City Town Info

Merced Employment

Employment and Industries in the Merced, California Area

Agriculture is the economic base for the Merced area. The region includes three very large food processing facilities, Foster Farms, Hilmar Cheese and Morningstar Packaging. The prominent E & J Gallo winery is also situated in the region. The addition of the University of California, Merced is expected to stimulate research and technology in the area. The university has already become a significant factor for the economy.

The manufacturing sector and related businesses provide about 12% of the jobs in the Merced region. The top 25 private sector companies employ more than 70% of the Greater Merced's manufacturing workforce. Agriculture, healthcare, education, construction, the government and social assistance are significant sectors for employment.

Occupations in Merced that are primarily filled by college graduates are teachers, wholesale and manufacturing sales representatives, education administrators, accountants and auditors, social and human service assistants and financial managers. Some of the occupations which are more common in Merced than most cities in the nation are agricultural equipment operators, graders and sorters of agricultural products, farm workers and laborers, crop, nursery and greenhouse; meat poultry and fish cutters and trimmers; farm equipment mechanics and first-line supervisors/managers of farming, fishing and forestry workers.

Noteworthy data regarding Merced: In 2007 the estimated median household income was $31,726. The cost of living index in 2008 was at 104.2. The country's average is 100. About 13.6% of the population over the age of 25 have a bachelor's degree or higher.

The WorkNet Merced County is a collection of job training and recruitment agencies which includes the Merced County Private Industry Training Department, Merced College and the Employment Development Department. These agencies work together to meet the needs of employers. The organization offers customized training, recruiting programs, financial incentives and other types of assistance.

The major employers in Merced are shown below:

  • Mercy Medical Hospital - Hospitals
  • UC Merced - Education
  • Bianchi & Sons - Fruits & Vegetables - Growers & Shippers
  • Malibu Boats LLC - Boats manufacturer
  • Man-Siak Mak Inc - Physicians & surgeons
  • Quebecor World - Printers (MFRS)
  • Walmart - Department Stores
  • Weaver Union School District - Education
  • Werner Co - Ladders (WHLS)
  • Yosemite Wholesale Inc - Grocers - Retail

Companies in Merced may receive assistance from Business organizations such as:

The Merced Sun-Star provides up-to-date information about the business activities in the Merced area.

Most Popular Jobs in Merced, California Metro Area (2008 data)

Where the Majority of Workers Have College Degrees

RankTitleLocal JobsLocal Mean SalaryTypical Local SalaryNational Growth % 2006-2016National % With College Degree
1Elementary school teachers, except special education2,06060,790$41,290 - 84,34014%95%
2Secondary school teachers, except special and vocational education65062,000$39,800 - 85,9406%96%
3Middle school teachers, except special and vocational education58060,810$40,620 - 84,40011%95%
4Special education teachers, preschool, kindergarten, and elementary school25055,490$37,680 - 76,37020%87%
5Accountants and auditors21054,840$33,920 - 89,24018%79%
6Sales representatives, wholesale and manufacturing, except technical and scientific products21061,800$28,700 - 104,5408%51%
7Education administrators, elementary and secondary school19099,660$70,800 - 131,3908%78%
8Educational, vocational, and school counselors17058,890$21,060 - 96,44013%73%
9Coaches and scouts16032,250$18,180 - 56,42015%60%
10Financial managers13090,560$44,200 - 133,17013%60%
11Social and human service assistants12024,520$18,270 - 33,71034%58%
12Medical and health services managers10098,190$48,860 - 152,03016%57%
13Chief executives90174,310$101,130 - 2%65%
14Sales managers8089,070$46,630 - 153,95010%69%
15Librarians7060,140$31,900 - 85,1204%85%
16Management analysts7074,430$56,300 - 99,35022%78%
17Graphic designers6040,790$28,280 - 50,77010%55%
18Vocational education teachers, secondary school60 $ - 0%96%
19Compliance officers, except agriculture, construction, health and safety, and transportation6053,290$33,200 - 94,4505%58%
20Clinical, counseling, and school psychologists6082,540$37,080 - 113,40016%99%
21Legislators6030,630$26,680 - 37,4101%65%
22Managers, all other60103,070$61,780 - 139,7307%55%
23Financial specialists, all other5051,840$28,960 - 88,19012%50%
24Network and computer systems administrators5059,880$42,530 - 80,90027%50%
25Pharmacists50120,990$111,910 - 136,06022%97%
26Medical and clinical laboratory technicians5029,130$21,300 - 38,92015%51%
27Instructional coordinators5069,650$44,820 - 113,77023%79%
28Child, family, and school social workers5035,030$25,610 - 63,30019%77%
29Social and community service managers4052,860$31,160 - 68,13025%72%
30Computer programmers4070,000$55,940 - 95,4500%73%
31Editors4025,580$17,480 - 33,5802%81%
32Training and development specialists4050,740$32,970 - 69,32018%56%
33Advertising sales agents4038,530$24,270 - 61,27020%56%
34Lawyers4098,020$53,690 - 158,52011%99%
35Human resources, training, and labor relations specialists, all other4061,600$38,240 - 93,13017%56%
36Public relations specialists4048,780$25,080 - 65,48018%81%
37Physical therapists4090,090$66,810 - 109,18027%89%
38Computer systems analysts3045,560$27,640 - 76,65029%68%
39Special education teachers, secondary school30 $ - 9%87%

