For a long time manufacturing was the base of Dubuque's economy. Manufacturing is still a major economic factor, however the economy has diversified and is substantially bolstered by other sectors such as healthcare, tourism, education, financial services and publishing.
The major job providing sectors in Dubuque, Iowa are healthcare, education, accommodation and food services, machinery, metal and metal products, finance and insurance, and social assistance. About 28% of the labor force is employed in management, professional and related jobs. About 26% of the jobs in Dubuque are provided by sales and office occupations.
Some of the popular occupations in Dubuque that are primarily filled by those with college degrees are registered nurses, teachers, wholesale and manufacturing sales representatives, child, family and school social workers; social and human service assistants, coaches and scouts, pharmacists, graphic designers and financial managers.
Dubuque's major non-government employers include:
- Deere and Company
- Mercy Medical Center - Dubuque
- Eagle Window & Door Co
- Medical Associates
- Finley Hospital
- Flexsteel Industries
- Hy-Vee
- Walmart
- Woodward Communications
- Prudential Financial
- Barnstead/Thermolyn
- McKesson Corp
- Quebecor World
- Diamond Jo Casino
- The McGraw-Hill Companies
- A.Y. McDonald Mfg
- ThermoFisher
- Nordstrom
- Swiss Valley
- Alliant Energy
- Cottingham & Butler
- The Metrix Company
Pertinent data about Dubuque Iowa: In 2008 the cost of living index in Dubuque was at 78.9 which is lower than the country's average of 100. The estimated median household income in 2007 was $43,000. Regarding the adult residents in Dubuque, about 23% have achieved a bachelor's degree or better.
Dubuque businesses have opportunities to collaborate with helpful organizations such as:
- Dubuque Area Chamber of Commerce
- Greater Dubuque Development Corporation
- Iowa Department of Economic Development
- Iowa Small Business Development Center
The Dubuque Telegraph Herald is an excellent resource for people that want to stay current with local business and industry news.