City Town Info

Syracuse Employment

Employment and Industries in the Syracuse, New York Area

Syracuse is a major Northeast industrial, commercial and transportation center. Although industrial companies have left the area, manufacturing is still a significant economic component. Manufacturing industries providing jobs include air conditioning and heating equipment, pharmaceuticals, automotive components, medical instruments, telecommunications devices, specialty metals and military electronics.

The service sector has experienced significant growth, especially sectors such as finance, call centers, retail trade and education services.

New York's Empire State Development Corporation offers up to half of the cost for a workforce training project. The agency offers reimbursement for training programs that produce or retain at least 300 jobs.

Notable information regarding Syracuse New York: Syracuse has been placed among the top 50 cities in the nation for business relocation and expansion by Expansion Magazine. The Syracuse Technology Garden is an incubator for high-tech new companies. The cost of doing business in Syracuse has been ranked as the sixth lowest in the country. In 2009 the average earnings in Syracuse was $31,000. In 2008 the cost of living index was 85.8 (country's average: 100). Regarding the adult population, 23% have earned a bachelor's degree or better.

The leading job providers in Syracuse:

  • SUNY Upstate Medical University
  • Syracuse University
  • Wegmans
  • New Process Gear Inc
  • St. Joseph's Hospital Health Center
  • P&C Food Markets
  • Crouse Hospital
  • Lockheed Martin
  • Niagara Mohawk A National Grid Co
  • Loretto
  • Agway, Inc
  • Staff Leasing of Central New York Inc
  • Pyramid Management Group, Inc
  • Excellus Health Plan, Inc
  • Community General Hospital of Greater Syracuse
  • City of Syracuse
  • Magma International
  • National Grid USA

Syracuse's top employment segments:

  • Trade, transportation and utilities
  • Government
  • Healthcare
  • Education
  • Professional and business services
  • Manufacturing

Syracuse companies can team up with useful associations including:

Those interested in learning about local business and industry endeavors may want to read the local newspaper the Post-Standard.

Most Popular Jobs in Syracuse, New York Metro Area (2008 data)

