Jobs in plastics expected to grow rapidly in the next decade, PLASTICS report shows
Roles in engineering, machine installation, repair, and maintenance are projected to grow significantly
Plastics Industry Association (PLASTICS) Chief Economist, Dr. Perc Pineda, has released a new economic analysis of U.S. labour 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 percent between 2023 and 2033, reaching 25,100 jobs. Machinist positions are also expected to rise, increasing by 9.4 percent to 3,500 jobs. While growth in production occupations is expected to slow to 3.6 percent, 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 percent and 22.0 percent respectively, reaching 21,900 and 22,200 jobs."
PLASTICS continues to support job growth in the recycling and plastics creation industries across the entire supply chain and will continue to report on changes in labour and jobs.
