Electroplating, Plating, Polishing, Anodizing, and Coloring — Business Survival Rate

An estimated 77% of electroplating, plating, polishing, anodizing, and coloring businesses survive their first 5 years, based on U.S. Census Bureau Business Dynamics Statistics. The annual business closure rate is 5.1%.

77%
5-Year Survival Rate
+2.7%
Net Growth Rate
4,572
Total Firms
215
Annual Firm Deaths

Is Electroplating, Plating, Polishing, Anodizing, and Coloring a Good Business to Start?

With a 77% five-year survival rate, electroplating, plating, polishing, anodizing, and coloring has an above-average survival rate compared to the national average of roughly 50%. This makes it a relatively safe industry to enter — businesses here tend to find stable demand and sustainable economics.

The annual exit rate of 5.1% is lower than many sectors, suggesting that once established, these businesses have staying power. That said, lower failure rates often correlate with higher barriers to entry or established competition.

Entry vs. Exit Rates

Annual rate of new businesses opening versus existing businesses closing.

Entry Rate (new businesses)4.3%
Exit Rate (closures)5.1%

Net negative: more businesses closing than opening (-0.7 pp spread).

Job Creation & Destruction

9.9%
Job Creation Rate
7.2%
Job Destruction Rate
+2.7%
Net Job Growth

The industry is adding jobs faster than losing them — a positive sign for both workers and new business owners looking to hire. Total employment: 121,730 workers across 4,572 firms.

Want to know how much electroplating, plating, polishing, anodizing, and coloring businesses actually make?

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Frequently Asked Questions

What percentage of electroplating, plating, polishing, anodizing, and coloring businesses fail?
Approximately 23% of electroplating, plating, polishing, anodizing, and coloring businesses fail within their first 5 years. The annual closure rate is 5.1%, with 215 firms closing permanently in 2023.
Is the electroplating, plating, polishing, anodizing, and coloring industry growing or shrinking?
The electroplating, plating, polishing, anodizing, and coloring industry is currently growing with a net job creation rate of +2.7% per year. New businesses are entering at 4.3% while 5.1% close annually.

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Business Dynamics Statistics (2023). Survival rate estimated from annual exit rates.