Where the Majority of Workers Have College Degrees

RankTitleLocal JobsLocal Mean SalaryTypical Local SalaryNational Growth % 2006-2016National % With College Degree
1Registered nurses5,73056,110$40,370 - 75,55024%56%
2Sales representatives, wholesale and manufacturing, except technical and scientific products4,29060,300$27,480 - 100,8208%51%
3Elementary school teachers, except special education3,61056,090$37,070 - 79,66014%95%
4Accountants and auditors2,48068,210$42,540 - 97,96018%79%
5Secondary school teachers, except special and vocational education2,47055,810$41,820 - 76,1506%96%
6Middle school teachers, except special and vocational education1,81056,790$40,080 - 78,33011%95%
7Teachers and instructors, all other1,78031,110$21,300 - 39,2809%54%
8Social and human service assistants1,360 $ - 34%58%
9Lawyers1,200108,060$61,640 - 11%99%
10Financial managers1,050109,670$59,870 - 13%60%
11Special education teachers, preschool, kindergarten, and elementary school99056,990$43,380 - 75,34020%87%
12Educational, vocational, and school counselors93048,990$23,180 - 73,80013%73%
13Computer programmers90061,920$36,460 - 92,2000%73%
14Rehabilitation counselors75023,730$17,450 - 31,77023%73%
15Child, family, and school social workers75044,260$27,470 - 65,65019%77%
16Sales representatives, wholesale and manufacturing, technical and scientific products71073,840$36,950 - 105,28012%51%
17Management analysts69066,430$41,020 - 100,15022%78%
18Computer software engineers, applications68082,240$51,160 - 120,56045%85%
19Medical and health services managers68089,780$57,400 - 133,83016%57%
20Social workers, all other66044,750$27,650 - 63,13018%77%
21Industrial engineers64067,520$44,600 - 89,13020%74%
22Securities, commodities, and financial services sales agents630108,520$34,000 - 25%67%
23Electrical engineers63080,600$41,460 - 120,5106%81%
24Self-enrichment education teachers63033,630$17,560 - 62,60023%54%
25Civil engineers63069,120$41,410 - 101,08018%87%
26Pharmacists600103,350$79,230 - 130,47022%97%
27Special education teachers, secondary school60060,250$44,830 - 80,7009%87%
28Chief executives590144,070$81,410 - 2%65%
29Computer systems analysts58068,610$47,630 - 90,63029%68%
30Insurance underwriters57064,380$41,530 - 100,4306%53%
31Network and computer systems administrators56059,920$37,030 - 85,74027%50%
32Compliance officers, except agriculture, construction, health and safety, and transportation54046,230$28,490 - 68,4905%58%
33Physical therapists53061,800$48,240 - 78,56027%89%
34Mechanical engineers53075,190$47,300 - 105,1204%78%
35Human resources, training, and labor relations specialists, all other52046,950$15,730 - 81,60017%56%
36Substance abuse and behavioral disorder counselors51033,650$21,240 - 50,89034%73%
37Market research analysts50056,310$34,420 - 96,41020%82%
38Education administrators, elementary and secondary school49087,710$66,620 - 116,0808%78%
39Managers, all other49073,200$43,140 - 116,8407%55%
40Engineering managers480112,760$69,570 - 156,6007%84%
41Sales managers470112,020$57,240 - 10%69%
42Financial analysts46081,690$50,040 - 114,49034%87%
43Librarians45055,950$41,530 - 70,5704%85%
44Vocational education teachers, secondary school42061,900$44,610 - 83,1800%96%
45Graphic designers42045,460$19,200 - 79,52010%55%
46Instructional coordinators41057,030$34,660 - 86,87023%79%
47Clergy41045,680$23,170 - 71,80019%75%
48Legislators39076,200$56,500 - 91,8101%65%
49Medical and clinical laboratory technologists38051,460$36,880 - 65,56012%51%
50Public relations specialists37048,050$29,130 - 72,94018%81%
51Computer and information systems managers36096,580$70,300 - 131,80016%73%
52Employment, recruitment, and placement specialists36047,920$30,490 - 70,28018%56%
53Network systems and data communications analysts36062,610$31,950 - 96,48053%57%
54Clinical, counseling, and school psychologists36061,670$38,520 - 87,51016%99%
55Physician assistants35077,870$59,740 - 101,75027%67%
56Architects, except landscape and naval34074,720$44,910 - 105,90018%88%
57Compensation, benefits, and job analysis specialists33052,040$34,590 - 72,37018%56%
58Training and development specialists33052,010$34,500 - 76,75018%56%
59Computer software engineers, systems software32093,400$56,980 - 137,04028%85%
60Advertising sales agents31050,870$22,170 - 81,75020%56%
61Special education teachers, middle school29055,500$38,990 - 74,21016%87%
62Social and community service managers28063,130$40,790 - 89,61025%72%
63Personal financial advisors28085,770$30,600 - 41%81%
64Medical and public health social workers28041,620$30,390 - 55,63024%77%
65Occupational therapists27063,890$42,880 - 97,39023%90%
66Medical and clinical laboratory technicians27038,450$26,490 - 54,07015%51%
67Education administrators, postsecondary270100,790$61,090 - 146,45014%78%
68Environmental engineers26074,830$48,890 - 119,42025%86%
69Financial specialists, all other25047,090$27,920 - 65,43012%50%
70Dentists, general250159,680$91,820 - 9%100%
71Electronics engineers, except computer24069,700$46,570 - 96,4704%81%
72Mental health and substance abuse social workers24044,300$31,000 - 63,02030%77%
73Speech-language pathologists24060,670$46,130 - 84,67011%98%
74Community and social service specialists, all other23040,310$23,300 - 63,76025%58%
75Health educators23048,400$33,580 - 62,34026%58%
76Coaches and scouts23039,100$18,130 - 66,25015%60%
77Sales engineers20082,280$52,340 - 123,5609%79%
78Adult literacy, remedial education, and GED teachers and instructors20056,980$29,160 - 81,10014%54%
79Marketing managers170138,080$49,790 - 14%69%
80Floral designers17025,970$17,710 - 37,1300%55%
81Judges, magistrate judges, and magistrates170123,570$105,630 - 155,8005%99%
82Detectives and criminal investigators17067,520$46,220 - 95,69017%54%
83Editors17044,320$27,100 - 62,2702%81%
84Environmental scientists and specialists, including health16051,380$30,720 - 78,02025%93%
85Dietitians and nutritionists14053,810$35,960 - 72,4209%72%
86Producers and directors13042,110$15,630 - 79,66011%75%
87Purchasing managers13081,100$47,620 - 125,2903%57%
88Sales and related workers, all other13045,420$21,050 - 73,75014%62%
89Writers and authors120 $ - 13%84%
90Occupational health and safety specialists11060,810$43,890 - 82,7508%72%
91Surveyors11053,450$37,800 - 75,78024%82%
92Commercial and industrial designers11057,850$39,270 - 79,0407%55%
93Chemists10046,130$26,120 - 65,8509%93%
94Actuaries10079,760$39,970 - 152,66024%99%
95Recreational therapists10040,120$27,820 - 57,0104%77%
96Credit analysts10053,410$29,020 - 84,9802%60%
97Music directors and composers10036,920$16,660 - 91,54013%53%
98Database administrators10070,810$42,730 - 101,36029%72%
99Education administrators, preschool and child care center/program9040,250$27,750 - 71,30024%78%
100Mental health counselors9039,310$24,420 - 64,88030%73%

