NAICS 561910 Quarterly Industry Report
Packaging and Labeling Services
Comprehensive industry research for valuation professionals, business owners, buyers, and lenders
NAICS Code: 561910Sector: Administrative and Support and Waste Management and Remediation Services (56)Updated: Q1 2026
About This Report
This industry profile for Packaging and Labeling Services (NAICS 561910) draws on data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics[6], U.S. Census Bureau, and SBA size standards database[7]. Published by Fair Market Value and updated quarterly, it provides valuation professionals, packaging industry analysts, and business brokers with current market data. The editorial analysis reflects the independent assessment of FairMarketValue.com's research team, with all quantitative claims sourced to publicly verifiable databases.
Industry Snapshot
Key metrics for the packaging and labeling services industry.
Share of Administrative and Support and Waste Management and Remediation Services
0.5%
By establishment count, 2022 Census[2]
NAICS Sector
56
Administrative and Support and Waste Management and Remediation Services
Industry Definition & Overview
Packaging and Labeling Services (NAICS 561910) encompasses establishments primarily engaged in packaging client-owned materials, goods, and products for shipping, display, or retail sale, with services that may include labeling, imprinting, and custom design per the U.S. Census Bureau[5]. This classification covers contract packaging operations, blister packaging, shrink wrapping, gift wrapping, kit assembly, and apparel folding services performed on a fee or contract basis.
About 1,568 establishments employ roughly 47,664 workers, generating approximately $2.35 billion in annual payroll per the Bureau of Labor Statistics[6]. Average hourly wages reach $29.70, reflecting the mix of manual packaging labor and skilled equipment operators. The industry serves manufacturers, retailers, e-commerce fulfillment operations, and pharmaceutical companies that outsource packaging rather than maintaining in-house capabilities. Co-packing arrangements with consumer goods brands represent a growing revenue segment.
Per the SBA Table of Size Standards[7], the size standard is $19.5 million in average annual receipts. E-commerce growth has expanded demand for subscription box assembly, custom packaging, and fulfillment packaging services. Automation investments in labeling equipment, shrink tunnel systems, and robotic palletizing have increased throughput while reducing per-unit labor costs for high-volume operations. Pharmaceutical and food packaging require compliance with FDA labeling regulations and Good Manufacturing Practices, creating specialized sub-segments with higher barriers to entry.
What's Included in This Industry
- Contract packaging of client-owned products
- Blister packaging for pharmaceuticals and consumer goods
- Shrink wrapping and heat-seal packaging
- Kit assembly and subscription box packaging
- Gift wrapping and specialty presentation packaging
- Custom labeling and imprinting services
- Apparel folding and retail-ready packaging
- E-commerce fulfillment packaging
- Food product packaging and sealing
- Repackaging and relabeling services
NAICS Classification Hierarchy
| Level | Description | Code |
|---|---|---|
| Sector | Administrative and Support and Waste Management and Remediation Services | 56 |
| Subsector | Administrative and Support Services | 561 |
| Industry Group | Other Support Services | 5619 |
| NAICS Industry | Packaging and Labeling Services | 56191 |
| National Industry | Packaging and Labeling Services | 561910 |
Related NAICS Codes
| Code | Description | Relationship |
|---|---|---|
| 493110 | General Warehousing and Storage | General Warehousing and Storage frequently integrates with packaging operations to provide combined logistics solutions including inventory management, order fulfillment, and packaged goods storage |
| 488991 | Packing and Crating | Packing and Crating Services focus on protective shipment preparation for transportation, while packaging services prepare client products for retail display, consumer sale, and brand presentation |
| 321911 | Wood Window and Door Manufacturing | Wood Container and Pallet Manufacturing provides crates and pallets that packaging services use for shipping consolidation, creating upstream supply relationships in the packaging value chain |
| 325520 | Adhesive Manufacturing | Adhesive Manufacturing supplies bonding agents and tapes used in packaging assembly processes, including tamper-evident seals and industrial-strength adhesives for product protection |
| 333248 | All Other Industrial Machinery Manufacturing | All Other Industrial Machinery Manufacturing includes packaging machinery that contract packagers purchase and operate, creating equipment supply relationships between manufacturers and service providers |
| 561990 | All Other Support Services | All Other Support Services captures miscellaneous business support activities not classified elsewhere, with packaging services separated as a distinct classification due to specialized equipment and process requirements |
Geographic Concentration
Top states by share of national establishments.