Where the Majority of Workers Do Not Have College Degrees

RankTitleLocal JobsLocal Mean SalaryTypical Local SalaryNational Growth % 2006-2016National % With College Degree
1Farmworkers and laborers, crop, nursery, and greenhouse2,77018,310$16,720 - 20,030-2%4%
2Retail salespersons2,03022,190$16,640 - 33,86012%25%
3Cashiers1,75020,810$16,640 - 30,770-2%10%
4Laborers and freight, stock, and material movers, hand1,46022,640$16,640 - 30,9702%5%
5Office clerks, general1,45024,770$16,890 - 33,51013%19%
6Teacher assistants1,35030,150$20,180 - 41,88010%18%
7Combined food preparation and serving workers, including fast food1,17018,670$16,650 - 20,32018%5%
8Customer service representatives1,07029,660$20,110 - 39,97025%22%
9Truck drivers, heavy and tractor-trailer1,01045,070$28,760 - 75,41010%4%
10Janitors and cleaners, except maids and housekeeping cleaners97025,290$16,640 - 37,12015%4%
11Maintenance and repair workers, general86034,250$19,390 - 49,73010%6%
12Stock clerks and order fillers79022,640$16,640 - 32,470-7%8%
13Packers and packagers, hand78018,420$16,710 - 20,020-11%3%
14General and operations managers740100,390$45,170 - 2%48%
15Cooks, fast food70017,990$16,680 - 19,7608%5%
16Bookkeeping, accounting, and auditing clerks64035,300$22,480 - 48,36013%16%
17Construction laborers64027,950$17,920 - 46,58011%5%
18Waiters and waitresses61020,100$16,710 - 24,97011%14%
19Police and sheriff's patrol officers59068,440$48,130 - 94,41011%33%
20First-line supervisors/managers of office and administrative support workers57044,740$27,420 - 65,8806%29%
21First-line supervisors/managers of retail sales workers56036,430$19,680 - 55,2704%25%
22Graders and sorters, agricultural products55020,040$16,740 - 24,560-1%0%
23Secretaries, except legal, medical, and executive54032,900$20,260 - 46,8401%18%
24Nursing aides, orderlies, and attendants47024,080$20,420 - 30,31018%7%
25Executive secretaries and administrative assistants46039,850$24,130 - 54,44015%18%
26Industrial truck and tractor operators46035,530$23,400 - 47,790-1%2%
27Food batchmakers46041,240$32,380 - 51,17011%5%
28Medical assistants45025,630$19,430 - 32,47035%10%
29Automotive service technicians and mechanics44033,310$18,570 - 50,49014%4%
30Food preparation workers44018,730$16,680 - 24,07015%7%
31First-line supervisors/managers of food preparation and serving workers42028,340$18,490 - 44,62011%14%
32Business operations specialists, all other41066,880$25,770 - 147,04021%49%
33Landscaping and groundskeeping workers41029,860$17,730 - 45,40018%6%
34Cooks, restaurant36020,670$17,100 - 25,46012%5%
35First-line supervisors/managers of production and operating workers35056,190$35,190 - 89,180-4%15%
36Agricultural equipment operators34022,980$17,900 - 30,010-4%4%
37Child care workers34022,510$16,780 - 30,17018%15%
38Receptionists and information clerks33024,000$17,460 - 33,12017%13%
39Medical secretaries33025,410$18,230 - 35,10017%18%
40Counter attendants, cafeteria, food concession, and coffee shop33018,620$16,710 - 20,89010%8%
41Tellers32024,210$18,370 - 31,58014%16%
42Kindergarten teachers, except special education32060,670$43,300 - 82,38016%43%
43Driver/sales workers29022,910$16,670 - 34,190-4%4%
44Counter and rental clerks28023,720$17,120 - 33,50023%16%
45Cooks, institution and cafeteria27026,810$19,670 - 35,91011%5%
46Security guards27023,900$17,550 - 35,94017%13%
47Bus drivers, school27028,490$21,610 - 38,4509%4%
48Truck drivers, light or delivery services26034,170$17,940 - 58,8708%4%
49Shipping, receiving, and traffic clerks25028,190$17,700 - 42,8104%6%
50Billing and posting clerks and machine operators25029,800$20,280 - 39,9504%15%
