Bangor is an important commercial center for the northeastern and central portions of Maine. The major economic sectors are wholesale/retail trade, services and government and they comprise over half of the workforce. Other significant job providing sectors are manufacturing, finance, insurance, construction and real estate. The two major medical hospitals in Bangor also provide numerous jobs.
Tourism is an integral part of the economy. Although the region's forest-related manufacturing industries have declined they still contribute to the region's economy. In addition, Bangor is home to the regional headquarters of several commercial banking companies.
The Tri-County Workforce Investment Board provides valuable assistance to employers and employees. The organization assists workers in gaining access to sustainable employment, education opportunities and training. The organization also helps employers find skilled workers.
Some of the most popular occupations filled by those who have a college degree are registered nurses, social and human service assistants, wholesale and manufacturing sales representatives; child, family and school social workers; coaches and scouts, financial managers; medical and health services managers; and lawyers.
Bangor's largest employers are shown below:
- Bangor International Airport
- Bangor Mental Health Institute
- Bangor School System
- City of Bangor
- Community Health & Counseling Services
- County of Penobscot
- Dead River Company
- Eastern Main Healthcare
- General Electric Co
- Fleet Bank of Maine
- Orsan Sylvania Products, Inc
- Maine Air National Guard
- St Joseph Hospital
- Shop 'N Save Supermarkets
- University of Maine
- Webber Energy Fuels
- Acadia Hospital
- Lemforders
- Georgia Pacific
- University of Maine System (Inc)
- Ocean Investments Corporation
- Care Development
- Bangor Savings Bank
- Affiliated Healthcare Systems
- BHE Holdings Inc
- D & L Management
- Penobscot Community Health Center (Inc)
The top job providing sectors for Bangor's workforce are:
- Trade, transportation and utilities
- Government
- Educational and health services
- Professional and business services
- Leisure and hospitality
- Manufacturing
- Construction
- Finance
Notable data about Bangor, Maine: The estimated median household income in 2007 was $36,000. About 27% of the adult population has achieved a bachelor's degree or better. In 2008 the cost of living index was at 91.4. The national average is 100.
Some of the helpful organizations for local companies are:
- Bangor Region Chamber of Commerce
- State of Maine Office of Business Development
- Maine Department of Economic and Community Development
Bangor's newspaper the Bangor Daily News is a good resource for local business and industry news.