Where the Majority of Workers Do Not Have College Degrees

RankTitleLocal JobsLocal Mean SalaryTypical Local SalaryNational Growth % 2006-2016National % With College Degree
1Cashiers8,69017,780$15,380 - 21,570-2%10%
2Retail salespersons8,42024,130$15,670 - 38,70012%25%
3Janitors and cleaners, except maids and housekeeping cleaners6,42024,900$15,790 - 37,57015%4%
4Office clerks, general5,96024,640$15,810 - 36,72013%19%
5Secretaries, except legal, medical, and executive5,62028,770$18,920 - 40,2101%18%
6Teacher assistants5,44021,880$16,090 - 30,06010%18%
7Customer service representatives5,44030,300$17,950 - 44,73025%22%
8Bookkeeping, accounting, and auditing clerks5,30032,860$21,800 - 45,33013%16%
9Stock clerks and order fillers4,93021,380$15,710 - 32,000-7%8%
10Combined food preparation and serving workers, including fast food4,73017,640$15,330 - 21,19018%5%
11Truck drivers, heavy and tractor-trailer4,58039,280$26,630 - 54,44010%4%
12Laborers and freight, stock, and material movers, hand4,38025,390$17,060 - 36,1102%5%
13Waiters and waitresses4,12020,250$15,400 - 31,23011%14%
14Executive secretaries and administrative assistants4,09041,260$27,570 - 58,23015%18%
15Postsecondary teachers, all other3,71096,720$51,950 - 159,8700%0%
16Team assemblers3,71025,510$16,820 - 37,3600%5%
17Nursing aides, orderlies, and attendants3,63024,310$17,560 - 32,08018%7%
18First-line supervisors/managers of office and administrative support workers3,43049,130$30,350 - 72,5706%29%
19Maintenance and repair workers, general3,29033,430$20,700 - 48,78010%6%
20General and operations managers3,230108,540$48,550 - 2%48%
21Receptionists and information clerks2,87024,450$17,100 - 31,95017%13%
22Licensed practical and licensed vocational nurses2,77034,600$27,080 - 45,05014%7%
23Food preparation workers2,76020,380$15,560 - 30,25015%7%
24Security guards2,40028,170$16,600 - 52,80017%13%
25Home health aides2,38024,880$17,400 - 37,66049%7%
26Construction laborers2,22036,640$22,370 - 52,00011%5%
27Carpenters2,22037,400$23,670 - 52,81010%6%
28Automotive service technicians and mechanics2,04034,380$19,980 - 51,59014%4%
29Truck drivers, light or delivery services1,98029,700$18,020 - 49,8208%4%
30First-line supervisors/managers of retail sales workers1,92039,280$22,830 - 57,5104%25%
31First-line supervisors/managers of food preparation and serving workers1,88027,140$17,000 - 43,24011%14%
32Maids and housekeeping cleaners1,86020,070$15,490 - 26,40013%5%
33Landscaping and groundskeeping workers1,79023,540$15,470 - 33,63018%6%
34Bus drivers, school1,72035,950$21,750 - 52,2009%4%
35Counter attendants, cafeteria, food concession, and coffee shop1,68017,150$15,390 - 20,47010%8%
36Shipping, receiving, and traffic clerks1,63027,750$18,330 - 38,9504%6%
37First-line supervisors/managers of production and operating workers1,57049,920$31,400 - 71,680-4%15%
38Dishwashers1,55016,570$15,370 - 19,15010%3%
39Child care workers1,55020,760$15,780 - 28,89018%15%
40Police and sheriff's patrol officers1,45048,330$34,040 - 63,55011%33%
41Packers and packagers, hand1,43024,460$15,720 - 37,780-11%3%
42Word processors and typists1,38031,410$22,250 - 41,680-11%19%
43Bartenders1,33017,870$15,370 - 25,41011%17%
44Cooks, restaurant1,31021,710$15,540 - 29,76012%5%
45Billing and posting clerks and machine operators1,31030,790$22,660 - 40,9804%15%
46Cooks, fast food1,28017,800$15,280 - 21,3708%5%
47Computer support specialists1,24042,930$27,000 - 64,00013%43%
48Industrial truck and tractor operators1,24031,330$22,250 - 40,330-1%2%
49Claims adjusters, examiners, and investigators1,17054,740$34,160 - 78,4609%47%
50Electrical and electronic equipment assemblers1,15027,310$16,390 - 43,130-26%6%