51Maids and housekeeping cleaners24019,420$16,730 - 23,86013%5%
52Carpenters24047,950$23,860 - 77,77010%6%
53Dishwashers24018,020$16,680 - 19,87010%3%
54Home health aides24019,190$16,680 - 24,05049%7%
55Dining room and cafeteria attendants and bartender helpers22018,780$16,660 - 25,00012%6%
56Postal service mail carriers200 1%11%
57Plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters20039,890$24,270 - 68,62011%4%
58Licensed practical and licensed vocational nurses20047,370$37,380 - 59,65014%7%
59First-line supervisors/managers of mechanics, installers, and repairers19060,230$38,280 - 86,5107%13%
60Parts salespersons18029,600$18,150 - 53,330-1%6%
61Cleaners of vehicles and equipment18022,900$17,300 - 32,06014%3%
62First-line supervisors/managers of construction trades and extraction workers18060,590$45,360 - 82,8409%10%
63Welders, cutters, solderers, and brazers17034,940$21,900 - 51,9705%2%
64Protective service workers, all other16036,140$20,840 - 51,95013%31%
65Electricians16048,510$30,340 - 72,9307%7%
66Operating engineers and other construction equipment operators16042,580$29,480 - 58,3808%3%
67Preschool teachers, except special education16030,200$18,700 - 43,47026%43%
68Food service managers15040,640$32,690 - 52,4905%24%
69Inspectors, testers, sorters, samplers, and weighers15026,890$17,750 - 40,490-6%14%
70Industrial machinery mechanics15056,680$44,810 - 66,4709%5%
71Cement masons and concrete finishers14034,240$20,780 - 67,28011%2%
72Dental assistants14032,960$22,820 - 42,29029%9%
73Library technicians14033,280$20,380 - 45,6509%27%
74Hosts and hostesses, restaurant, lounge, and coffee shop13018,240$16,740 - 19,91010%17%
75Butchers and meat cutters13032,300$17,810 - 48,6402%2%
76Property, real estate, and community association managers13030,750$17,380 - 74,44015%36%
77Computer support specialists12045,640$27,910 - 65,61013%43%
78Amusement and recreation attendants12019,420$16,640 - 23,56024%22%
79Payroll and timekeeping clerks12036,050$24,560 - 49,1603%18%
80Sales representatives, services, all other12056,290$20,310 - 100,74028%48%
81Team assemblers12030,090$18,620 - 39,6800%5%
82Bartenders12017,560$16,640 - 19,58011%17%
83First-line supervisors/managers of farming, fishing, and forestry workers11040,170$23,380 - 70,9800%0%
84All other information and record clerks11039,230$27,120 - 53,030-12%21%
85Healthcare support workers, all other11032,940$22,900 - 46,68016%10%
86Bus and truck mechanics and diesel engine specialists11042,060$28,370 - 55,34012%3%
87Dental hygienists10094,410$80,970 - 109,28030%33%
88First-line supervisors/managers of helpers, laborers, and material movers, hand10040,360$26,240 - 60,73013%17%
89Painters, construction and maintenance10042,610$25,330 - 65,86012%6%
90Dispatchers, except police, fire, and ambulance10042,400$32,170 - 60,1702%11%
91Water and liquid waste treatment plant and system operators10047,340$33,500 - 64,28014%8%
92Bill and account collectors10026,510$19,980 - 32,19023%13%
93Farm equipment mechanics10044,490$24,680 - 66,9601%3%
94Tire repairers and changers9023,630$17,320 - 35,74020%6%
95Police, fire, and ambulance dispatchers9048,380$34,730 - 66,63014%11%
96Grinding and polishing workers, hand9022,920$17,110 - 30,580-6%4%
97Pharmacy technicians9033,450$27,470 - 40,53032%16%
98Assemblers and fabricators, all other8024,290$17,420 - 37,620-8%5%
99First-line supervisors/managers of housekeeping and janitorial workers8044,460$30,000 - 55,50013%11%
100Insurance claims and policy processing clerks8030,300$19,550 - 39,5000%22%
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Merced property, mortgage, and real estate.

