Texas A&M University, a prominent research university, has a major role in College Station's economy and is the largest employer in College Station. The region's Research Valley is a notable technology based business environment. The valley is home to numerous companies including Novartis, Pfizer, Schlumberger, Conoco-Phillips and Hewlett-Packard. The Research Valley is bolstered by industries such as homeland security, energy, information technology and life sciences/health sciences. Research Valley includes a large number of private and public sector jobs.
In College Station, the major job providing sectors are educational services, accommodation and food services, professional, scientific and technical services; and healthcare. Management, professional and related occupations (45% of the workforce). Sales and office occupations (22% of the jobs).
The top job providers in the College Station area:
- Texas A&M University System - Education
- Bryan Independent School District - Education
- St. Joseph Regional Health Center - Health services
- Sanderson Farms - Poultry processing
- College Station Independent School District - Education
- Reynolds & Reynolds/ Rentsys - Computer hardware/software
- City of College Station - Government
- New Alenco Windows - Windows
- Walmart - Retail
- West Corporation - Telecommunications
- H-E-B Grocery - Retail
- Scott & White Clinic - Healthcare
- Kent Moore Cabinets - Cabinets
- College Station Medical Center - Healthcare
- Blinn College - Bryan Campus - Education
- Texas Engineering Experiment Station
- Texas Transportation Institute
- Brindley Foundation
- Vertafore Inc
Noteworthy facts about College Station, Texas: Cost of living index in 2008: 88.0 (U.S. average: 100). Adult population that has earned a bachelor's degree or higher: 58%. Average salary in 2009: $32,000.
Associations offering assistance to local businesses include:
- Bryan/College Station Chamber of Commerce
- Research Valley Partnership, Inc
- Texas Economic Development Council
- Texas Association of Manufacturers
- Small Business Administration - Texas
The Eagle is a good resource regarding local business and industry news.