Top 10 Manufacturing Employers in Michigan (And What They Pay)

Michigan is American manufacturing. The state employs over 600,000 manufacturing workers (roughly 14% of all jobs), making it the most manufacturing-dependent state in the nation by employment share. And while Michigan will always be synonymous with the automotive industry, the state's manufacturing base has diversified into defense, chemicals, medical devices, and EV battery production.

The skilled trades shortage is acute here. Michigan manufacturers posted over 35,000 open skilled trades positions in 2025, and the gap is widening as baby boomers retire. If you have welding certifications, CNC programming skills, or industrial maintenance experience, Michigan employers are willing to pay a premium.

We pulled data from employer postings, BLS wage estimates, and company filings to profile the 10 biggest manufacturing employers in Michigan: what they build, what they pay, and how to get in.

Quick Pay Comparison

| Employer | Industry | Maintenance Tech Pay | Production Pay | Top Skilled Trade | |----------|----------|---------------------|----------------|-------------------| | Ford | Automotive | $34-44/hr | $21-28/hr | Tool & Die: $38-50/hr | | General Motors | Automotive | $33-43/hr | $20-28/hr | Electrician: $36-46/hr | | Stellantis | Automotive | $32-42/hr | $20-27/hr | Pipefitter: $34-44/hr | | BorgWarner | Powertrain | $28-38/hr | $19-26/hr | CNC: $26-36/hr | | Dow | Chemical | $32-44/hr | $22-30/hr | Instrument Tech: $34-46/hr | | Whirlpool | Appliances | $28-38/hr | $18-24/hr | Tool & Die: $30-40/hr | | Gentex | Electronics | $26-34/hr | $18-24/hr | Automation: $28-38/hr | | Magna | Auto Parts | $28-36/hr | $18-25/hr | Welder: $24-34/hr | | Lear | Seating/Elec. | $27-36/hr | $17-24/hr | Electrician: $30-40/hr | | Kellanova | Food Mfg. | $30-40/hr | $20-26/hr | Maint. Mechanic: $32-42/hr |

1. Ford Motor Company (Dearborn & Statewide)

Headquarters: Dearborn, MI Major Facilities: Dearborn Truck Plant, Rouge Complex, Michigan Assembly (Wayne), Flat Rock Assembly, Rawsonville Components, Livonia Transmission, Sterling Heights, Van Dyke Electric Powertrain Center Michigan Employees: ~47,000 Industry: Automotive Manufacturing

Ford's Michigan footprint is massive: over a dozen major manufacturing facilities producing the F-150, Bronco, Ranger, Mustang, and an expanding lineup of electric vehicles. The Rouge Complex in Dearborn is one of the largest integrated manufacturing campuses in the world.

Typical Roles & Pay:

• Production Associate (UAW): $21-28/hour ($44k-$58k/year) + overtime
• Skilled Maintenance Technician: $34-44/hour ($71k-$92k/year)
• Tool & Die Maker: $38-50/hour ($79k-$104k/year)
• Electrician (Journeyman): $36-46/hour ($75k-$96k/year)
• Quality Technician: $24-32/hour ($50k-$67k/year)

Benefits Highlights: UAW-negotiated benefits include health/dental/vision with no premiums for hourly workers, pension plan, 401(k) with match, profit sharing ($6,000-$14,000 annually in recent years), and vehicle discount program. Skilled trades positions require journey cards or equivalent. Ford runs apprenticeship programs through the UAW-Ford Training Center.

2. General Motors (Warren, Flint, Lansing & Statewide)

Headquarters: Detroit, MI (Renaissance Center) Major Facilities: Factory ZERO (Detroit-Hamtramck), Flint Assembly, Lansing Delta Township, Lansing Grand River, Orion Assembly, Warren Tech Center, Bay City Powertrain, Romulus Propulsion Michigan Employees: ~46,000 Industry: Automotive Manufacturing

GM's Michigan operations span vehicle assembly, powertrain manufacturing, and the massive Warren Tech Center R&D campus. The Factory ZERO plant in Detroit is GM's flagship EV facility, producing the Hummer EV and Cruise Origin. GM's $7 billion investment in Michigan EV and battery production is creating thousands of new skilled trades positions.

Typical Roles & Pay:

• Production Associate (UAW): $20-28/hour ($42k-$58k/year) + overtime
• Skilled Maintenance Technician: $33-43/hour ($69k-$89k/year)
• Electrician (Journeyman): $36-46/hour ($75k-$96k/year)
• CNC Machinist: $28-38/hour ($58k-$79k/year)
• Robotics Technician: $30-40/hour ($62k-$83k/year)

Benefits Highlights: UAW benefits mirror Ford's: no-premium health insurance, pension, 401(k), and profit sharing. GM's tuition assistance covers up to $10,000/year. They look for journey cards for skilled trades, FANUC robotics experience for automation roles, and Allen-Bradley PLC skills for maintenance.

