—
Forget about the expensive living and the upscale price tag of things in Tacoma and just prepare to bask in the urban energy and economic opportunities.
While the living expense in Tacoma is more than the U.S. average, it’s a more affordable alternative to other Washington cities like Seattle. For job seekers moving to the City of Destiny, there are a few things you might want to know.
Unluckily, the city has a high unemployment and poverty rate above the national average.
- Population — 222,906
- Unemployment Rate — 5.2%
- Poverty Rate — 12.1%
- Median Household Income —$79,085
But don’t let that discourage your move. Those are simply the stats; they don’t tell the complete story.
Your questions should be: which industries thrive in the city? What are the biggest employers in Tacoma, WA? How do you tap into the heavily industrious sectors in the city?
Once you have your answers, you will have an edge in the employment market.
Let’s take a look at some of the leading industries here and their major employers.
Military, Aerospace, and Manufacturing
Easily the number one leading employer industry in Tacoma! Based on the last known data, this sector has reportedly accounted for over 60,000 jobs in the city.
Leading employers include:
● Joint Base Lewis-McChord
Known for its state-of-the-art training and infrastructures, the JBLM is the largest military installation West of the United States.
The base on its own is good conversation. Let’s say you decide to use any of the movers Tacoma has to relocate into the city, expect to have a bit of conversation about JBLM.
Analytics from the Tacoma Milgard School of Business Center for Business reported that the base contributes roughly about $12.1+ billion to the city’s economy.
- Local employee count: 54,000+
- Founded in: 2010
● The Boeing Company
Undoubtedly the world’s largest aerospace company, the Boeing company presence in Tacoma brings a huge employment opportunity for engineers, production workers, and technicians.
Not only does it significantly improve the engineering workforce and economy in Tacoma, but the company also contributes about 1% to national economic growth.
- Local employee count: 1,500+
- Founded in: 1916
● Milgard Manufacturing
Famous for its unique window and door production services, the Tacoma manufacturing facility employs many workers in quality control, production, and logistics which indirectly improves the city’s basic economy.
- Local employee count: 800+
- Founded in: 1958
Other employers in military, aerospace, and manufacturing:
- Camp Murray
- Emerald Home Furnishings
Healthcare & Social
The health sector in Tacoma is rife, with plenty of employers working with many locals to strengthen the economy and reduce unemployment rates.
A few of the top employers include:
● MultiCare Health System
It’s easily one of the most prominent healthcare providers in Tacoma, operating through Mary Bridge Children’s Hospital, Tacoma General Hospital, and many other clinics in the region.
Through its skilled professionals, patient services, and educational programs, MultiCare Health System attracts many locals and tourists who seek better care, generating more economic benefits for the city and state.
- Local employee count: 8,000+
- Founded in: 1882
● CHI Franciscan Health
Similar to MultiCare, CHI Franciscan Health creates additional employment opportunities for nurses, doctors, specialists, and support staff at several healthcare facilities, such as the St. Joseph Medical Center.
The care system supports locally sourced pharmaceuticals, medical supplies, and patient care products as a means of achieving economic and social welfare.
- Local employee count: 8,500+
- Founded in: 1891
Other employers in healthcare:
- Kaiser Permanente
- Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department
- Sound Physicians
Educational Sector
With over 6,000 of Tacoma’s workforce engaged in the academic sector, the city continues to strive for lower unemployment rates for its residents.
Some of the leading employers in the industry include:
● Tacoma Public Schools (TPS)
Of course, it’s number one on the list! TPS is the third-largest school district in Washington, with over 37 local schools serving 30,000+ students.
With consistent employment of skilled teachers and use of educational technology & materials from local producers, there’s continuous recycling of economic benefits for residents and the state.
- Local employee count: 5,000+
- Founded in: 1869
● University of Washington Tacoma (UWT)
The university branch campus of the University of Washington offers graduate and undergraduate programs in various study fields for students in Tacoma.
Its presence in the Tacoma city region enhances the tertiary educational appeal and makes an economic statement by providing a major source of stable jobs for professionals in the field.
- Local employee count: 700+
- Founded in: 1990
Other employers in the educational sector:
- Puyallup School District
- Bethel School District
- Clover Park School District
Government and Public Administration
Different sectors have various means of employment, but what about the city of Tacoma itself? What are the biggest employers in Tacoma, WA?
Offering various job opportunities across different government subsectors, Tacoma is responsible for creating more than 20,000 jobs for its residents in the area.
Some of these include:
● City of Tacoma
As the municipal government for the region, the City of Tacoma provides and maintains social and financial programs designed to improve the lives of its citizens.
Thousands of residents gain employment in different areas, such as public safety and works, administration, cultural services, and parks and recreation. Eventually, these employees contribute to Tacoma’s economic growth through tax revenues.
- Local employee count: 3,600+
- Founded in: —
● Pierce County Government
Everything from public health to human services, land use planning, and transportation, the Pierce County Government provides these services to its residents.
The county’s investment in social and infrastructure development enhances livability and economic opportunities for residents.
Through employee financial aid, community welfare programs, and equitable opportunities, the county positions itself as a beam for residents.
- Local employee count: 3,300+
- Founded in: —
Other employers in government and public administration:
- State of Washington
- S. Postal Service
- Puyallup Tribe
Retail and Distribution
The retail industry is next on the list, leading the charge for a plethora of job opportunities in Tacoma. Some big-name companies here have become famous for hiring residents of the city.
Examples of big company names that have contributed to over 10,000 employment in the city include:
● Amazon
It’s the number one go-to employer for those seeking employment in the distribution and logistics industry. All the perks the giant logistics company is famous for exist here: warehousing, order fulfillment, and delivery—there are enough jobs.
Amazon’s presence in the city puts a broader spotlight on the rich economic benefits waiting to unravel in the city. Eventually, this led to more investments in areas, fostering the migration of other big corporations.
- Local employee count: 2,000+
- Founded in: 1994
● Costco
If you’re looking for a job to get you on your feet upon your arrival in Tacoma, Costco is an excellent place to start. The retail store and distribution merchant offers jobs in customer services, sales, and management, which can be good ways to grow your portfolio.
Costco’s presence in Tacoma allows small local suppliers and vendors to make business sales through partnerships in the city’s highly competitive retail market.
- Local employee count: 1,400+
- Founded in: 1983
Other employers in retail and distribution:
- Safeway & Albertsons
- Fred Meyer Retail & Distribution Center
- Walmart
- Home Depot
Summary—What are the Biggest Employers In Tacoma, WA?
Moving to a place with a high cost of living can be tough, even worse when you’re coming from a much cheaper place. Luckily, regardless of where you are coming from, there are more than enough employers in Tacoma to help you stay afloat when you come.
So, what are the biggest employers in Tacoma, WA?
Whether it’s healthcare, education, retail, military, or manufacturing, there’s always an employer ready to give you a job.
A pro tip:
Pitch your tent for job opportunities closer to the Joint Base Lewis-McChord or MultiCare Health System; they employ the most residents of the city.
—
