Nvidia CEO and Commerce Secretary Push Americans Toward $70K-$90K Manufacturing Jobs as Industry Faces 1.9 Million Worker Shortage

Dec 17, 2025
Fortune
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Summary

Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang and Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick urge Americans to pursue manufacturing careers offering $70,000-$90,000 starting salaries without college degrees, as the industry faces a staggering 1.9 million worker shortage while positioning itself as crucial for AI competition and national prosperity.

Key Points

  • Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang advocates for Americans to return to manufacturing jobs, stating that successful people don't need PhDs and that re-industrializing the United States is crucial for the nation's prosperity and ability to compete in AI development
  • Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick promotes technician positions that offer $70,000-$90,000 starting salaries without requiring college degrees, though manufacturing faces a potential shortage of 1.9 million workers due to skills gaps and only 14% of Gen Z considering industrial careers
  • Huang expresses optimism that robots will create new job opportunities for technicians, mechanics, and maintenance workers in emerging industries focused on robot manufacturing, maintenance, and support services

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