieces in LA County 2022
Single source16Inventory turnover ratio for LA manufacturing averaged 5.2 times per year in 2023
Verified17Energy consumption for production in LA manufacturing was 45.2 billion kWh in 2022
Verified18Waste generation from LA manufacturing totaled 2.8 million tons in 2021, with 65% recycled
Verified19LA manufacturing new orders index rose 7.3% to 112.4 in 2023
Directional20Hours worked in production reached 1.2 billion in LA manufacturing 2022
Single source21Yield rates in LA advanced manufacturing averaged 96.8% in 2023, up from 94.2% in 2020
Verified22Container throughput for manufactured goods at LA ports was 9.2 million TEUs in 2022
Verified23Automation adoption led to 28% increase in units per labor hour in LA manufacturing from 2019-2023
Verified24Custom fabrication orders in LA metal sector numbered 45,000 in 2022
Directional25Biopharma production batches in LA totaled 1,800 in 2023
Single source26LA manufacturing defect rate dropped to 1.2% in 2022 from 2.1% in 2019
Verified27Raw material input for LA manufacturing was 15.4 million tons in 2021
Verified28On-time delivery rate for LA manufacturers was 92.4% in 2023
VerifiedProduction Metrics Interpretation
While flying high on aerospace recovery, LA's factories aren't just making mountains of everything from burritos to biopharma—they're getting impressively smarter and leaner, squeezing out more perfect widgets while barely keeping up with our insatiable appetite for stuff.
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