§1The market
Idaho had 24 private establishments in NAICS 321920, wood container and pallet manufacturing, in the 2025 annual average, 0.8% of the U.S. total of 3,143. That ranks 30th of the 50 states with QCEW data for the industry.
That is up 20.0% from 20 in 2020, against +5.8% nationally.
Employment averaged 267 in 2025 (−7.0% since 2020), at an average annual pay of $50,281, 7.4% below the industry's national average.
For raw material, Idaho had 36 sawmill establishments (NAICS 321113) in 2025, employing 2,020 in 2025. Sawmills outnumber pallet plants in the state.
Pallet plants were recorded in 11 counties in 2025.
Freight context: retail diesel in the Rocky Mountain (PADD 4) region averaged $6.378 a gallon in October 2026, +74.7% on a year earlier (EIA).
§2Idaho by year
| Year | Plants | Employment | Average pay |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 20 | 287 | $37,818 |
| 2021 | 21 | 293 | $41,365 |
| 2022 | 24 | 313 | $45,977 |
| 2023 | 24 | 298 | $47,497 |
| 2024 | 24 | 281 | $49,056 |
| 2025 | 24 | 267 | $50,281 |
Sawmills (NAICS 321113) in Idaho: 2020 39, 2021 39, 2022 38, 2023 37, 2024 36, 2025 36.
§3What it means for buyers
Idaho's 24 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 Boise City, ID; see the metro pages below.
States with a similar number of plants: Louisiana (24), Oklahoma (29), Maryland (23), Massachusetts (32).
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Boise City, ID | 15 | not disclosed |
| Logan, UT-ID | 6 | 129 |