3. Stellantis (Sterling Heights, Detroit, Warren)

Headquarters: Amsterdam (Global) / Auburn Hills, MI (North America) Major Facilities: Sterling Heights Assembly, Warren Truck Assembly, Mack Avenue Engine, Dundee Engine, Trenton Engine, Kokomo (IN) operations Michigan Employees: ~24,000 Industry: Automotive Manufacturing

Stellantis (the parent of Jeep, Ram, Chrysler, and Dodge) operates multiple assembly and powertrain plants across southeast Michigan. Sterling Heights Assembly produces the Ram 1500, one of America's best-selling trucks. Stellantis is investing heavily in electrification, with new EV platforms creating demand for technicians with both traditional and high-voltage manufacturing skills.

Typical Roles & Pay:

• Production Associate (UAW): $20-27/hour ($42k-$56k/year) + overtime
• Skilled Maintenance Technician: $32-42/hour ($67k-$87k/year)
• Pipefitter: $34-44/hour ($71k-$92k/year)
• Millwright: $33-43/hour ($69k-$89k/year)
• Welder/Fabricator: $26-36/hour ($54k-$75k/year)

Benefits Highlights: UAW contract benefits including health insurance, pension, 401(k), and profit sharing.

4. BorgWarner (Auburn Hills)

Headquarters: Auburn Hills, MI Major Facilities: Auburn Hills (corporate + engineering), Cadillac (manufacturing), Belleville, Ithaca Michigan Employees: ~5,000 Industry: Powertrain Components / EV Propulsion

BorgWarner makes turbochargers, drivetrain components, and electric propulsion systems for virtually every major automaker. The company's aggressive pivot to EV technology (they target 45% of revenue from electric vehicle components by 2027) means they're hiring technicians who can bridge traditional machining with advanced electronics manufacturing.

Typical Roles & Pay:

• CNC Machinist: $26-36/hour ($54k-$75k/year)
• Manufacturing Technician: $20-28/hour ($42k-$58k/year)
• Maintenance Technician: $28-38/hour ($58k-$79k/year)
• Quality Inspector (CMM): $24-32/hour ($50k-$67k/year)
• Assembly Technician (EV components): $19-26/hour ($40k-$54k/year)

Benefits Highlights: Health insurance, 401(k) with 4.5% match, tuition reimbursement up to $8,000/year, and stock purchase plan. BorgWarner's EV pivot means they value technicians who bridge traditional machining and electronics.

5. Dow Chemical (Midland)

Headquarters: Midland, MI Major Facilities: Midland (global HQ + largest manufacturing site), multiple Michigan locations Michigan Employees: ~9,000 Industry: Chemical Manufacturing

Dow's Midland campus is one of the largest integrated chemical manufacturing complexes in the Western Hemisphere, producing silicones, polyurethanes, plastics, and specialty chemicals. Chemical manufacturing pays at the top of the skilled trades scale because of the complexity and 24/7 operations.

Typical Roles & Pay:

• Process Operator: $22-30/hour ($46k-$62k/year) + shift differential
• Instrument & Controls Technician: $34-46/hour ($71k-$96k/year)
• Maintenance Mechanic: $30-40/hour ($62k-$83k/year)
• Industrial Electrician: $32-44/hour ($67k-$92k/year)
• Welder (Pipe/Structural): $28-38/hour ($58k-$79k/year)

Benefits Highlights: Profit sharing, 401(k) with dollar-for-dollar match up to 6%, pension plan, and tuition reimbursement. Midland's low cost of living amplifies already-strong wages.

6. Whirlpool Corporation (Benton Harbor & St. Joseph)

Headquarters: Benton Harbor, MI | Michigan Employees: ~3,500 | Industry: Home Appliance Manufacturing

Whirlpool's global headquarters and engineering center are in Benton Harbor. For their Ohio plants, see our Ohio employers guide. Southwest Michigan's low cost of living combined with Whirlpool's benefits make these desirable positions.

Typical Roles & Pay: Maintenance Technician: $28-38/hr | Tool & Die Maker: $30-40/hr | Automation Technician: $26-36/hr | Manufacturing Technician: $20-28/hr

Benefits Highlights: Health insurance, 401(k) with match, employee product discounts, and tuition reimbursement up to $10,000/year.

7. Gentex Corporation (Zeeland)

Headquarters: Zeeland, MI Major Facilities: Zeeland (multiple buildings), Holland Michigan Employees: ~5,500 Industry: Auto-Dimming Mirrors / Electronics Manufacturing

Gentex dominates the global market for auto-dimming rearview mirrors and manufactures advanced automotive electronics. Their west Michigan campus is a clean, modern environment, closer to electronics assembly than traditional heavy manufacturing.

Typical Roles & Pay:

• Production Operator: $18-24/hour ($37k-$50k/year)
• Automation Technician: $28-38/hour ($58k-$79k/year)
• Quality Technician: $22-28/hour ($46k-$58k/year)
• Maintenance Technician: $26-34/hour ($54k-$71k/year)
• Process Technician: $24-32/hour ($50k-$67k/year)

Benefits Highlights: Profit sharing (historically generous, 10-15% of salary), 401(k) with match, health insurance, and a campus culture that's more tech company than factory. Gentex's Zeeland headquarters includes a fitness center, walking trails, and on-site cafeteria.

