§1The market
Arizona had 40 private establishments in NAICS 321920, wood container and pallet manufacturing, in the 2025 annual average, 1.3% of the U.S. total of 3,143. That ranks 26th of the 50 states with QCEW data for the industry.
That is up 25.0% from 32 in 2020, against +5.8% nationally.
Employment averaged 619 in 2025 (+16.1% since 2020), at an average annual pay of $53,026, 2.4% below the industry's national average.
For raw material, Arizona had 11 sawmill establishments (NAICS 321113) in 2025, employing 176 in 2025. Pallet plants outnumber sawmills in the state.
Pallet plants were recorded in 4 counties in 2025.
Freight context: retail diesel in the West Coast less California (PADD 5) region averaged $6.567 a gallon in October 2026, +61.7% on a year earlier (EIA).
§2Arizona by year
| Year | Plants | Employment | Average pay |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 32 | 533 | $38,609 |
| 2021 | 33 | 529 | $42,155 |
| 2022 | 29 | 504 | $49,459 |
| 2023 | 32 | 538 | $50,936 |
| 2024 | 36 | 594 | $52,974 |
| 2025 | 40 | 619 | $53,026 |
Sawmills (NAICS 321113) in Arizona: 2020 7, 2021 9, 2022 10, 2023 9, 2024 10, 2025 11.
§3What it means for buyers
Arizona's 40 plants give a workable in-state field, but a secondary supplier may need to come from a neighbouring state; California has the most nearby capacity (364 plants).
Supply clusters in Phoenix, AZ; see the metro pages below.
States with a similar number of plants: Utah (37), Mississippi (42), Massachusetts (32), Iowa (44).
Ask each bidder which plant will ship to you, and price delivery as its own line in the bid-leveling sheet.
§4Metro areas
| Metro area | Plants | Employment |
|---|---|---|
| Phoenix-Mesa-Chandler, AZ | 25 | 483 |
§5Neighbouring states
| State | Plants | Average pay (latest disclosed) |
|---|---|---|
| California | 364 | $53,762 |
| Utah | 37 | $51,642 |
| Nevada | 23 | $52,280 |
| Colorado | 21 | $55,623 |
| New Mexico | 6 | $39,253 |