§1The market
Montana had 6 private establishments in NAICS 321920, wood container and pallet manufacturing, in the 2025 annual average, 0.2% of the U.S. total of 3,143. That ranks 43rd of the 50 states with QCEW data for the industry.
That is up 100.0% from 3 in 2020, against +5.8% nationally.
Employment averaged 74 in 2025 (+54.2% since 2020), at an average annual pay of $42,265, 22.2% below the industry's national average.
For raw material, Montana had 34 sawmill establishments (NAICS 321113) in 2025, employing 723 in 2025. Sawmills outnumber pallet plants in the state.
Pallet plants were recorded in 6 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).
§2Montana by year
| Year | Plants | Employment | Average pay |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 3 | 48 | $33,107 |
| 2021 | 3 | 57 | $29,523 |
| 2022 | 4 | 78 | $37,707 |
| 2023 | 4 | 75 | $38,307 |
| 2024 | 5 | 74 | $36,335 |
| 2025 | 6 | 74 | $42,265 |
Sawmills (NAICS 321113) in Montana: 2020 40, 2021 42, 2022 42, 2023 43, 2024 40, 2025 34.
§3What it means for buyers
With only 6 plants, buyers in Montana should expect to source across state lines, starting with Idaho (24 plants), and should agree delivery charges and lead times carefully.
States with a similar number of plants: New Mexico (6), North Dakota (7), Alaska (5), South Dakota (11).
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) |
|---|---|---|
| Idaho | 24 | $50,281 |
| South Dakota | 11 | not disclosed |
| North Dakota | 7 | $51,824 |
| Wyoming | 3 | $29,525 |