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

Pennsylvania is the sixth-largest manufacturing state in America by employment. Over 570,000 Pennsylvanians work in manufacturing, and the state ranks in the top five nationally for steel production, pharmaceutical manufacturing, and defense systems. The BLS reports average annual wages of $68,400 for production workers in PA, well above the national manufacturing average.

From legacy steel mills in the Mon Valley to pharmaceutical plants in the Philadelphia suburbs to defense contractors in the Lehigh Valley, Pennsylvania offers a breadth of manufacturing careers that few states can match. And the workforce shortage is acute: the Pennsylvania Manufacturers' Association estimates the state will need to fill over 80,000 manufacturing positions by 2028.

We pulled data from BLS wage estimates, employer filings, and HireBuilt's employer database to profile the 10 biggest manufacturing employers in Pennsylvania: what they build, what they pay, and how to get hired.

1. US Steel

Headquarters: Pittsburgh, PA Major Facilities: Clairton (coke works), Braddock (Edgar Thomson Works), Mon Valley Works Pennsylvania Employees: ~4,000 Industry: Steel Production

US Steel is the historic anchor of Pennsylvania manufacturing. Their Mon Valley Works complex (spanning Clairton, Braddock, and West Mifflin) remains one of the largest integrated steelmaking operations in the country. The company invested $1.5 billion in upgrades at its Mon Valley facilities, modernizing blast furnaces and expanding capacity for advanced high-strength steel used in automotive and construction.

Typical Roles & Pay:

• Steelworker / Production Operator: $24–$34/hour ($50k–$71k/year)
• Maintenance Technician: $30–$42/hour ($62k–$87k/year)
• Electrical Technician: $32–$44/hour ($67k–$92k/year)
• Quality Inspector: $26–$36/hour ($54k–$75k/year)
• Crane Operator: $28–$38/hour ($58k–$79k/year)

Benefits: USW union positions include defined-benefit pension, comprehensive health insurance, and profit-sharing bonuses. Shift differentials of $2–$4/hour for evenings and nights.

What they look for: USW union membership or willingness to join. Welding certifications, electrical experience, and mechanical aptitude. Military veterans with heavy equipment or maintenance backgrounds are actively recruited.

2. Arconic (Howmet Aerospace)

Headquarters: Pittsburgh, PA Major Facilities: Alcoa Center, New Kensington, Lancaster Pennsylvania Employees: ~5,500 Industry: Aerospace Components & Engineered Products

Arconic (now operating largely under the Howmet Aerospace brand) is a global leader in precision-engineered aerospace components. Their Pennsylvania facilities produce fasteners, structural castings, and forged components for Boeing, Airbus, and the U.S. military. The Lancaster plant is one of the largest aerospace forging operations in North America.

Typical Roles & Pay:

• CNC Machinist: $24–$36/hour ($50k–$75k/year)
• Die Setter / Press Operator: $22–$32/hour ($46k–$67k/year)
• NDT Technician: $26–$38/hour ($54k–$79k/year)
• Tool & Die Maker: $28–$42/hour ($58k–$87k/year)
• Maintenance Mechanic: $28–$40/hour ($58k–$83k/year)

Training Programs: Arconic runs internal apprenticeships in machining and tool & die making at several PA facilities. They partner with local community colleges for CNC programming certifications.

3. GE Vernova

Headquarters: Cambridge, MA | Major PA Facility: Grove City, PA Grove City Employees: ~2,200 Industry: Gas Turbine Manufacturing

GE Vernova's Grove City plant manufactures gas turbines for power generation: massive precision machines that can weigh over 400 tons. The facility handles everything from machining turbine rotors to final assembly and testing. With the global energy transition driving demand for natural gas as a bridge fuel, GE Vernova has been expanding headcount at Grove City.

Typical Roles & Pay:

• CNC Machinist: $26–$38/hour ($54k–$79k/year)
• Welding Specialist: $28–$40/hour ($58k–$83k/year)
• Assembly Technician: $24–$34/hour ($50k–$71k/year)
• Quality Inspector: $26–$36/hour ($54k–$75k/year)
• Maintenance Technician: $28–$40/hour ($58k–$83k/year)

What they look for: Precision machining experience on large-scale components, TIG welding certifications for exotic alloys, and mechanical assembly skills. Experience with gas turbine or heavy rotating equipment is a major plus.

