The consumer non-durables industry is a significant sector within the U.S. economy, encompassing products that are consumed quickly or have a short lifespan, such as food, beverages, cosmetics, and cleaning products. As of August 2025, the nondurable goods manufacturing sector employed approximately 4.849 million people, according to data from the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis FRED.
Key Occupations in Consumer Non-Durables
Within the consumer non-durables sector, several occupations are prevalent:
1. Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, Hand
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Role: These workers manually move freight, stock, luggage, or other materials, or perform other general labor.
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Employment: Approximately 1.9 million workers.
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Average Earnings: The median annual wage is $37,680, with the lowest 10 percent earning less than $29,780 and the highest 10 percent earning more than $50,970. Bureau of Labor Statistics
2. Wholesale and Manufacturing Sales Representatives
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Role: These professionals sell goods for wholesalers or manufacturers to businesses or groups of individuals.
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Employment: Approximately 1.6 million workers.
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Average Earnings: The median annual wage is $60,000, with the lowest 10 percent earning less than $33,000 and the highest 10 percent earning more than $100,000. Bureau of Labor Statistics
3. Shipping, Receiving, and Inventory Clerks
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Role: These clerks verify and maintain records on incoming and outgoing shipments involving inventory. Duties include verifying and recording incoming merchandise or material and arranging for the transportation of products.
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Employment: Approximately 1.5 million workers.
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Average Earnings: The median annual wage is $35,470, with the lowest 10 percent earning less than $25,000 and the highest 10 percent earning more than $50,000. Bureau of Labor Statistics
4. Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers
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Role: These drivers operate heavy trucks to transport goods and materials.
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Employment: Approximately 3.5 million workers.
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Average Earnings: The median annual wage is $57,440, with the lowest 10 percent earning less than $38,640 and the highest 10 percent earning more than $78,800. Bureau of Labor Statistics
5. Production Associates
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Role: These workers are involved in the creation, assembly, and testing of consumer nondurables.
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Employment: Approximately 1.5 million workers.
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Average Earnings: The median annual wage is $33,000, with the lowest 10 percent earning less than $25,000 and the highest 10 percent earning more than $45,000.
6. Stock Associates
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Role: These associates facilitate the sale of consumer nondurables by overseeing a store’s inventory.
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Employment: Approximately 1.2 million workers.
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Average Earnings: The median annual wage is $30,000, with the lowest 10 percent earning less than $22,000 and the highest 10 percent earning more than $40,000.
7. Pharmacy Technicians
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Role: These technicians assist pharmacists in preparing medications for patients.
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Employment: Approximately 400,000 workers.
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Average Earnings: The median annual wage is $43,460, with the lowest 10 percent earning less than $35,100 and the highest 10 percent earning more than $59,450. Bureau of Labor Statistics
8. Cooks
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Role: Cooks prepare meals for patrons in restaurants, bars, and hotels.
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Employment: Approximately 2.2 million workers.
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Average Earnings: The median hourly wage is $17.19, which translates to an annual wage of approximately $35,800 for full-time workers. Bureau of Labor Statistics
9. Logistics Managers
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Role: These managers oversee a company’s supply chain to ensure efficient production and distribution of goods.
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Employment: Approximately 150,000 workers.
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Average Earnings: The median annual wage is $105,000, with the lowest 10 percent earning less than $60,000 and the highest 10 percent earning more than $150,000.
10. Sales Representatives
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Role: These representatives interact directly with customers to sell a company’s products.
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Employment: Approximately 1.5 million workers.
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Average Earnings: The median annual wage is $50,000, with the lowest 10 percent earning less than $30,000 and the highest 10 percent earning more than $80,000.
Employment Trends and Outlook
The consumer non-durables sector has shown resilience, with employment figures remaining relatively stable over recent years. However, the industry faces challenges such as automation and shifting consumer preferences, which may impact job dynamics in the future. For instance, the rise of e-commerce has transformed retail operations, influencing job roles in logistics and customer service.
Conclusion
The consumer non-durables industry continues to be a major employer in the U.S., offering a diverse array of job opportunities across various functions. Individuals interested in this sector can explore roles in manufacturing, logistics, sales, and marketing, among others. As the industry evolves, staying informed about trends and acquiring relevant skills can enhance employability and career growth within this field.
