Texas’ Plastics Industry Sets the Pace with $61.5 Billion in Production, Nation-Leading Wages

Texas continues to set the standard for plastics manufacturing, leading the nation in production value and jobs, according to the latest economic analysis from the American Chemistry Council (ACC).

In 2024, plastics manufacturers in Texas generated $61.5 billion in goods, making the state the number one plastics producer in the country. The industry supports 54,090 well-paying jobs across 840 facilities statewide, with workers earning an average of $85,680 per year—a figure that ranks among the highest in the U.S. The sector’s total payroll was $4.6 billion.

Texas not only leads in total plastics manufacturing jobs, production value, and total payroll, but also ranks second nationally in average wages and second for total number of facilities. This leadership reflects the state’s critical role in supporting U.S. manufacturing and innovation, while fueling downstream industries from energy and construction to healthcare and consumer products.

“Plastics are essential to modern life, powering our economy and enabling innovation in everything from healthcare and clean energy to transportation and safe food and water,” said Ross Eisenberg, president of America’s Plastic Makers. “Plastics manufacturing means good jobs, strong wages, and sustained investment in America’s future.”

Across the United States, the plastics manufacturing industry employed 670,000 people in 2024, cementing its place as a cornerstone of the economy. Texas’s outsized contribution underscores its position as both a manufacturing hub and an innovation leader, driving growth for industries that rely on plastics every day.

The industry’s reach extends far beyond plastics facilities. Key U.S. industries that rely heavily on plastics—including automotive, construction, healthcare, and packaging—employed 4.8 million people and paid nearly $400 billion in wages in 2024.

Download the report and fact sheet.

American Chemistry Council’s Plastics Division

The American Chemistry Council’s Plastics Division represents America’s Plastic Makers^SM and the hundreds of thousands of scientists, engineers and technicians who develop plastics essential to modern life. From healthcare and clean energy to transportation and safe food and water, plastics drive innovation and strengthen the U.S. economy by supporting key industries and creating well-paying jobs. Companies are investing billions annually in U.S. production and recycling, advancing manufacturing and efficiency across economic sectors. We envision a future where all plastic products are reused or recycled, conserving resources and creating a cleaner, safer and more resilient world.

American Chemistry Council

The American Chemistry Council’s mission is to advocate for the people, policy, and products of chemistry that make the United States the global leader in innovation and manufacturing. To achieve this, we: Champion science-based policy solutions across all levels of government; Drive continuous performance improvement to protect employees and communities through Responsible Care®; Foster the development of sustainability practices throughout ACC member companies; and Communicate authentically with communities about challenges and solutions for a safer, healthier and more sustainable way of life. Our vision is a world made better by chemistry, where people live happier, healthier, and more prosperous lives, safely and sustainably—for generations to come.