The surrounding farmland has allowed Stockton to develop into a prominent processing and distribution center for farm products and wines. Historically, it has been an agriculturally based economy, however telecommunications and manufacturing have also become important aspects of the economy. The city is home to manufacturing companies such as Crown Bolt, Noll Manufacturing, Dopaco, Sortex, Martin-Browner and Aisin. Stockton also includes the high technology companies Applied Aerospace Company, Bay Area Circuits and Sigma Circuits.
Numerous companies have selected Stockton for their regional operations such as Pac-West Telecommunications, Duraflame and Golden State Lumber Company. Stockton also has a prominent port. The city of Stockton and the port have been working together to develop "green industries." Stockton has also been collaborating with community colleges and universities to create an educated workforce for a renewable energy industry.
Some of the jobs more prevalent in the Stockton area than most other of the nation's cities include, grader and sorters of agricultural products; farm workers and laborers, crop, nursery and greenhouse; stonemasons; first-line supervisors/managers of farming, fishing and forestry workers; plasterers and stucco masons, food batch makers and interpreters and translators.
The major sectors for employment in Stockton include healthcare, agriculture, construction, government, finance, insurance and education.
Noteworthy data regarding Stockton: In 2008 the cost of living index was very close to the nation's average. Regarding the population over the age of 25, about 15% hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The average earnings in 2009 was about $37,000.
A list of Stockton's major employers is provided below:
- Dameron Hospital - Hospitals
- Division of Juvenile Justice - State Government Correctional Institutions
- Foster Care SVC - Government
- Morada Produce Co - Fruits & vegetables - growers & shippers
- O-G Packing Co - Warehouses - Cold storage
- Police Dept - Personnel & Training - Police departments
- San Joaquin County Property Management - Government offices
- San Joaquin County School Supt - Schools
- San Joaquin County Human Services - Government
- St Joseph Medical Center - Hospitals
- Stockton Police Department - Police Departments
- University of Pacific
- Walmart - Department Stores
- Pacific Gas & Electric - Utility
- Kaiser Permanente - Healthcare
- Diamond Walnut - Food Processor
- San Joaquin Delta College - Education
- The Grupe Company - Developer
- AT&T Communications
Stockton companies have access to business organizations such as:
The Recordnet.com offers current information regarding the business activities in Stockton.