Economic research reveals US aluminum industry supports more than 164,000 direct jobs

Economic research firm John Dunham and Associates has released its latest survey report, providing fascinating information about the market size and employment of the United States present aluminium industry. 

The study says the US aluminium industry directly employs more than 164,000 workers and contributes $92 billion in direct economic output. When indirect economic output is considered, the industry supports nearly 700,000 American jobs and generates $228 billion – nearly 1 per cent of the US GDP. These figures suggest the aluminium industry plays a crucial role in the US economy, providing vast employment opportunities. 

The particular aluminium sectors that create record employment in the US are recycling and semi-finished, especially sheet & plate.

However, the closure of primary aluminium smelters was found to have a modest impact on US aluminium industry employment in 2023, declining nominally by -0.1 percent compared to 2022.

Charles Johnson, president & CEO of the Aluminum Association, said: “Aluminium in the United States is a growing industry with a bright future supporting a modern, clean energy economy. Data shows that total U.S. aluminium employment has held largely steady over the past decade despite a significant decline primary aluminium production and jobs in the United States. This is a testament to the industry’s resilience and ability to innovate in a changing economic climate.”

Jobs in mid-and –downstream production and recycling held steady or increased at or near record levels between 2022 and 2024. For instance, in the secondary aluminium production and recycling sector, employment grew by 12.5 per cent, aluminium coatings increased by 9.6 per cent, and sheet/plate climbed up by 6 per cent.

“Mid-and-downstream aluminium production represents around 98% of all US aluminium jobs, and we’re encouraged to see consistent growth in many of these segments over the last decade. With recovering demand, historic industry investment and recent federal grants, the US aluminium industry is setting itself up for long-term success,” added Johnson.

The report also shows that workers employed by the US aluminium industry earn nearly $14 billion in wages and benefits and indirect employment creates an additional $40 billion in wages and benefits. When combined together, direct and indirect jobs generate nearly $23 billion in federal, state, and local taxes.