§1The market
Vermont had 4 private establishments in NAICS 321920, wood container and pallet manufacturing, in the 2025 annual average, 0.1% of the U.S. total of 3,143. That ranks 48th of the 50 states with QCEW data for the industry.
That is down 20.0% from 5 in 2020, against +5.8% nationally.
Employment averaged 29 in 2024 (−12.1% since 2020), at an average annual pay of $38,092, 28.8% below the industry's national average.
For raw material, Vermont had 32 sawmill establishments (NAICS 321113) in 2025, employing 385 in 2024. Sawmills outnumber pallet plants in the state.
Pallet plants were recorded in 3 counties in 2025.
Freight context: retail diesel in the New England (PADD 1A) region averaged $6.452 a gallon in October 2026, +63.5% on a year earlier (EIA).
§2Vermont by year
| Year | Plants | Employment | Average pay |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 5 | 33 | $33,665 |
| 2021 | 5 | 35 | $35,289 |
| 2022 | 5 | 34 | $37,408 |
| 2023 | 5 | 32 | $39,331 |
| 2024 | 4 | 29 | $38,092 |
| 2025 | 4 | not disclosed | not disclosed |
Sawmills (NAICS 321113) in Vermont: 2020 32, 2021 34, 2022 35, 2023 34, 2024 34, 2025 32.
§3What it means for buyers
With only 4 plants, buyers in Vermont should expect to source across state lines, starting with New York (95 plants), and should agree delivery charges and lead times carefully.
States with a similar number of plants: Wyoming (3), Delaware (4), Hawaii (2), Rhode Island (5).
Ask each bidder which plant will ship to you, and price delivery as its own line in the bid-leveling sheet.
§4Neighbouring states
| State | Plants | Average pay (latest disclosed) |
|---|---|---|
| New York | 95 | $58,674 |
| Massachusetts | 32 | $67,492 |
| New Hampshire | 14 | $49,466 |