51First-line supervisors/managers of construction trades and extraction workers1,15058,130$37,040 - 83,6909%10%
52Inspectors, testers, sorters, samplers, and weighers1,13032,550$21,210 - 49,830-6%14%
53Tellers1,09023,650$18,430 - 30,72014%16%
54Packaging and filling machine operators and tenders1,09024,680$16,700 - 36,600-4%5%
55First-line supervisors/managers of mechanics, installers, and repairers1,08057,830$36,610 - 84,2707%13%
56Highway maintenance workers1,08034,870$27,630 - 42,0709%5%
57Helpers--production workers1,06022,540$15,800 - 33,4300%4%
58Health specialties teachers, postsecondary1,030 0%0%
59Plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters1,00040,920$27,060 - 61,76011%4%
60Personal and home care aides97020,040$16,010 - 25,38051%10%
61Hairdressers, hairstylists, and cosmetologists96021,750$15,880 - 31,63012%6%
62Machinists95034,240$22,990 - 48,570-2%3%
63Preschool teachers, except special education92023,840$17,260 - 34,28026%43%
64Electricians90048,870$32,110 - 67,4607%7%
65Driver/sales workers90020,420$15,090 - 33,490-4%4%
66Cleaners of vehicles and equipment88021,910$15,750 - 31,10014%3%
67Insurance claims and policy processing clerks87032,150$25,590 - 40,6500%22%
68Postal service mail carriers860 1%11%
69Physicians and surgeons, all other840170,340$45,360 - 0%0%
70Counter and rental clerks83024,690$15,930 - 38,94023%16%
71Industrial machinery mechanics81044,050$25,600 - 67,3309%5%
72Legal secretaries81034,770$24,160 - 47,31012%18%
73Dining room and cafeteria attendants and bartender helpers80017,080$15,300 - 20,08012%6%
74Telecommunications line installers and repairers80056,160$29,670 - 79,6305%8%
75Insurance sales agents76065,270$31,420 - 116,18013%45%
76First-line supervisors/managers of non-retail sales workers75080,000$43,240 - 133,7804%38%
77Cost estimators69050,770$29,860 - 72,30019%32%
78Sales representatives, services, all other65051,830$33,270 - 70,27028%48%
79Printing machine operators65034,240$22,430 - 47,960-5%6%
80Dental assistants64030,220$22,940 - 38,83029%9%
81Welders, cutters, solderers, and brazers63035,070$25,570 - 42,1005%2%
82Radiologic technologists and technicians62057,050$42,060 - 76,79015%25%
83Paper goods machine setters, operators, and tenders62038,260$20,670 - 51,110-17%0%
84Purchasing agents, except wholesale, retail, and farm products62052,170$33,910 - 75,1500%42%
85Bill and account collectors61033,950$23,550 - 48,14023%13%
86Taxi drivers and chauffeurs60020,160$15,610 - 25,82013%15%
87Data entry keyers60028,430$20,890 - 38,440-4%18%
88Heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers60044,260$23,620 - 64,1309%3%
89Laundry and dry-cleaning workers59018,370$15,410 - 22,90010%5%
90Cooks, institution and cafeteria58026,150$17,050 - 38,42011%5%
91Production, planning, and expediting clerks58044,050$28,330 - 62,2404%30%
92Cutting, punching, and press machine setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic57030,390$21,040 - 39,820-14%0%
93Operating engineers and other construction equipment operators57049,020$32,070 - 67,4308%3%
94Medical records and health information technicians57037,190$22,290 - 52,87018%12%
95Medical assistants56028,070$20,020 - 40,05035%10%
96First-line supervisors/managers of transportation and material-moving machine and vehicle operators55051,450$33,410 - 71,69010%17%
97Order clerks55029,310$20,220 - 39,300-23%16%
98Fitness trainers and aerobics instructors55040,950$16,110 - 72,73027%47%
99Pharmacy technicians54027,050$19,480 - 37,10032%16%
100First-line supervisors/managers of housekeeping and janitorial workers53040,480$26,850 - 55,95013%11%
You are visiting:
All StatesNew YorkSyracuse > Work

