Oxnard is regarded as one of the most important agricultural areas in the world. Strawberries, lima beans, lemons, avocados and celery are some of the region's prominent crops and they are significant factors for the economy. The economy is powered by international trade, agriculture, tourism, the defense industry, manufacturing, finance, the high-tech industry and transportation. It's also a prominent manufacturing center in the region. In addition, Oxnard has been placed on Money Magazine's "Best Places to Live" list.
Two large U.S. Navy bases, the NAS Point Mugu and Port Hueneme are located in Oxnard. The Port of Hueneme is vital for trade with Pacific Rim countries. The port is a major factor for Oxnard's economy and provides a vast number of direct and related jobs. The Naval base, NAS Point Mugu is also a primary employer.
The major sectors for jobs are agriculture, healthcare, trade, education, construction, the government, accommodation and food services and finance. About 20% of the workforce is employed in sales and office jobs and about 10% of the workforce is employed by the government.
Some of the most popular jobs in Oxnard that are typically filled by college graduates include registered nurses, teachers, wholesale and manufacturing sales representatives, computer software engineers, management analysts, financial managers, medical scientists, and engineering managers. Some of the occupations more prevalent in Oxnard than most of the nation's other cities are farm workers and laborers, crop, nursery and greenhouse; biomedical engineers, first-line supervisors/managers of farming, fishing and forestry workers; environmental science and protection technicians and chemical technicians.
Noteworthy information regarding Oxnard: The cost of living index in 2008 was a very high 148.5. The average in the nation is 100. about 14% of the population over the age of 25 has a bachelor's degree or higher. In early 2009 the average salary was $28,000.
The primary employers in Oxnard are shown below:
- Port of Hueneme
- NAS Point Mugu
- Boskovich Farms
- Oxnard Union High School District
- St. John's Regional Medical Center
- City of Oxnard
- Hass Automation
- Procter & Gamble
- Sysco
- Channel Islands Glass & Mirror
- JNB Industries LLC
- Oxnard College
Oxnard is home to the headquarters of prominent companies such as:
- Seminis
- Hass Automation
- Drum Workshop
- Paypak
- Borla Performance
- Vivitar
- Boss Audio
Oxnard companies are offered assistance by business organizations such as:
- Oxnard Chamber of Commerce
- Economic Development Corporation of Oxnard
- California Manufactures and Technology Association
The Ventura County Star.com offers up-to-date information regarding the business activities in Oxnard.