8. Magna International (Multiple Michigan Locations)

Headquarters: Aurora, Ontario (Global) / Troy, MI (US Operations) Major Facilities: Troy (US HQ), Novi, Warren, Grand Blanc, Battle Creek, and multiple plants statewide Michigan Employees: ~12,000 Industry: Automotive Parts Manufacturing

Magna is the world's third-largest automotive supplier, manufacturing body panels, seating, and powertrain components. Their Michigan operations span stamping plants, assembly facilities, and engineering centers, hiring across virtually every skilled trade.

Typical Roles & Pay:

• Production Welder: $22-30/hour ($46k-$62k/year)
• CNC Machinist: $24-34/hour ($50k-$71k/year)
• Maintenance Technician: $28-36/hour ($58k-$75k/year)
• Die Setter: $24-32/hour ($50k-$67k/year)
• Robotics Technician: $26-36/hour ($54k-$75k/year)

Benefits Highlights: Health insurance, 401(k) with match, tuition reimbursement, and Magna's Employee Charter: a profit-sharing and equity participation model.

9. Lear Corporation (Southfield)

Headquarters: Southfield, MI Major Facilities: Southfield (global HQ), Detroit, Flint, Warren, and multiple Michigan plants Michigan Employees: ~8,000 Industry: Automotive Seating & Electrical Systems

Lear is a Fortune 500 supplier specializing in seating systems and electrical distribution systems, with Just-in-Time facilities located near the assembly plants they supply.

Typical Roles & Pay: Electrician: $30-40/hr | Maintenance Technician: $27-36/hr | Production Operator: $17-24/hr + overtime | Quality Inspector: $20-28/hr

Benefits Highlights: Health insurance, 401(k) with match, tuition assistance, and advancement opportunities across Lear's global network.

10. Kellanova (Battle Creek)

Headquarters: Battle Creek, MI Major Facilities: Battle Creek (HQ + manufacturing), Grand Rapids, other Michigan locations Michigan Employees: ~4,000 Industry: Food Manufacturing

Kellanova (formerly Kellogg Company's snack and international cereal division) maintains major manufacturing operations in Battle Creek, where the company was founded in 1906. Food manufacturing requires many of the same skilled trades as automotive (maintenance mechanics, electricians, PLC technicians, welders) but operates in a cleaner, temperature-controlled environment with strict sanitation standards.

Typical Roles & Pay:

• Production Operator (BCTGM Union): $20-26/hour ($42k-$54k/year) + shift premium
• Maintenance Mechanic: $32-42/hour ($67k-$87k/year)
• Industrial Electrician: $33-43/hour ($69k-$89k/year)
• Sanitation Technician: $18-24/hour ($37k-$50k/year)
• Quality Assurance Technician: $22-30/hour ($46k-$62k/year)

Benefits Highlights: Union-negotiated benefits (BCTGM) including health insurance, pension, and 401(k). Food manufacturers often provide free or discounted product: a small but real perk.

How to Break Into Michigan Manufacturing

1. Understand the geography. Southeast Michigan (Detroit metro) is automotive assembly and Tier 1 suppliers. West Michigan (Grand Rapids, Holland, Zeeland) is diversified manufacturing with strong furniture, food, and automotive parts sectors. Mid-Michigan (Midland, Bay City, Saginaw) is chemical manufacturing and powertrain. Each region has different dominant employers and skill demands.

2. Get your foot in the door through production. The Big Three and their suppliers hire production associates with minimal experience. Once inside, you can bid into skilled trades apprenticeships, which pay you to train while guaranteeing a $70k+ journeyman position at the end. This is one of the best paths in American manufacturing.

3. Target apprenticeships. Michigan has more registered apprenticeship programs per capita than almost any state. Ford, GM, and Stellantis all run UAW-Joint apprenticeships. Dow, Consumers Energy, and DTE also offer structured programs.

4. Use Michigan's training system. Community colleges like Henry Ford College, Macomb Community College, Schoolcraft College, and Grand Rapids Community College have direct pipelines to the employers on this list. Michigan Reconnect covers tuition for adults 25+ pursuing an associate degree or certificate.

5. Don't overlook shift premiums and overtime. Second shift typically adds $1.50-$3.00/hour, and third shift adds $2.00-$4.00/hour. In automotive, overtime during production ramp-ups can push annual earnings 20-40% above base salary.

For a broader view of trade pay, see our top 10 highest-paying trade jobs in 2026. And if you're comparing states, check our Ohio manufacturing employers guide.

Employer data sourced from company filings, public careers pages, BLS Quarterly Census of Employment and Wages, Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity, and HireBuilt employer database. Employee counts are approximate. Pay ranges reflect 2025-2026 data and vary by experience, shift, UAW contract terms, and specific role. Always verify current openings directly with employers.