We mentioned just last week that there’s a problem with manufacturing: there are an enormous amount of manufacturing jobs open in the United States, and not nearly enough skilled workers to fill them.

But despite that shortage, manufacturing still  $1.87 trillion to the United States economy–that’s 11.9 percent of our GDP. And for every $1.00 spent in manufacturing, another $1.48 is added to the economy, the highest multiplier effect of any sector. So clearly, manufacturing is an important part of the American economy.

But what about Nebraska? How important is manufacturing to the economic conditions of the state?

For that, we turn back to the , an important source of information on manufacturing’s economic impact. NAM, “economic conditions can vary widely by U.S. state and region… Our data also helps show top manufacturing states, highlights key areas of economic strength and identifies areas of concern.”

Here are some key facts on manufacturing in Nebraska from NAM’s :

Manufacturing output and exports:

• Nebraska’s total manufacturing output ($billions, 2011): $11.2
• Manufacturing’s share of state GDP: 11.8%
• Manufacturing establishments in Nebraska: 1,858
• Manufacturing’s share of Nebraska’s exports: 79%
• Total employment related to manufactured goods: 30,700

Employment and compensation:

• Manufacturing employment: 93,100
• Manufacturing employment (% of overall non-farm): 9.8%
• Average annual compensation in manufacturing: $53,831
• Average annual compensation in private non-farm sectors: $39,623
• Manufacturing pay premium (as a % of private non-farm): $14,208–a roughly 35% increase

Manufacturing in Nebraska, then, isn’t just some small-time industry without much engagement–it’s a successful industry in the state with a significant export impact. Manufacturers like Kawasaki are just one of the big-name manufacturers in the state, and are the first of a long line of manufacturers we’ll talk about here on this blog.

So really, we’re not in (just) Kansas anymore. We (along with much of the Midwest) are in a big-time manufacturing state with the potential for a bright future if we start focusing on starting to teach the right skills needed for this industry.

We recommend checking out the  for more detailed information on manufacturing in Nebraska.

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Image courtesy of .