The Tacoma economy is bolstered by a large number of high-technology companies. Major economic forces in Tacoma include manufacturing, agriculture and forest products, financial services, healthcare and professional services. The region is also a major flower bulb producer. Tourism is also a significant economic factor.
The McChord U.S. Air Force Base and the Fort Lewis Army Post are located in the area and have a significant economic impact. Tacoma also has a busy container handling port. The Port of Tacoma is a major gateway for international trade and the port activities provide a vast number of jobs.
Tacoma, Washington includes notable sectors such as Internet and computer services, automated fingerprint and radio frequency identification systems and satellite imaging.
The top nonagricultural job providing segments in Tacoma, Washington are the government; trade, transportation and utilities; healthcare, education, leisure and hospitality, professional and business services, and manufacturing.
Details about Tacoma, Washington: Average salary in 2009: $39,000. Adult residents holding a bachelor's degree or better: 20%. Cost of living index in 2008: 112.7 (U.S. average: 100).
Tacoma's largest job providers:
- Fort Lewis Army Post
- McChord Air Force Base
- Washington State
- Multicare Health System
- Tacoma Public Schools
- Franciscan Health System
- Pierce County Government
- U.S. Army Madigan Hospital
- City of Tacoma
- Fred Meyer Stores
- Walmart
- Emerald Queen Casino
- Boeing
- Safeway Stores, Inc
- U.S. Postal Service
- Tacoma Public Utilities
- State Farm Insurance Companies
- Costco
- Intel Corporation
Businesses situated in Tacoma have access to helpful organizations including:
- City of Tacoma - Community and Economic Development Department
- Washington Economic Development Association
- Washington State Department of Community, Trade & Economic Development
- Washington Manufacturing Services
- Small Business Administration - Washington
The News Tribune provides details about the local business community.