§1The market
The Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX metropolitan statistical area had 50 private wood container and pallet manufacturing establishments (NAICS 321920) in the 2024 QCEW annual average, 27% of Texas's 182. Among the 128 metro areas with at least five such plants, it ranks 5th by count.
That is up from 46 in 2020 (+8.7%).
BLS disclosed employment of 650 for 2023, with average annual pay of $47,163, against $50,800 statewide and $52,196 nationally.
9 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 | 46 | not disclosed | not disclosed |
| 2021 | 47 | not disclosed | not disclosed |
| 2022 | 47 | not disclosed | not disclosed |
| 2023 | 48 | 650 | $47,163 |
| 2024 | 50 | not disclosed | not disclosed |
BLS had not published 2025 metro-area figures when this page was built; state pages carry 2025.
§3Buying here
With 50 plants, the Houston, TX area can usually support a local RFQ with several bidders inside a short delivery radius. An establishment is a location, not a company, so two plants may belong to one supplier.
Other metro areas in Texas: Dallas, TX (44), Austin, TX (12), El Paso, TX (8), San Antonio, TX (8), Beaumont, TX (6), Amarillo, TX (5).