Rob Black, Cabinet Secretary-Designate | New Mexico Economic Development Department
New Mexico has achieved notable rankings in manufacturing growth, according to the New Mexico Economic Development Department (EDD). From August 2024 through August 2025, the state ranked sixth in the nation for year-over-year growth in manufacturing employment, with a 1.4 percent increase. This contrasts with a national decline of 0.6 percent in manufacturing employment during the same period.
The EDD also reported that New Mexico was third in this category last year, demonstrating ongoing improvement. Neighboring states lagged behind: Colorado placed 16th with a 0.3 percent increase, Arizona was 30th at -0.6 percent, and Texas came in at 34th with a -0.7 percent change.
In terms of wages, from the first quarter of 2024 to the first quarter of 2025, New Mexico ranked fifth nationally for average weekly wage growth in manufacturing, with an increase of 5.7 percent. The national average wage growth for the sector was 3 percent over this period. By comparison, Colorado, Texas, and Arizona were ranked much lower—41st (1.6 percent), 45th (0.8 percent), and 47th (-1.3 percent), respectively.
“New Mexico’s manufacturing industry plays a crucial role in helping us create pathways to prosperity, generating local jobs and increased wages for tens of thousands of residents,” said EDD Cabinet Secretary Rob Black. “We’re continuing to invest in the future of this important industry sector that provides such significant contributions to the state’s economy and workforce.”
The data referenced by EDD comes from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. National Manufacturing Week is being observed from October 3-10, with events hosted by the U.S. Census Bureau.