For more on CNC career paths, see our guide on 8 ways to increase your salary as a CNC machinist.

4. Kennametal

Headquarters: Latrobe, PA Major Facilities: Latrobe, New Market, Orwell Pennsylvania Employees: ~1,800 Industry: Cutting Tools & Tooling Systems

Kennametal manufactures tungsten carbide cutting tools, tooling systems, and wear-resistant components used in everything from aerospace machining to mining. Their Latrobe campus is the company's innovation hub, with R&D labs and production facilities producing some of the most advanced cutting tool materials in the world.

Typical Roles & Pay:

• CNC Grinder Operator: $22–$32/hour ($46k–$67k/year)
• Sintering Technician: $20–$28/hour ($42k–$58k/year)
• Quality Lab Technician: $24–$34/hour ($50k–$71k/year)
• Tool & Die Maker: $26–$38/hour ($54k–$79k/year)
• Maintenance Technician: $26–$38/hour ($54k–$79k/year)

Training Programs: Kennametal offers internal technical training in carbide manufacturing processes, CNC grinding, and quality inspection. They actively recruit from local vo-tech programs and community colleges.

5. Textron Systems (formerly Bell)

Headquarters: Providence, RI | Major PA Facility: Philadelphia (naval systems) Pennsylvania Employees: ~1,200 Industry: Defense & Marine Systems

Textron Systems' Philadelphia operations focus on advanced marine craft and unmanned systems for the U.S. Navy. The facility builds Ship-to-Shore Connector hovercraft and other naval vessels that require skilled welders, electricians, and composite fabricators.

Typical Roles & Pay:

• Marine Welder: $26–$38/hour ($54k–$79k/year)
• Structural Fitter: $24–$34/hour ($50k–$71k/year)
• Marine Electrician: $28–$40/hour ($58k–$83k/year)
• Composite Technician: $22–$32/hour ($46k–$67k/year)

What they look for: AWS structural welding certifications, industrial electrician experience, and blueprint reading proficiency. Defense work requires security clearance eligibility (U.S. citizenship).

6. Johnson Matthey

Headquarters: London, UK | Major PA Facility: West Deptford (near Philadelphia) Pennsylvania Employees: ~1,400 Industry: Specialty Chemicals & Catalytic Systems

Johnson Matthey manufactures catalytic converters, emission control systems, and specialty chemical products at multiple Pennsylvania facilities. Their operations support automotive, pharmaceutical, and clean energy industries. With tightening global emission standards, production demand has been rising steadily.

Typical Roles & Pay:

• Chemical Process Operator: $22–$30/hour ($46k–$62k/year)
• Maintenance Technician: $26–$36/hour ($54k–$75k/year)
• Quality Control Technician: $24–$34/hour ($50k–$71k/year)
• Precious Metals Refiner: $24–$32/hour ($50k–$67k/year)

Benefits: Competitive medical/dental, 401(k) with 6% match, tuition reimbursement, and annual performance bonuses.

7. Merck & Co.

Headquarters: Rahway, NJ | Major PA Facilities: West Point, Wilson Pennsylvania Employees: ~10,000 (including non-manufacturing) Industry: Pharmaceutical Manufacturing

Merck's West Point campus in Montgomery County is one of the largest pharmaceutical manufacturing complexes in the United States. The facility produces vaccines (including the blockbuster Keytruda cancer treatment) and employs thousands of production technicians, maintenance workers, and quality professionals.

Typical Roles & Pay:

• Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Technician: $22–$32/hour ($46k–$67k/year)
• Maintenance Technician (GMP): $30–$42/hour ($62k–$87k/year)
• Quality Assurance Technician: $26–$36/hour ($54k–$75k/year)
• Utilities Technician: $28–$38/hour ($58k–$79k/year)
• Packaging Operator: $20–$28/hour ($42k–$58k/year)

What makes them different: Pharmaceutical manufacturing pays premiums for GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice) compliance skills. Maintenance techs at pharma plants earn 10–20% more than general manufacturing counterparts because clean room and validation requirements add complexity. Merck also offers some of the best benefits in Pennsylvania manufacturing: day-one health insurance, 6% 401(k) match, and generous PTO.

