Get a Great Career 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. Learn more about individual careers in agribusiness.
Did you know?
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Agriculture is a top 5 industry, economically, in the State of Michigan and contributes $104.7 Billion to the State economy.
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The industry's economic impact in West Michigan is over $70 billion Gross Regional Production.
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Agribusiness employs over 900,000 people, making up 22% of the states workforce.
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In West Michigan the industry accounts for over 23,000 jobs.
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Michigan is the nation's leader in production of Asparagus, Cherries, Cucumbers for pickling, Chestnuts and more.
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Michigan is home to 129 wineries and over 200 microbreweries.
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West Michigan is home to global food processing companies like Kellogg's, Tyson, Founders, Nestle/Gerber, GFS, and more.
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Average wage for entry-level agribusiness workers in West Michigan range from $14-$17/hr.
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. Learn more about individual careers in advanced manufacturing.
More Michigan Manufacturing Facts:
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Manufacturers in Michigan account for 19.38% of the total output in the state, employing 14.24% of the workforce.
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Total output from manufacturing was $102.35 billion in 2019.
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There are 630,000 manufacturing employees in Michigan with an average annual compensation of $79,320.10.
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 between 2018 and 2028. Learn more about individual careers in construction.
Why you should build a career in construction:
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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.
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You can get a high paying job right out of high school.
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Construction is expected to see over 800,000 job openings over the next 10 years.
Health Sciences
Did you know that nearly 90,000 individuals work in health care in West Michigan? 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. Learn more about individual careers in health sciences.
Health Care in West Michigan:
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There are 89,780 healthcare jobs in the region as of 2020.
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In the last 6 months there have been 13,680 unique job postings that fall under the Healthcare industry.
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Healthcare is a stable and “always present” industry.
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. Learn more about individual careers in IT.
Computers are everywhere!
Understanding how computers work is not just for techies, but for everyone. Students at all grade levels need to develop introductory skills in computer science. These skills will help them prepare for the future and open doors to in-demand careers in West Michigan. Check out these resources to start building your tech skills!