Manufacturing is the core of Waterbury's economy, however the city is diversifying into areas such as chemical research, warehouse and distribution, retail and banking. Waterbury is home to the headquarters of Les-Care Kitchens, Webster Financial Corp, American Bank of Connecticut, QSend Technologies, Hubbard-Hall and other firms.
The city of Waterbury offers tax abatements and other benefits to attract information technology companies. Waterbury is given preference regarding bidding on federal procurement contracts due to being classified as a labor surplus area. In addition, the area's office of Workforce Connection and the Connecticut Labor Department provide job training assistance and on-the-job training. The Waterbury Education Department has partnered with numerous manufacturers to offer an apprenticeship program for the automatic screw machine industry.
Shown below, in descending order, are Waterbury's largest employment sectors:
- Education and health services
- Trade, transportation and utilities
- Manufacturing
- Government
- Professional and business services
- Leisure and hospitality
- Finance
Some of the most popular occupations where the majority of the workers are college graduates are registered nurses, teachers, wholesale and manufacturing sales representatives, social and human service assistants, child, family and school social workers; lawyers and physical therapists.
A list of Waterbury's primary employers is shown below:
- City of Waterbury
- St. Mary's Hospital
- Waterbury Hospital
- Abbot Terrace Health Center
- Anamet Inc
- Center Bank
- Connecticut Light & Power Company
- Cedar Lane Rehabilitation Center
- Southern New England Telephone
- Sears Roebuck & Company
- Volatarc Technologies Inc
- Stop & Shop
- Waterbury Buckle Company
- U.S. Postal Service
- Waterbury Companies Inc
- Waterbury Republic-American
Notable information regarding Waterbury: In 2008 the cost of living index was at 132.6 which is high when compared to the country's average of 100. In 2007, the estimated median household income was $40,000. Approximately 14% of the population over 25 years of age hold a bachelor's degree or better.
Business organizations offering assistance to Waterbury firms include:
The Republican-American offers up-to-date information regarding the business activities in Waterbury.