8. Siemens Gamesa (Siemens Energy)

Headquarters: Hamburg, Germany | Major PA Facility: Norwood (near Philadelphia) Pennsylvania Employees: ~800 Industry: Wind Turbine Components

Siemens Gamesa manufactures nacelles and drivetrain components for wind turbines at its Pennsylvania facilities. With the Inflation Reduction Act driving massive investment in domestic renewable energy manufacturing, Siemens has been scaling up U.S. production capacity.

Typical Roles & Pay:

• Mechanical Assembler: $22–$30/hour ($46k–$62k/year)
• Electrical Assembler: $24–$32/hour ($50k–$67k/year)
• CNC Machinist: $26–$36/hour ($54k–$75k/year)
• Quality Inspector: $24–$34/hour ($50k–$71k/year)

Training Programs: Siemens runs an internal technical training program and offers tuition reimbursement for relevant trade certifications. They recruit from local vo-tech programs for entry-level assembly positions.

9. The Hershey Company

Headquarters: Hershey, PA Major Facilities: Hershey, Hazleton Pennsylvania Employees: ~3,500 (manufacturing roles) Industry: Food Manufacturing

Hershey's Pennsylvania chocolate manufacturing operations are iconic. The Hershey plant produces Reese's Peanut Butter Cups, Hershey's Kisses, and dozens of other confections on highly automated production lines. The Hazleton facility handles packaging and distribution. Food manufacturing offers stable, year-round employment with predictable schedules.

Typical Roles & Pay:

• Production Operator: $20–$28/hour ($42k–$58k/year)
• Maintenance Technician: $28–$40/hour ($58k–$83k/year)
• Packaging Machine Operator: $18–$26/hour ($37k–$54k/year)
• Quality Technician: $22–$30/hour ($46k–$62k/year)
• Controls Technician: $32–$44/hour ($67k–$92k/year)

What makes them different: Food manufacturing offers some of the most predictable schedules in the industry, critical for work-life balance. Hershey also provides exceptional benefits: tuition reimbursement, profit sharing, and a company store discount that your family will appreciate.

10. CNH Industrial

Headquarters: London, UK | Major PA Facility: New Holland Pennsylvania Employees: ~2,800 Industry: Agricultural & Construction Equipment

CNH Industrial's New Holland plant has been building farm equipment in Lancaster County since 1895. The facility manufactures hay and forage equipment, skid steer loaders, and compact track loaders. CNH is one of the largest private employers in Lancaster County.

Typical Roles & Pay:

• Production Welder: $22–$32/hour ($46k–$67k/year)
• CNC Machinist: $24–$34/hour ($50k–$71k/year)
• Assembly Technician: $20–$28/hour ($42k–$58k/year)
• Paint Technician: $20–$26/hour ($42k–$54k/year)
• Maintenance Technician: $28–$40/hour ($58k–$83k/year)

What they look for: Welding certifications (AWS D1.1 structural), machining experience, and mechanical aptitude. CNH runs internal weld qualification programs and promotes from within.

How to Break Into Pennsylvania Manufacturing

1. Target the right region. Pittsburgh and the Mon Valley for steel and heavy industry. Philadelphia suburbs for pharmaceutical and defense. Lancaster County for agricultural equipment.

2. Get certified. AWS welding certs for metal fabrication. NCCER or SMRP credentials for maintenance. PLC certifications for controls work. Pennsylvania employers use certifications as screening filters. If you're deciding where to focus your training, industrial maintenance and CNC programming open the most doors in Pennsylvania.

3. Leverage union pathways. Pennsylvania has a strong union manufacturing tradition. USW (steel), IAM (aerospace), and UFCW (food manufacturing) all offer apprenticeships and training programs that lead to premium wages and benefits.

4. Consider shift flexibility. Night and weekend shifts pay $2–$5/hour premiums and are easier to land as a new hire.

For a broader look at which trade careers offer the highest pay, see our guide to the top 10 highest-paying trade jobs in 2026.

Employer data sourced from company filings, public careers pages, BLS Quarterly Census of Employment and Wages (Pennsylvania, 2025), and HireBuilt employer database. Employee counts are approximate. Pay ranges reflect 2025–2026 data and vary by experience, shift, and specific role. Always verify current openings directly with employers.