Find a job near you



(job title, keywords)


(city, state, zip)

Additional Details

Syracuse CollegesSyracuse Colleges
Syracuse colleges and trade schools.
Syracuse Graduate SchoolsSyracuse Graduate Schools
Syracuse Graduate and Business Schools
Syracuse Hotels & TravelSyracuse Hotels & Travel
Syracuse hotels, landmarks, tourism, transportation.
Syracuse MortgageSyracuse Mortgage
Syracuse property, mortgage, and real estate.

Career Schools in Syracuse

Schools with flexible schedules, simple applications, online info request forms, and rapid responses to requests for info.

(Also see all New York Colleges.)

Onondaga School of Therapeutic Massage
Syracuse, New York

Find a school near you

Jobs More Common Near Syracuse Than Most Other Cities

* Average job popularity for metro areas = 1.0

TitleMean Local SalaryLocal JobsPop. vs. Avg.*
Electrical and electronics repairers, powerhouse, substation, and relay70,9802809.8
Postsecondary teachers, all other96,7203,7109.5
Music directors and composers36,9201006.7
Health specialties teachers, postsecondary 1,0306.4
Judges, magistrate judges, and magistrates123,5701705.8
Power plant operators65,3602005.3
Highway maintenance workers34,8701,0805.3
Hazardous materials removal workers43,9704205.2
Word processors and typists31,4101,3804.9
Bailiffs36,2901204.9
Social workers, all other44,7506604.7
Clergy45,6804104.6
Plating and coating machine setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic25,3103003.9
Legislators76,2003903.9
Funeral directors52,2501403.8
Rehabilitation counselors23,7307503.5
Radio and television announcers36,9001603.4
Paper goods machine setters, operators, and tenders38,2606203.4
Substance abuse and behavioral disorder counselors33,6505103.3
Graduate teaching assistants30,6902703.2
Pharmacy aides22,2202803.1
Security and fire alarm systems installers32,2103702.8
Ophthalmic laboratory technicians29,8901402.7
Actuaries79,7601002.7
Vocational education teachers, secondary school61,9004202.7
Electrical and electronics drafters56,3601902.7
Multiple machine tool setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic31,6804102.6
Elevator installers and repairers71,0901002.6
Crushing, grinding, and polishing machine setters, operators, and tenders28,9201502.5
Millwrights43,0501702.5
Insurance underwriters64,3805702.5
Electrical and electronic equipment assemblers27,3101,1502.5
Control and valve installers and repairers, except mechanical door60,2701702.4
Recreational therapists40,1201002.4
Eligibility interviewers, government programs40,1604202.3
Environmental engineers74,8302602.2
Telecommunications line installers and repairers56,1608002.2
Physician assistants77,8703502.2
Lathe and turning machine tool setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic30,4302202.2
Special education teachers, preschool, kindergarten, and elementary school56,9909902.1
Grinding, lapping, polishing, and buffing machine tool setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic27,4403602.1
Special education teachers, secondary school60,2506002
Teacher assistants21,8805,4402
Meat, poultry, and fish cutters and trimmers21,3303002
Drilling and boring machine tool setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic34,6201001.9
Residential advisors25,0701801.9
New accounts clerks31,1003501.9
Library assistants, clerical22,9704601.9
Baggage porters and bellhops21,3801801.9
Food batchmakers22,2803401.9

