§1The market
Mississippi had 42 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 25th of the 50 states with QCEW data for the industry.
The count was essentially flat against 2020 (42).
Employment averaged 778 in 2025 (−3.2% since 2020), at an average annual pay of $61,015, 12.3% above the industry's national average.
For raw material, Mississippi had 93 sawmill establishments (NAICS 321113) in 2025, employing 4,268 in 2025. Sawmills outnumber pallet plants in the state.
Pallet plants were recorded in 29 counties in 2025.
Freight context: retail diesel in the Gulf Coast (PADD 3) region averaged $5.871 a gallon in October 2026, +77.0% on a year earlier (EIA).
§2Mississippi by year
| Year | Plants | Employment | Average pay |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 42 | 804 | $43,693 |
| 2021 | 42 | 849 | $46,175 |
| 2022 | 43 | 977 | $50,335 |
| 2023 | 42 | 921 | $53,257 |
| 2024 | 42 | 879 | $56,733 |
| 2025 | 42 | 778 | $61,015 |
Sawmills (NAICS 321113) in Mississippi: 2020 89, 2021 85, 2022 87, 2023 88, 2024 90, 2025 93.
§3What it means for buyers
Mississippi's 42 plants give a workable in-state field, but a secondary supplier may need to come from a neighbouring state; Tennessee has the most nearby capacity (132 plants).
Supply clusters in Jackson, MS; see the metro pages below.
States with a similar number of plants: Arizona (40), Iowa (44), Utah (37), Washington (46).
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Jackson, MS | 9 | not disclosed |
| Memphis, TN-MS-AR | 20 | 584 |