§1The market
The Austin-Round Rock-San Marcos, TX metropolitan statistical area had 12 private wood container and pallet manufacturing establishments (NAICS 321920) in the 2024 QCEW annual average, 7% of Texas's 182. Among the 128 metro areas with at least five such plants, it ranks 41st by count.
That is up from 6 in 2020 (+100.0%).
BLS disclosed employment of 171 for 2021, with average annual pay of $65,882, against $44,118 statewide and $46,804 nationally.
3 sawmill establishments (NAICS 321113) were also counted in the metro in 2024.
Diesel in the Gulf Coast (PADD 3) region averaged $5.871 a gallon in October 2026 (EIA), the freight context for deliveries here.
§2By year
| Year | Plants | Employment | Average pay |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 6 | 150 | $53,872 |
| 2021 | 7 | 171 | $65,882 |
| 2022 | 7 | not disclosed | not disclosed |
| 2023 | 10 | not disclosed | not disclosed |
| 2024 | 12 | not disclosed | not disclosed |
BLS had not published 2025 metro-area figures when this page was built; state pages carry 2025.
§3Buying here
With 12 plants, the Austin, TX area has a small local field; invite bidders from the wider state as well, and compare delivered cost, not price at the plant. An establishment is a location, not a company, so two plants may belong to one supplier.
Other metro areas in Texas: Houston, TX (50), Dallas, TX (44), El Paso, TX (8), San Antonio, TX (8), Beaumont, TX (6), Amarillo, TX (5).