Jobs More Common Near Merced Than Most Other Cities

* Average job popularity for metro areas = 1.0

TitleMean Local SalaryLocal JobsPop. vs. Avg.*
Agricultural equipment operators22,98034090
Graders and sorters, agricultural products20,04055075.6
Farmworkers and laborers, crop, nursery, and greenhouse18,3102,77029.8
Farm equipment mechanics44,49010024.9
First-line supervisors/managers of farming, fishing, and forestry workers40,17011023.6
Food batchmakers41,24046015.6
Protective service workers, all other36,1401605.7
Kindergarten teachers, except special education60,6703205.3
Elementary school teachers, except special education60,7902,0604
Library technicians33,2801403.6
Cooks, fast food17,9907003.5
Special education teachers, preschool, kindergarten, and elementary school55,4902503.2
Butchers and meat cutters32,3001303
Teacher assistants30,1501,3503
Water and liquid waste treatment plant and system operators47,3401002.9
Packers and packagers, hand18,4207802.8
Police and sheriff's patrol officers68,4405902.6
Coaches and scouts32,2501602.6
Middle school teachers, except special and vocational education60,8105802.5
Education administrators, elementary and secondary school99,6601902.5
Medical assistants25,6304502.4
Parts salespersons29,6001802.2
Cooks, institution and cafeteria26,8102702.2
Property, real estate, and community association managers30,7501302.1
Driver/sales workers22,9102902.1
Industrial truck and tractor operators35,5304602
Food service managers40,6401502
Educational, vocational, and school counselors58,8901701.9
Medical secretaries25,4103301.9
Cement masons and concrete finishers34,2401401.8
Secondary school teachers, except special and vocational education62,0006501.8
Automotive service technicians and mechanics33,3104401.8
Maintenance and repair workers, general34,2508601.8
Bus drivers, school28,4902701.8
Truck drivers, heavy and tractor-trailer45,0701,0101.7
Construction laborers27,9506401.7
Laborers and freight, stock, and material movers, hand22,6401,4601.7
Counter attendants, cafeteria, food concession, and coffee shop18,6203301.6
Counter and rental clerks23,7202801.6
Payroll and timekeeping clerks36,0501201.6
Healthcare support workers, all other32,9401101.6
Industrial machinery mechanics56,6801501.6
Child care workers22,5103401.5
Postal service mail carriers 2001.5
First-line supervisors/managers of production and operating workers56,1903501.5
Dental hygienists94,4101001.5
Tellers24,2103201.5
Cleaners of vehicles and equipment22,9001801.4
First-line supervisors/managers of helpers, laborers, and material movers, hand40,3601001.4
First-line supervisors/managers of food preparation and serving workers28,3404201.4

Work Paying Relatively Well in the Merced, California Metro Area (2008 data)

