NAICS 3351

Electric Lighting Equipment Manufacturing

Electric lighting equipment manufacturing (NAICS 3351): LED fixtures, lamps, and lighting components for residential, commercial, and industrial applications.

Industry at a Glance

Sector-wide aggregates across all businesses classified under NAICS 3351 (2017 classification frame). For specific sub-industries within this sector, see the individual reports below.

Employment
34K
US Census CBP · 2023 · NAICS 2017
Establishments
1,021
US Census CBP · 2023 · NAICS 2017
Annual Payroll
$2.5B
US Census CBP · 2023 · NAICS 2017
Avg Annual Wage
$73,611
Derived from US Census CBP · 2023 · NAICS 2017
Market Size
$15.4B
US Census Economic Census · 2022 · NAICS 2017

Industry Overview

Electric lighting equipment manufacturing (NAICS 3351) encompasses the production of a wide range of lighting fixtures, lamps, and related components for residential, commercial, industrial, and specialty applications. This industry includes manufacturers of incandescent bulbs, fluorescent lamps, LED lighting products, lighting fixtures and fittings, automotive lighting equipment, and associated electrical components and ballasts. The industry plays a critical role in the broader electrical equipment manufacturing sector, serving both OEM customers and replacement markets across construction, automotive, healthcare, retail, and industrial segments.

The electric lighting equipment manufacturing industry has undergone significant transformation in recent decades, driven primarily by the transition from traditional incandescent and fluorescent technologies to energy-efficient LED products. This shift has fundamentally reshaped product design, manufacturing processes, and competitive dynamics within the sector. Manufacturers must navigate complex regulatory environments including Department of Energy efficiency standards, EPA mercury disposal requirements for fluorescent products, and international trade considerations. The industry demonstrates moderate capital intensity with operations ranging from large multinational corporations with advanced manufacturing facilities to specialized manufacturers focusing on niche applications and custom products.

Key characteristics of this industry include its integration with the broader electrical equipment supply chain, reliance on semiconductor and electronic component suppliers for LED products, and increasing emphasis on smart lighting technologies and connectivity features. Sustainability concerns and energy efficiency mandates continue to drive product advancement and market consolidation, while competition from Asian manufacturers and the maturation of LED technology have compressed margins and intensified competition on cost and product differentiation.

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Industry Trends

LED

Accelerating adoption of LED technology across all market segments continues to drive product advancement and manufacturing process transformation, with manufacturers investing heavily in LED fixture design, driver electronics, and thermal management systems to meet evolving market demands.

02

Smart and connected lighting systems are becoming increasingly prevalent in commercial and residential applications, with manufacturers integrating IoT capabilities, wireless controls, and compatibility with home automation platforms to differentiate products and create recurring revenue opportunities.

EPR

Sustainability and circular economy initiatives are reshaping product design and manufacturing practices, including increased focus on recyclability, reduced hazardous materials, longer product lifecycles, and compliance with extended producer responsibility (EPR) regulations emerging across various states.

04

Supply chain reconfiguration and nearshoring efforts are underway as manufacturers seek to reduce dependence on Asian suppliers and build more resilient domestic production capacity, particularly for critical components and higher-value products.

05

Consolidation and vertical integration continue as larger lighting manufacturers acquire specialized producers and component suppliers to expand product portfolios, improve margins, and enhance technological capabilities in emerging areas like human-centric lighting and horticultural applications.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is NAICS 3351? ▾
NAICS 3351 is the industry classification for electric lighting equipment manufacturing, which includes establishments primarily engaged in manufacturing electric lighting fixtures, lamps, bulbs, and related components. This includes products using incandescent, fluorescent, LED, and other technologies serving residential, commercial, industrial, and automotive markets. It is a subsector within the broader electrical equipment, appliance, and component manufacturing industry (NAICS 335).
How has LED technology impacted this manufacturing sector? ▾
LED technology has fundamentally transformed the electric lighting equipment manufacturing industry through significant improvements in energy efficiency, product lifespan, and design flexibility. Manufacturers have had to invest in new production capabilities, supplier relationships for semiconductor components, and R&D for LED driver electronics and thermal management. The transition has also reduced overall market unit volumes while increasing average product value and creating opportunities for smart lighting and specialized applications.
What regulatory factors affect lighting equipment manufacturers? ▾
Manufacturers in this industry must comply with Department of Energy efficiency standards that establish minimum performance requirements for various lighting products, EPA regulations regarding mercury disposal from fluorescent products, state-level sustainability and right-to-repair initiatives, and various international standards for products sold globally. These regulations drive continuous product advancement and increase compliance costs, particularly for manufacturers with diverse product portfolios serving multiple markets.
What are the primary end-markets for lighting equipment manufacturers? ▾
The primary end-markets include commercial and office buildings, residential construction and renovation, industrial facilities and manufacturing plants, automotive OEM and aftermarket, healthcare facilities, retail and hospitality, outdoor and public infrastructure, and specialty applications such as horticulture and entertainment. Market demand varies significantly by application, with commercial and automotive segments often leading in adopting new technologies.
How do manufacturers compete in this industry? ▾
Competition occurs across multiple dimensions including product design and advancement, price competitiveness, energy efficiency performance, brand reputation and customer relationships, supply chain efficiency, technological capabilities in emerging areas like IoT integration, customization capabilities, and service/support quality. Larger manufacturers draw from scale and broad product portfolios, while smaller producers often compete through specialization, customization, or geographic focus.

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