A new kind of Career Exploration

There is a great career waiting for you in West Michigan

West Michigan's high-demand industries offer a wide-variety of exciting careers. Regardless of your interest and level of education, there is a great career waiting for you in West Michigan. Learn more about agribusiness, advanced manufacturing, construction, health care, and information technology, below.

Not sure which industry is right for you? Check out MiCareerCompass to get started with your career exploration!

Agribusiness

The agribusiness industry is made up of farms, food processors and manufacturers, and animal raising businesses to name a few. Agribusiness is one of the top five industries in West Michigan and continues to grow, offering exciting career opportunities.

Did you know?

Agriculture is a top 5 industry, economically, in the State of Michigan and contributes $104.7 Billion to the State economy.
The industry's economic impact in West Michigan is over $70 billion Gross Regional Production.
In West Michigan the industry accounts for over 48,000 jobs.
Michigan is the nation's leader in production of Asparagus, Cherries, Cucumbers for pickling, Chestnuts and more.
West Michigan is home to global food processing companies like Kellogg's, Tyson, Founders, Nestle/Gerber, GFS, and more.
Average wage for agribusiness workers in West Michigan is $64,500 annually
46 of the top 100 jobs in West Michigan are part of the agribusiness industry.

Advanced Manufacturing

Manufacturing in West Michigan is thriving and needs talent—now and in the future. The industry offers a wide variety of career opportunities in engineering and technology, production, logistics and distribution, maintenance, installation and repair, business, management and administration. Today's manufacturing jobs are high-tech, high-skilled & high-demand.

More Michigan Manufacturing Facts

Manufacturers in Michigan account for 19.38% of the total output in the state, employing 14.24% of the workforce.
Total economic output from manufacturing was over $100 billion in the last year.
There are more than 140,000 manufacturing employees in West Michigan with an average annual compensation of $94,300.
37 of the top 100 jobs in West Michigan are part of the manufacturing industry.

Construction

Construction is one of West Michigan's fastest growing industries. As older generations retire, there is a continuous need for people that can step into various construction-based roles. According to state labor marketing information, the industry projects a 6.1% increase in employment by 2028.

Why you should build a career in construction

Most think it is only hammer and a nail but that is not true, construction has been becoming more and more technological throughout the years.
You can get a high paying job right out of high school.
Construction employs almost 46,000 people in West Michigan.
Average wages for construction workers in West Michigan are $88,895 annually.
45 of the top 100 jobs in West Michigan are in the construction industry.
Many construction careers do not require a four-year degree and offer paid training.

Health Care

Health Sciences

Some of the largest employers in our region are health care systems, and they need workers with all levels of education and interests to successfully protect our communities’ health and wellbeing.

You don’t have to have a doctorate or even a bachelor’s degree to find a successful career in health care. An entry level position can get your foot in the door, and through a variety of training opportunities, you can advance professionally. A job in health care offers a pathway for career growth and success while making a difference in the lives of patients and their families.

About Health Care in West Michigan

There are over 100,000 healthcare workers in West Michigan.
The average wage in healthcare is more than $76,300 annually.
60 of the top 100 jobs in West Michigan are part of the healthcare industry.
Healthcare is a stable and “always present” industry.

Hospitality

Hospitality

Explore Hospitality elevates one of West Michigan's leading employment sectors by developing careers, cultivating talent and promoting a thriving hospitality industry. The council’s efforts will attract and develop skilled workers to provide world-class service throughout the region.

About Hospitality in West Michigan

34 of our region's most in-demand positions are a part of the hospitality industry.
Our region is currently home to around 68,000 hospitality employees.
The average wage for hospitality workers in West Michigan is $29,534 annually.
Hospitality careers can begin with part-time work or internships and grow through on-the-job training, certifications, or college.
When the hospitality industry succeeds, the whole community benefits through better jobs and stronger businesses.

Information Technology

There are many reasons to choose a career in technology. Aside from the work itself, working in information technology means you can play a part in the discovery, innovation and development of solving real-world problems of today and the future. In this rapid growing industry, tech jobs not only have higher paying wages, but also offer incredible work-life balance and workplace flexibility opportunities.

Computers are everywhere!

West Michigan has a goal to add 20,000 more tech related jobs in the next ten years.
More than 6,300 people are in tech jobs in West Michigan.
The average wage for tech industry workers in West Michigan is more than $86,300 annually.
34 of the top 100 jobs in West Michigan are part of the tech industry.
Every business in every industry relies on technology. You can work in tech in any industry.