Durham's economy is based on health and medical related sectors and high-technology industries including telecommunications, biopharmaceutical, electronics and computers. Other important industries include chemicals, textiles and plastics. Duke University & Medical Center is the Durham region's largest employer. Some of the major job providing companies are IBM, Nortel and Glaxo Smith Kline.
Durham is part of the world renowned Research Triangle Park. The park includes a vast number of workers and more than 130 companies. Over 20 other industrial, research and office parks surround the park. In addition, A large number of the workers in Durham are employed in a health or medical related sector. Corporate administration also provides numerous jobs.
Accolades for Durham: Forbes ranked Durham as the 3rd best place for business & careers. NewGeography.com named Durham MSA as the #11 best medium sized MSA for Business & Growth. Durham placed in the top 10 in metros for scientists & engineers by Expansion Management Magazine. The city was placed in the list of 5 star knowledge worker metros by Expansion Management Magazine.
Details about Durham, North Carolina: In 2007 the estimated median household income was $46,000. In 2008 the cost of living index was at 86.1 (nation's average: 100). In Durham 42% of the population 25 years of age and older have acquired a bachelor's degree or better.
Largest employers in the Durham region:
- Duke University & Medical Center
- IBM
- Durham Public Schools
- Glaxo Smith Kline
- Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina
- Nortel Networks
- Durham City Government
- Veterans Administration Medical Center
- Lenovo Group, LTD
- Fidelity Investments
- RTI International Inc
- Durham County Government
- North Carolina Central University
- Cree, Inc
- National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
- AW North Carolina, Inc
- Sterling Healthcare
- Quintiles Transnational Corp
The top employment sectors in Durham:
- Healthcare
- Educational services
- Professional, scientific and technical services
- Accommodation and food services
- Computer and electronic products
- Construction
Durham companies have opportunities to collaborate with helpful associations such as:
- Durham Chamber of Commerce
- Economic & Workforce Development - Durham, NC
- North Carolina Economic Developers Association, Inc
- Manufacturers and Chemical Industry Council of North Carolina
The Durham Herald-Sun is a good resource for people interested in reading about local business and industry news.