§1The market
Washington had 46 private establishments in NAICS 321920, wood container and pallet manufacturing, in the 2025 annual average, 1.5% of the U.S. total of 3,143. That ranks 23rd of the 50 states with QCEW data for the industry.
That is up 2.2% from 45 in 2020, against +5.8% nationally.
Employment averaged 895 in 2025 (−4.5% since 2020), at an average annual pay of $62,746, 15.5% above the industry's national average.
For raw material, Washington had 108 sawmill establishments (NAICS 321113) in 2025, employing 5,225 in 2025. Sawmills outnumber pallet plants in the state.
Pallet plants were recorded in 20 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).
§2Washington by year
| Year | Plants | Employment | Average pay |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 45 | 937 | $46,213 |
| 2021 | 52 | 1,043 | $52,676 |
| 2022 | 53 | 1,131 | $55,632 |
| 2023 | 46 | 1,167 | $58,628 |
| 2024 | 45 | 1,088 | $61,471 |
| 2025 | 46 | 895 | $62,746 |
Sawmills (NAICS 321113) in Washington: 2020 109, 2021 110, 2022 110, 2023 112, 2024 110, 2025 108.
§3What it means for buyers
Washington's 46 plants give a workable in-state field, but a secondary supplier may need to come from a neighbouring state; Oregon has the most nearby capacity (61 plants).
Supply clusters in Seattle, WA, Spokane, WA; see the metro pages below.
States with a similar number of plants: Iowa (44), Arkansas (48), Mississippi (42), Virginia (60).
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA | 17 | not disclosed |
| Spokane-Spokane Valley, WA | 6 | not disclosed |
| Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA | 27 | 434 |