Packaging

Packaging is an important component of the U.S. economy. In 2024, the U.S. packaging industry generated $200.98 billion in revenue, according to the market research group Mordor Intelligence. The market size is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 3.98 percent from 2024–2029, reaching $244.17 billion in value in 2029. "With the rising demand for packaging applications and technological advancements across the country's economy, many companies are increasing their market presence by expanding their business footprint across various end-user industries," according to Mordor Intelligence.

The global packaging market is expected to grow from $1.27 trillion in 2025 to $1.49 trillion by 2030, according to Towards Packaging. The global consulting firm says that "Asia currently accounts for the majority of global packaging sales [and] North America represents the globe's second-largest packaging market.

American-made packaging machinery has earned a worldwide reputation for high quality and construction and is known for its outstanding control systems and electronics. Approximately one-third of the world market for packaging machinery is located in North America, but the U.S. exports packaging machinery to about 140 other countries. Grand View Research predicts that the U.S. packaging machinery market is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate CAGR of 4.1 percent from 2025 to 2030. "The U.S. market is robust with its growth being propelled by a rising demand for automated solutions in industries such as food and beverage, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics," according to the business consulting firm. "Innovation in packaging technologies, including smart machinery and sustainable materials, is helping manufacturers enhance efficiency and meet evolving consumer expectations." Continued success in global competition will remain important to the packaging machinery's prosperity and employment outlook. The global packaging machinery market size was $59.30 billion in 2024, according to Grand View Research. Market size is expected to reach $80.96 billion by 2030. "The market is experiencing significant growth driven by various factors, including the rising demand for packaged goods, advancements in technology, and increasing consumer preferences for convenience."

With packaging one of the largest industries in the United States, jobs can be found across the country, in small towns and large cities, in small companies and multiplant international corporations. The jobs are not restricted to any one industry or geographical location; wherever there is industry, there is some kind of packaging going on.

Overall employment in engineering occupations is projected to grow faster than the average for all careers from 2023 to 2033. The knowledge and ingenuity of engineers is vital to the success of the packaging industry. The DOL reports the following employment outlooks (all much faster than the average for all occupations) for the following engineering careers in manufacturing:

• chemical: +13.0 percent
• industrial: +11.4 percent
• mechanical: +9.7 percent
• electrical and electronics: +8.4 percent
• materials: +8.3 percent

Employment for industrial machinery mechanics (including packaging machinery technicians) is projected to increase 17 percent through 2033, much faster than the average for all occupations. The DOL says that the "continued adoption of automated manufacturing machinery is expected to create jobs for these workers, as they will be needed to help keep machines in good working order."

The shortage of trained packaging professionals has encouraged the packaging industry to promote educational programs at the technical school, continuing education, and university levels. Employers seek those who are trained in package design, materials selection, machinery functions, labeling, marketing, and environmental aspects of packaging.

Employment for graphic designers in manufacturing will decline through 2033. However, companies will continue to need designers' expertise to change and improve their products' packaging designs to keep up with marketing trends and meet industry regulations. Despite the overall employment decline for designers in manufacturing, demand for graphic designers will increase in some sectors. For example, job opportunities will increase much faster than the average in beverage and tobacco product, animal food, and food manufacturing.

The introduction of computers, AI, robotics, fiber optics, and computer-aided manufacturing into the industry has added new skill requirements and job opportunities for workers in the packaging industry. Those with advanced training and certification in these areas will have the best job prospects.