Washington, D.C. — Plastics Industry Association (PLASTICS) Chief Economist, Dr. Perc Pineda, has released a new economic analysis of U.S. labor market trends in plastics manufacturing, offering both context and clarity on recent changes and long-term opportunities.
Dr. Pineda writes, “Amid the diverse occupations in the plastics industry, five key roles are expected to be in high demand over the next decade. Engineers are projected to grow by 13.6% between 2023 and 2033, reaching 25,100 jobs. Machinist positions are also expected to rise, increasing by 9.4% to 3,500 jobs. While growth in production occupations is expected to slow to 3.6%, they will remain the industry’s largest occupational group, with 368,000 jobs by 2033. Though smaller in size, industrial machinery installation, repair, and maintenance workers—as well as industrial machinery mechanics—are projected to see significant growth, at 26.6% and 22.0% respectively, reaching 21,900 and 22,200 jobs.”
Click here to read the full analysis on the PLASTICS blog.
The Plastics Industry Association (PLASTICS) supports the entire plastics supply chain, including Equipment Suppliers, Material Suppliers, Processors, and Recyclers, representing over one million workers in our $519 billion U.S. industry. PLASTICS advances the priorities of our members who are dedicated to investing in technologies that improve capabilities and advances in recycling and sustainability and providing essential products that allow for the protection and safety of our lives. Since 1937, PLASTICS has been working to make its members, and the eighth largest U.S. manufacturing industry, more globally competitive while supporting circularity through educational initiatives, industry-leading insights and events, convening opportunities and policy advocacy, including the largest plastics trade show in the Americas, NPE: The Plastics Show.
