Due to Olympia being a state capital, state government is the city's largest employer and it's also a major part of the economy. Some of the notable industries in Olympia are industrial supplies, machinery and plastics. Employment is also provided by firms producing items such as processed foods, wood products and metal and paper containers.
Agriculture, livestock, poultry and timber contribute to the economy. Tourism is also important. The area also includes a gambling sector. Notable companies located in the region are Univera Inc., Fast Transact and Reach One.
Legal and consulting companies are strong element's of the area's economy. The region also includes an emerging life sciences community and noteworthy warehouse and distribution companies.
The largest employers for the Olympia area:
- State of Washington
- Local Government
- Providence St. Peter Hospital
- Tribal Government
- Federal Government
- Group Health Cooperative
- Columbia Capital Medical Center
- St. Martin's University
- Walmart Stores Inc
- Costco Wholesale Corp
Some of the occupations which are more common in Olympia than most other cities are zoologists and wildlife biologists, forest and conservation technicians, budget analysts, social science research assistants, urban and regional planners, health educators, environmental scientists and specialists; and computer applications software engineers.
The major nonagricultural employment segments in Olympia, Washington:
- Government
- Trade, transportation and utilities
- Leisure and hospitality
- Professional and business services
- Construction and mining
- Financial activities
Some of the associations providing help to Olympia companies are:
- The Olympia/Thurston County Chamber of Commerce
- Thurston County Economic Development Council
- Washington Economic Development Association
- Washington State Department of Community, Trade & Economic Development
- Washington Manufacturing Services
- Small Business Administration - Washington
The Olympian.com offers details about the local business community.