Work Paying Relatively Well in the Syracuse, New York Metro Area (2008 data)

* Average Salary Index for metro areas = 1.0

TitleMean Local SalarySalary Index *Local Jobs
Legislators76,2002.14390
Postsecondary teachers, all other96,7201.563,710
Bus drivers, school35,9501.371,720
Securities, commodities, and financial services sales agents108,5201.37630
Fitness trainers and aerobics instructors40,9501.36550
Marketing managers138,0801.35170
Control and valve installers and repairers, except mechanical door60,2701.31170
Opticians, dispensing43,7901.29110
Judges, magistrate judges, and magistrates123,5701.28170
Adult literacy, remedial education, and GED teachers and instructors56,9801.26200
Maintenance workers, machinery46,5801.24190
Telecommunications line installers and repairers56,1601.23800
Pressers, textile, garment, and related materials24,1901.22160
Family and general practitioners200,3101.22180
Crane and tower operators54,8901.21130
Paper goods machine setters, operators, and tenders38,2601.2620
Packers and packagers, hand24,4601.21,430
Electrical and electronics repairers, powerhouse, substation, and relay70,9801.2280
Butchers and meat cutters35,9301.19210
Motor vehicle operators, all other33,6701.19150
Amusement and recreation attendants21,8701.18230
Financial managers109,6701.181,050
Vocational education teachers, secondary school61,9001.18420
Construction laborers36,6401.182,220
Medical records and health information technicians37,1901.18570
Hotel, motel, and resort desk clerks22,8401.17330
Home health aides24,8801.172,380
All other information and record clerks38,6901.17290
Special education teachers, secondary school60,2501.17600
Interviewers, except eligibility and loan33,0001.16510
Insurance sales agents65,2701.16760
First-line supervisors/managers of housekeeping and janitorial workers40,4801.16530
Sales and related workers, all other45,4201.16130
Business teachers, postsecondary85,0801.16210
Correctional officers and jailers43,5401.15310
Administrative services managers83,9601.15490
Financial analysts81,6901.15460
Parts salespersons35,0101.15460
Cooks, short order22,9101.15250
First-line supervisors/managers of non-retail sales workers80,0001.15750
Operating engineers and other construction equipment operators49,0201.15570
Hazardous materials removal workers43,9701.14420
Accountants and auditors68,2101.142,480
Cement masons and concrete finishers42,2401.14150
Special education teachers, preschool, kindergarten, and elementary school56,9901.14990
Sales managers112,0201.14470
Property, real estate, and community association managers60,8201.14150
Construction managers95,5501.13490
Education administrators, postsecondary100,7901.13270
Graphic designers45,4601.13420

Career and College Resources on CityTownInfo

Real-World Career Reports

Career Stories from workers: daily activities, job tips, best/worst job aspects, training, etc.

Daily Career & Education News from our staff. We're an approved Google News provider!

Career References and Original Articles

Resource Center. A starting point for all CityTownInfo career and college resources.

Career Overviews of hundreds of careers: descriptions, salaries, forecasts, schools, more.

Best Careers Not Requiring Degrees: Good pay, job growth, low need for degrees.

Helpful Articles, many in "how-to" format; e.g., "How to Become a Chef".

College Directories and Lists

These lists link to thousands of detailed school profiles.

Colleges by State. Nearly every college and trade school in the country.

Colleges Listed Alphabetically. About 7,000 colleges & trade schools, including online schools.

Colleges by Major City. Browse cities with multiple college options.

Online Colleges. Colleges with online degree programs.

Graduate Schools by State. Colleges offering graduate degree programs.

Graduate Schools by Major City. Find cities with multiple graduate school options.

HTML For Linking To This Page

Please share this employment resource

Copyright © QuinStreet, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Click to verify BBB accreditation and to see a BBB report.    TRUSTe online privacy certification