Monroe includes numerous manufacturing, banking, healthcare and farm-related companies. Monroe is home to the corporate offices of notable companies such as Chase Manhattan Bank, Vantage Health Plan, Ouachita Fertilizer and Berry Plastics Group. Monroe is also home to CenturyTel, a prominent telecommunications provider. Nearby Angus Chemical, a subsidiary of Dow Chemical, contributes to the region's economy. In addition, the area includes four major hospitals which provide a large number of jobs.
The top job providing sectors in Monroe are healthcare, educational services, accommodation and food services, social services, finance and insurance and the government. About 28% of the jobs in Monroe are found in management, professional and related occupations. Sales and office jobs comprise about 25% of the jobs in Monroe Louisiana.
The Monroe region's top employers are:
- CenturyTel, Inc
- Ouachita Parish School Board
- St Francis Speciality Hospital
- Monroe City Schools Inc
- University of Louisiana at Monroe
- The City of Monroe
- Century Service Group, LLC
- Parish of Ouachita
- Scott Equipment Company, LLC
- Crystal Willstaff Inc
- HCA Health Services of Louisiana, Inc
- Chase Manhattan Bank
- Vantage Health Plan
- Ouachita Fertilizer
- Berry Plastics Group
- Bancroft Bag
- Accent Marketing
- Angus Chemical
Some of the occupations more prevalent in Monroe than most other cities include special education, teachers, secondary school; personal and home care aides; machine feeders and offbearers, production workers; paper goods machine setters, operators and tenders; community and social service specialists; and cooks, institution and cafeteria.
Noteworthy data about Monroe, Louisiana: In 2009 the average earnings of the workforce was $27,000. In 2008 the cost of living index in the city was 82.0 and the national average is 100. Regarding the adult residents, approximately 27% have achieved a bachelor's degree or better.
Monroe businesses are able to work in partnership with helpful associations including:
- Monroe Chamber of Commerce
- North Louisiana Economic Development Corporation
- Louisiana Association of Business and Industry
- Louisiana Economic Development
People interested in learning about local business and industry activities can read the Monroe News Star.