Tourism and high-technology are significant factors for the Palm Bay region's economy. The major sectors for jobs in Palm Bay include healthcare, tourism, manufacturing, computer and electronic products, construction, government as well as professional, scientific and technical services. About 31% of the workforce have sales and office jobs. In addition, the city is pursuing growth and jobs in the hi-tech district.
The county includes numerous prominent high tech/aerospace employers including United Space Alliance, Space Gateway Support, Boeing, NASA/Kennedy Space Center Contractors, Northrop Grumman Corporation, Lockheed Martin, Rockwell-Collins, Bamsi and USBI.
Some of the most popular jobs in the Palm Bay region where the majority of the workers are college graduates are computer software applications engineers, aerospace engineers, wholesale and manufacturing sales representatives, industrial engineers, management analysts, electrical engineers, computer software systems engineers, mechanical engineers and computer programmers.
The largest employers in the Palm Bay region include:
- Harris Corporation
- Intersil
- DRS Optronics
- MC Assembly
- Walmart
- Palm Bay Community Hospital
- Holmes Regional Medical Center
- Publix Supermarkets
- Winn Dixie Supermarkets
- City of Palm Bay
Noteworthy information about Palm Bay: Approximately 17% of the residents over the age of 25 hold a bachelor's degree or better. In 2008 the cost of living index in Palm Bay was 87.1. In 2007 the estimated median household income was $44,000. The area includes a large retiree population.
Palm Bay companies have access to helpful business organizations including:
- Greater Palm Bay Chamber of Commerce
- Palm Bay Economic Development Department
- Florida Economic Development Council Inc
FloridaToday.com offers current information regarding the business activities in Palm Bay.