| # | State | % Est. | Total Est. |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | California | 18.6% | 343 |
| 2 | Florida | 8.9% | 164 |
| 3 | Illinois | 6.9% | 127 |
| 4 | New Jersey | 6.7% | 123 |
| 5 | Texas | 6.2% | 115 |
| 6 | New York | 5.8% | 107 |
| 7 | Ohio | 4.3% | 79 |
| 8 | North Carolina | 4.3% | 79 |
| 9 | Pennsylvania | 3.6% | 67 |
| 10 | Michigan | 3.3% | 61 |
% Of Establishments
0%
19%
Source: County Business Patterns, U.S. Census Bureau[3]
SBA Lending Summary
272
Total SBA Loans
$159.9M
Total Loan Volume
$588K
Average Loan Size
12 yrs
Average Loan Term
10.30%
Average Interest Rate
2,736
Jobs Supported
Source: SBA 7(a) Program Data, U.S. Small Business Administration — FY 2025[4]
Key Insight: Per the SBA Table of Size Standards[7], Packaging and Labeling Services (NAICS 561910) has a size standard of $19.5 million in average annual receipts for federal contracting purposes. SBA 7(a) loans[8] support equipment purchases, facility expansion, and working capital for qualifying firms. Automation investments in packaging machinery and labeling systems represent common capital expenditures financed through SBA programs. Additionally, 504/CDC loans[9] provide long-term, fixed-rate financing for major fixed assets such as real estate and equipment.
Top SBA Lenders
| # | Lender | Loans | Volume | Avg Loan |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | KeyBank National Association | 8 | $20.0M | $2.5M |
| 2 | Newtek Bank, National Association | 48 | $18.9M | $393K |
| 3 | Lendistry SBLC, LLC | 16 | $16.9M | $1.1M |
| 4 | Comerica Bank | 16 | $14.7M | $918K |
| 5 | Seacoast National Bank | 8 | $14.4M | $1.8M |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about this industry.
What types of businesses operate as packaging services?
Firms range from small manual packaging operations to large automated co-packing facilities. About 1,568 establishments employ roughly 47,664 workers per the U.S. Census Bureau[5]. Specializations include pharmaceutical packaging, food packaging, e-commerce fulfillment, subscription box assembly, and retail-ready packaging.
How is the packaging services industry structured?
The industry generates approximately $2.35 billion in annual payroll with average hourly wages of $29.70 per the Bureau of Labor Statistics[6]. Revenue comes from per-unit packaging fees, monthly retainer contracts, and project-based engagements with manufacturers and retailers.
What is the SBA size standard for Packaging Services?
Per the SBA Table of Size Standards[7], NAICS 561910 has a size standard of $19.5 million in average annual receipts. This determines eligibility for SBA loans, federal contracting set-asides, and small business programs.
What NAICS codes are related to packaging services?
Related codes include NAICS 493110 (Warehousing), NAICS 488991 (Packing and Crating), NAICS 321911 (Wood Containers), NAICS 325520 (Adhesives), and NAICS 333248 (Industrial Machinery) per the U.S. Census Bureau[5]. Each supports packaging operations through supply or logistics functions.
Which industries hire packaging services most?
Consumer goods manufacturers, pharmaceutical companies, e-commerce retailers, food producers, and cosmetics brands generate the most demand. Companies outsource packaging to reduce fixed costs and access specialized equipment and compliance capabilities.
What activities are included in NAICS 561910?
Core activities include contract packaging, blister packaging, shrink wrapping, kit assembly, gift wrapping, labeling, imprinting, apparel folding, e-commerce fulfillment packaging, and repackaging per the U.S. Census Bureau[5].
Can packaging businesses get SBA loans?
Yes, firms meeting the $19.5 million size standard qualify for SBA 7(a) loans[8] covering packaging equipment, labeling machinery, facility expansion, and working capital. Automation investments are a common use of SBA financing in this industry.
What regulatory requirements apply to packaging services?
FDA regulations govern pharmaceutical and food packaging labeling requirements per the Bureau of Labor Statistics[6]. Good Manufacturing Practices apply to food-contact packaging. Hazardous material packaging must comply with DOT shipping standards. State weights and measures laws affect package labeling accuracy.
Sources & References
Government datasets and editorial sources used in this report.
- [1]U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Quarterly Census of Employment and Wages bls.gov
- [2]U.S. Census Bureau, Economic Census census.gov
- [3]U.S. Census Bureau, County Business Patterns census.gov
- [4]U.S. Small Business Administration, SBA 7(a) Loan Program Data data.sba.gov
- [5]U.S. Census Bureau census.gov
- [6]Bureau of Labor Statistics bls.gov
- [7]SBA Table of Size Standards sba.gov
- [8]SBA 7(a) loans sba.gov
- [9]504/CDC loans sba.gov
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