The world would come to a stop without lubricant manufacturing. Now is the time for you to make an impact on the industry.
Why Lubricant Manufacturing?
Without lubricants and metalworking fluids, businesses and critical infrastructure that are relied on by the world would grind to a halt.
Lubricants save time and money while increasing output.
The lubricant manufacturing industry is fast-moving, lucrative, and applicable to many different facets of the world.
Why Choose a Career in Lubricants?
A purpose-driven career in this industry:
- Puts you at the forefront of state-of-the-art products and systems that are essential to everyday life
- Means learning and growing in high-energy, solution-oriented environments from chemical research in a lab to an automotive test facility
- Offers employees higher benefits and compensation than other workforces
- Allows you to solve critically important issues like reducing automotive emissions and enabling renewable energy generation
- Supports sustainability efforts by reducing waste of equipment, in addition to its role in enabling renewable energy
See What a Day-in-the-Life Looks Like for Someone Who Works in the Lubricant Manufacturing Industry
The Independent Lubricant Manufacturers Association is launching the Move the World Forward Campaign to educate the future workforce on the benefits of a career in lubricant manufacturing and encourage the next generation of “friction fighters.”
Move the World Forward Scholarship Program
The ILMA Foundation’s Move the World Forward Scholarship Program is open to four-year university, graduate school and vocational school students.
The industry is dedicated to educating and steering students like you to a rewarding career.
Learn More About ILMA’s Investment in Your Future
Applications Open January 2026
By The Numbers
ILMA member companies produce more than 25% of the automotive lubricants and more than 70% of the metalworking fluids used in North America.
In 2018, ILMA members stimulated $14.4 billion in sales activity and
$7.2 billion in GDP while supporting over 26,300 jobs that paid $2.6 billion in labor income.
$7.2 billion in GDP while supporting over 26,300 jobs that paid $2.6 billion in labor income.
In 2018, the average employee salary supported by ILMA-eligible companies’ activities was about $101,000, approximately 26% higher than the average North American worker.
The member toolkit includes information about the Move the World Forward campaign for you to use on your personal and company social media channels, for external and internal speaking engagements, and to share with companies, colleagues, peers, and students.