Manufacturing and trade have long been the core of Bridgeport's economy, however service-producing sectors, especially business and health services have also become significant factors for the local economy. Bridgeport is trying to expand it's manufacturing sector into the international marketplace. In addition, Bridgeport is regarded as one of the most prominent financial centers in New England.
Bridgeport produces numerous goods including machinery and machine tools, transportation equipment, fabricated metals and electrical supplies. Wholesale and retail trade are typically flourishing due to the city's port, the convenient crossroads of highways and being a prominent railroad center. In addition employment opportunities are provided by the county's numerous Fortune 500 companies.
In descending order Bridgeport's largest sectors for employment are provided below:
- Trade, transportation and utilities
- Professional and business services
- Education and healthcare
- Government
- Manufacturing
- Financial
- Leisure and hospitality
The Bridgeport Economic Resource Center provides new job opportunities for workers. The majority of the new jobs are in small start-up companies such as retail and restaurants. The center also collaborates with businesses to utilize workforce development programs. Bridgeport Regional Business Council provides education, training programs, loan packaging assistance and technical and management help. In addition, the Connecticut Department of Labor provides employment training grants and on-the-job training assistance.
Notable data regarding Bridgeport: About 41% of the city's workforce are college graduates. Bridgeport has been included in Money Magazine's "Best places to live" list. In 2008 the cost of living index was at 142.6. The nation's average is 100.
The largest employers in Bridgeport are shown below:
- Peoples Bank
- Bridgeport Hospital
- St. Vincent Medical Center
- City of Bridgeport
- Lacey Manufacturing Company Inc
- Bridgeport ISD
- Devon Energy
- University of Bridgeport
- Derecktor Shipyard
- Trinity Care Center
- Bridgeport Tank Trucks
- The GEO Group
- Hanson Corp
- Bridgeport Stone TXI
- DSI Inspections
Bridgeport companies have access to business associations such as:
The ConnPost.com offers current information about the business activities in the Bridgeport area.