Manufacturing companies are struggling to find enough people who can program and run the high-tech machines that cut metal and plastic components. But these precision manufacturing jobs are also among the highest-paying. Though the total number of jobs is expected to shrink in the next decade, demand for these skills is expected to remain strong.

MedianMinnesotaProjected

hourly payemploymentchange,

2009-2019

CNC* machine$25.49510-17.1%

tool programmers

Sources: Bureau of Labor Statistics; MN Dept. of Employment and Economic Development. Data through 3Q 2011. * CNC: computer numerical control