16 S T U F F • 2 0 1 9 • StuffMadeinMA.com
Women in manufacturing
Although they comprise still a disproportionately small part of the
workforce, Massachusetts women have carved out careers in the industry
B Y S U S A N S H A L H O U B
T
he U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
says although women make up
almost 47% of the workforce, they
have been and remain substantially
underrepresented (relative to their
share of total employment) in profes-
sions such as manufacturing, where
women only account for 30% of workers in the
industry as of 2017.
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, it's a per-
centage that hasn't changed much since the 1970s,
peaking at 33.2% in 1990.
These jobs now rely on advanced technology, and
workers with STEM skills.
For women who do enter the field of manufactur-
ing, potential benefits – literally and figuratively –
are promising. The 2018 IndustryWeek Salary
Survey shows an average manufacturing salary in
New England, with 8.5% respondents weighing in, is
$122,000, and 69% of overall respondents said they
Brienne Allen, 29
Production manager
Notch Brewing, Salem
Lives: Salem
Worldwide leader: She's chapter
leader of Pink Boots Society, which
assists and inspires women in the
Massachusetts beer industry to
advance their careers through
education.
VIDEO LINK
SEE PAGE 3
