March 13, 2025: The US lead battery industry is worth more than $35 billion annually to the country’s economy, according to the latest analysis released on March 11 by Battery Council International.

The study, published by BCI in partnership with independent economic analysis and research firm, EBP US, also revealed the industry contributes more than 106,000 jobs — while the total downstream economic impact of all domestically manufactured batteries topped $10 trillion in 2023.

The analysis was built on detailed employment and production information for 2023, reported directly by leading US lead battery firms. It showed an increase in the economic power of lead manufacturing — up from $33 billion recorded in the last study released by BCI in 2023.

In terms of benefits to the lead battery workforce, companies in the sector reported an average annual income of $81,600 across all activities, higher than the national average annual income of over $72,000 across all US industries.

The highest reported wage segment in the industry was in battery recycling, where workers earned an annual average income of nearly $120,000, per employee, the survey said.

Total economic activity generated by the lead battery industry resulted in $8.6 billion in income across 2023 through wages, salaries, and other income earned.

According to the study, lead batteries hold more than 30% of the global market, despite the increasing popularity of lithium ion.

Worldwide, lead battery capacity grew by nearly 6% from 2020 to 2023, with SLI products holding the greatest portion of the lead battery market at 47%, followed by stationary (37%), motive (6%) and e-bikes (2%). Other types totalled 8% of the market in 2023.

The study forecasts that 12V and stationary batteries will be the expected primary applications up to 2030.

BCI president and executive director, Roger Miksad, said the study underlined how the US domestic lead battery industry is still thriving after more than 100 years of operation.

“Lead batteries are a critical component across a wide range of applications from cars and trucks, forklifts, telecom backup centers, military equipment, and much more. That makes US battery manufacturing a critical component of domestic supply chains as well as American economic growth.”