Farmington's leading industries are oil, natural gas and coal and they are also the region's largest employers. The primary coal mines are operated by BHP Billiton. Education, health and social services are also important parts of the economy. Farmington is also a regional retail hub.
The leading fields of employment in Farmington are mining, educational services, healthcare, construction, accommodation and food services, utilities, finance and insurance, social assistance and the government. Management, professional and related occupations (28% of the labor force). Sales and office occupations (25% of the workforce).
The Farmington region's significant employers:
- San Juan Regional Medical Center
- San Juan College
- Indian Health Services
- Sodexo
- SYNERTX
- BioPointe
- San Juan County
- Presbyterian Medical Services
- Aegis Therapies
Farmington has numerous occupations where the majority of the workers have a college degree including registered nurses, teachers, wholesale and manufacturing sales representatives, sales managers, child, family and school social workers; coaches and scouts, financial managers and petroleum engineers.
The cost of living index in 2008 was 85.0 which is lower than the country's average of 100. In Farmington 20% of the adults have earned a bachelor's degree or higher. The average earnings in Farmington in 2009 was $30,000.
Local companies can work with helpful associations such as:
- Farmington New Mexico Chamber of Commerce
- Farmington Downtown Association
- New Mexico Economic Development Department
- New Mexico Manufacturing Extension Partnership
Those interested in the activities of the local business community may want to read the Farmington Daily Times.