* Average Salary Index for metro areas = 1.0

TitleMean Local SalarySalary Index *Local Jobs
Food batchmakers41,2401.61460
Police and sheriff's patrol officers68,4401.41590
Teacher assistants30,1501.351,350
Kindergarten teachers, except special education60,6701.28320
Industrial machinery mechanics56,6801.27150
Landscaping and groundskeeping workers29,8601.23410
Carpenters47,9501.22240
Education administrators, elementary and secondary school99,6601.22190
Elementary school teachers, except special education60,7901.222,060
Secondary school teachers, except special and vocational education62,0001.21650
Middle school teachers, except special and vocational education60,8101.21580
Truck drivers, heavy and tractor-trailer45,0701.21,010
Licensed practical and licensed vocational nurses47,3701.2200
All other information and record clerks39,2301.19110
Preschool teachers, except special education30,2001.19160
Industrial truck and tractor operators35,5301.18460
Truck drivers, light or delivery services34,1701.18260
Child care workers22,5101.17340
Protective service workers, all other36,1401.16160
Educational, vocational, and school counselors58,8901.14170
Business operations specialists, all other66,8801.14410
Cooks, institution and cafeteria26,8101.13270
Healthcare support workers, all other32,9401.13110
Secretaries, except legal, medical, and executive32,9001.13540
Library technicians33,2801.13140
Cashiers20,8101.121,750
Special education teachers, preschool, kindergarten, and elementary school55,4901.11250
Janitors and cleaners, except maids and housekeeping cleaners25,2901.1970
Bookkeeping, accounting, and auditing clerks35,3001.1640
Team assemblers30,0901.1120
Sales representatives, wholesale and manufacturing, except technical and scientific products61,8001.09210
Cleaners of vehicles and equipment22,9001.09180
Bus drivers, school28,4901.09270
Computer support specialists45,6401.09120
Sales representatives, services, all other56,2901.09120
Combined food preparation and serving workers, including fast food18,6701.081,170
Dining room and cafeteria attendants and bartender helpers18,7801.08220
Payroll and timekeeping clerks36,0501.08120
Waiters and waitresses20,1001.07610
Butchers and meat cutters32,3001.07130
Bus and truck mechanics and diesel engine specialists42,0601.07110
First-line supervisors/managers of production and operating workers56,1901.06350
First-line supervisors/managers of mechanics, installers, and repairers60,2301.06190
Amusement and recreation attendants19,4201.05120
Dishwashers18,0201.05240
Counter attendants, cafeteria, food concession, and coffee shop18,6201.04330
First-line supervisors/managers of construction trades and extraction workers60,5901.04180
General and operations managers100,3901.04740
Electricians48,5101.03160
Cooks, fast food17,9901.03700

Highest Paying Jobs in Merced, California Metro Area (2008 data)

TitleMean Local SalaryLocal Jobs
Chief executives174,31090
Family and general practitioners140,830 
Pharmacists120,99050
Managers, all other103,07060
General and operations managers100,390740
Education administrators, elementary and secondary school99,660190
Medical and health services managers98,190100
Lawyers98,02040
Industrial production managers95,11050
Dental hygienists94,410100
Civil engineers91,460 
Financial managers90,560130
Physical therapists90,09040
Sales managers89,07080
Transportation, storage, and distribution managers88,60040
Clinical, counseling, and school psychologists82,54060
Electrical power-line installers and repairers80,54070
Dentists, general76,270 
Management analysts74,43070
Computer programmers70,00040
Instructional coordinators69,65050
Police and sheriff's patrol officers68,440590
Administrative services managers66,90070
Business operations specialists, all other66,880410
Speech-language pathologists66,360 
Respiratory therapists64,79040
Urban and regional planners63,460 
Secondary school teachers, except special and vocational education62,000650
Sales representatives, wholesale and manufacturing, except technical and scientific products61,800210
Human resources, training, and labor relations specialists, all other61,60040
Middle school teachers, except special and vocational education60,810580
Elementary school teachers, except special education60,7902,060
Kindergarten teachers, except special education60,670320
First-line supervisors/managers of construction trades and extraction workers60,590180
First-line supervisors/managers of mechanics, installers, and repairers60,230190
Librarians60,14070
Network and computer systems administrators59,88050
Construction and building inspectors59,77040
Educational, vocational, and school counselors58,890170
Claims adjusters, examiners, and investigators56,94030
Industrial machinery mechanics56,680150
Sales representatives, services, all other56,290120
First-line supervisors/managers of production and operating workers56,190350
Special education teachers, preschool, kindergarten, and elementary school55,490250
Surveying and mapping technicians55,05030
Telecommunications equipment installers and repairers, except line installers54,900 
Accountants and auditors54,840210
Loan officers54,76080
Cost estimators54,67070
Compliance officers, except agriculture, construction, health and safety, and transportation53,29060

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