Myrtle Beach's economy is primarily based on tourism. Hotels, resorts golf courses, theme parks and restaurants are important to the city. Other important economic sectors are healthcare, educational services and social services. The farming of tobacco, berries, watermelons and other crops also adds to the economy. Myrtle Beach also includes facilities that produce rubber, plastic, Styrofoam and ceramics.
The leading areas of employment in Myrtle Beach are accommodation and food services, construction, art, entertainment and recreation; healthcare, real estate rental and leasing; finance and insurance, and educational services. Sales and office occupations (29% of the labor force). Management, professional and related occupations (26% of the jobs). Service occupations (23% of the workforce).
There are numerous jobs that are more prevalent in Myrtle Beach than most other cities including hotel, motel and resort desk clerks, real estate sales agents, lodging managers, glaziers, maids and housekeeping cleaners, electrician's helpers, amusement and recreation attendants, and pharmacy aides.
Noteworthy details regarding Myrtle Beach. Cost of living index in 2008: 90.8 (U.S. average: 100). Average earnings in 2009: $24,000. Population 25 years of age and older holding a bachelor's degree: 23%.
The top companies in the Myrtle Beach area:
- AVX Corporation
- New South Companies
- Baiden & Associates
- Sands Investments Inc
- New South International, Inc
- Beach First National Bancshares
- Myrtle Beach National Company
- New South Lumber Company, Inc
- Myrtle Beach Hospital, Inc
- Burroughs & Chapin Company, Inc
- The Jackson Companies
- Haigney Services Worldwide, Inc
- Coastal Federal Bank
- Myrtle Beach Pelicans
- Wild Water Fun Park
- Food Lion
- Coastal Carolina University
Local companies can contact the following helpful associations:
- Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce
- Myrtle Beach Regional Economic Development
- South Carolina Manufacturers Alliance
- South Carolina Economic Developers' Association
- Small Business Administration - South Carolina
TheSunNews.com provides readers with details about the business endeavors in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.