Chemical Manufacturing

Industry Snapshot

Despite the chemical manufacturing industry’s recent resurgence at the national level, this industry has long been a constant in Georgia's economy. Chemical manufacturers seeking to expand or locate in Georgia can rely on the state’s robust and growing manufacturing and construction industries to drive demand for their products.

Additionally, the varied composition of the state's chemical manufacturing industry gives existing and potential facilities ample room to grow.

Top sectors include:

• Other Chemical Products and Preparation
• Soap, Cleaning Compound & Toilet Preparation
• Basic Chemicals

Quality Talent for Less

Georgia is known for its high-quality affordable workforce. Wage rates in the state typically fall below the national average, particularly in manufacturing occupations. The state’s chemical manufacturing wages are no exception.

• Projected growth of 9.3% in chemical manufacturing industry workers over the next decade compared to 1.3% nationally
• Median hourly earnings of $17.22 compared to $18.82 nationally

Georgia offers an ample supply of skilled employees with a variety of technical backgrounds. In addition to the 22,150 workers directly employed in chemical manufacturing, there are more than 640,000 Georgians with industry relevant skill-sets.

The People and Support Needed to Succeed

Georgia's high concentration of degree-seeking students and top-tier colleges and universities make the state one of the country’s richest in top-level talent. These institutions also offer companies access to cutting-edge research and development partnerships.

• Since 2014, there has been a 20% increase in the number of graduates skilled in supporting Georgia's chemical manufacturing operations.
• Georgia Tech ranks 2nd for engineering R&D funding nationally and has benefited from a 36% uptick in engineering R&D funding since 2010.
• Emory University is a top recipient of federally-funded medical research dollars, ranking among the top 15 universities nationwide.
• Other valuable partners in the state include: Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) and Georgia Tech’s Manufacturing Institute (GTMI) and Center for Chemical Evolution