In the past, Hagerstown was primarily an industrial city. Manufacturing is still an integral part of the economy along with transportation in railroads and highways, however the economy has become more diversified and the service sector is a major economic factor. Hagerstown is also regarded as a regional commerce center.
Tourism also adds to the local economy. In addition, sectors such as engineering, aero-defense and advanced technology are becoming more significant to the county's economy. Also, the area surrounding Hagerstown has a significant agricultural presence.
Hagerstown's significant employment sectors are healthcare, trade, transportation and utilities; construction, accommodation and food services, manufacturing, government; professional, scientific and technical services; and education.
There are numerous notable companies in the Hagerstown area including:
- Bowman Development
- Horizon Goodwill Industries
- Pavestone
- Intelsat
- Progress Media
- Cinetic Landis
- Jamison Door
- Radio Shack
- Citigroup
- JLG Industries
- Review & Herald Publishing
- DOT Foods
- Lehigh Phoenix
- Sealy
- FedEx
- Lenox
- First Data
- Fugro Earth Data
- High Rock Interactive
- Macro Retail
- Maryland Paper
- NetConn Solutions
Some of the most common jobs where the majority of the workers are college graduates are registered nurses, teachers, wholesale and manufacturing sales representatives, computer specialists, financial managers, medical and health services managers, pharmacists, social and human service assistants; and advertising sales agents.
Noteworthy information about Hagerstown, Maryland: Approximately 12% of the adult population has earned a bachelor's degree or higher. In 2008 the cost of living index in the city was 111.5 which is above the nation's average of 100. In 2007 Hagerstown had a median household income of $38,000.
Local businesses have opportunities to work in partnership with useful organizations including:
- Hagerstown - Washington County Chamber of Commerce
- Hagerstown - Washington County Economic Development Commission
- Small Business Administration - Maryland
- Maryland Economic Development Association
The Herald-Mail provides information about local business and industry activities.