The Macon economy is powered by services, retail, manufacturing and the government. Jobs are provided in manufacturing industries such as aircraft parts, textiles, bricks and tiles and paper products. The other major sectors for employment in the region are healthcare, manufacturing, education, accommodation and food services; finance and insurance; and construction. Also, the nearby Robins Air Force Base is a major employer in the region.
The county is a prominent agricultural area. Milk and poultry are significant elements of the region's economy. Jobs are also provided in the processing and distribution centers that are involved with the region's farmland. The forest products industry also provides jobs in the region. The area includes a large Weyerhaeuser pulp processing plant.
Jobs more common in Macon than most other cities include bailiffs, paper goods machine setters, operators and tenders; production workers, correctional officers and jailers; insurance claims and policy processing clerks; probation officers and correctional treatment specialists; and insurance underwriters.
Notable employers in the Macon region are:
- GEICO - Insurance
- YKK Corporation of America - Zipper manufacturer
- Coliseum Health System - Healthcare
- Weyerhaeuser - Forest products
- Southern Wood Suppliers - Produces hard wood chips
- Birds Eye Foods
- Watkins Engineering
- Boeing Company
- Schwartz Precision Manufacturing
Noteworthy information about Macon: About 17% of the population over the age of 25 have a bachelor's degree or better. In 2008 the cost of living index was at 80.5 which is low when compared to the national average of 100. In 2009 the average salary in Macon was $28,000.
Macon companies have access to helpful business organizations such as:
The Macon Telegraph offers current information about the business endeavors in Macon.