Fishing and manufacturing are still major contributors to New Bedford's economy. The healthcare industry is also a major economic element and a top employer. Three of New Bedford's major employers are Southcoast Hospitals Group, (healthcare), Riverside Manufacturing (apparel) and Titleist (golf clubs, balls and apparel). Due to fairs, festivals and the historic whaling industry, New Bedford also has a notable tourism industry.
The city's largest employment sectors are healthcare, wholesale trade, manufacturing, education, accommodation and food services, and social services. About 22% of the workers in New Bedford are employed in service occupations. Sales and office workers comprise about 21% of the labor force.
New Bedford's major employers are:
- Southcoast Hospitals Group
- Titleist
- Riverside Manufacturing
- Acushnet Company
- Joseph Abboud Manufacturing Corp
- Aerovox Incorporated
- Friendly Fruit, Inc
- Friendly Food, Inc
- Ahead, Inc
- AFC Cable Systems, Inc
- Tremblay's Bus Co LLC
- High Point Treatment Center, Inc
- Brittany Dyeing and Printing Corp
- The Stop & Shop Supermarket Company LLC
- Ottaway Newspapers, Inc
- Symmetry Medical Inc
- New Bedford Rehabilitation Hospital, LLC
- Aerovox Corp
- Ahead, Inc
- Imtra Corporation
- GEC Durham Industries
- Pier Fish Co., Inc
Some of the occupations where the majority of the workers have a college degree are registered nurses, teachers, social and human service assistants, wholesale and manufacturing sales representatives, medical and public health social workers; child, family and school social workers; financial managers; medical and health services managers; and social and community service managers.
Pertinent information about New Bedford, Massachusetts: In 2008 the cost of living index was at 130.9 which is high when compared to the national average of 100. Approximately 11% of the adult population has achieved a bachelor's degree or higher. In 2009 the average salary in New Bedford was $34,000.
New Bedford companies are invited to work in partnership with helpful organizations such as:
- New Bedford Area Chamber of Commerce
- New Bedford Economic Development Council
- Massachusetts Economic Development Council
- MassEcon: Massachusetts Alliance for Economic Development
People interested in learning about the activities of local businesses and industries can visit SouthCoastToday.com.