Pennsylvania’s plastics industry continues to be a key driver of the state’s economy, supporting more than 38,000 direct jobs and operating 580 facilities across the commonwealth, according to new data released Sept. 17 by the American Chemistry Council (ACC).
“The plastics manufacturing sector is a cornerstone of Pennsylvania’s economy,” said Steven Kratz, president of the Pennsylvania Chemical Industry Council. “By supporting thousands of skilled jobs and fueling innovation across critical industries like health care and advanced manufacturing, this sector not only strengthens communities but also solidifies the commonwealth’s competitive position on a global and national scale.”
Workers in Pennsylvania’s plastics sector earned an average annual salary of nearly $70,000 in 2024, well above the state’s median household income, underscoring the industry’s role in sustaining middle-class jobs and boosting local communities.
Nationally, plastics manufacturing generated more than $1.1 trillion in economic output last year, with nearly 670,000 direct employees and close to five million jobs supported across industries that rely heavily on plastics — including automotive, health care, packaging, and construction.
“Plastics are essential to modern life, powering our economy and enabling innovation in everything from health care 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.”
In addition to employment and wages in Pennsylvania, the industry’s presence in the state also helps anchor advanced manufacturing and supports sectors that depend on high-performance materials, such as medical devices, energy infrastructure, and food processing, according to a Pennsylvania state-specific fact sheet published by America’s Plastic Makers, which is comprised of the ACC’s Plastics Division and its member companies.
In fact, the state is ranked sixth in the nation for plastics manufacturing jobs, with the total wage contribution reaching $2.7 billion, says America’s Plastic Makers.
“We need to keep this innovation alive in Pennsylvania to help the state economy thrive, rather than outsourcing our innovation overseas,” according to the fact sheet.