Understanding the Job Market in Jonesboro, AR

Are you considering a move to Jonesboro, Arkansas? Or perhaps you’re just curious about the job opportunities available in the area? Whether you’re a recent graduate, a career changer, or someone looking for a new challenge, it’s important to have a comprehensive understanding of the job market in Jonesboro. Let’s dive into the details.

Industry Overview

Jonesboro is a city with a diverse economy, offering a variety of job opportunities across different industries. Here’s a breakdown of some of the key sectors:

Industry Percentage of Employment
Education and Health Services 25%
Manufacturing 20%
Retail Trade 15%
Accommodation and Food Services 10%
Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services 10%
Other Industries 20%

As you can see, the education and health services sector is the largest employer in Jonesboro, followed by manufacturing. This indicates a strong presence of hospitals, clinics, and educational institutions in the area.

Top Employers

Understanding the top employers in Jonesboro can give you a better idea of the job opportunities available. Here are some of the major employers in the area:

  • Arkansas State University – ASU is the largest employer in Jonesboro, offering a wide range of jobs in education, research, and administrative roles.
  • St. Bernards Health System – This healthcare provider offers numerous job opportunities in various medical fields, including nursing, administration, and support services.
  • Smithfield Foods – As one of the largest pork producers in the world, Smithfield Foods employs many people in the manufacturing and logistics sectors.
  • Walmart Distribution Center – The distribution center in Jonesboro is one of the largest in the Walmart network, providing jobs in logistics, transportation, and warehouse operations.
  • First National Bank – This financial institution offers a variety of jobs in banking, finance, and customer service.

Job Opportunities by Sector

Now let’s take a closer look at the job opportunities available in each of the key sectors:

Education and Health Services

In this sector, you can find jobs in teaching, administrative roles, research, and healthcare. Some of the most in-demand positions include:

  • Teachers and professors
  • Nurses and nurse practitioners
  • Administrative assistants
  • Medical assistants
  • Research scientists

Manufacturing

The manufacturing sector in Jonesboro is primarily focused on food processing and packaging. In-demand positions include:

  • Production workers
  • Quality control inspectors
  • Machine operators
  • Logistics and transportation specialists

Retail Trade

The retail trade sector offers a variety of jobs in stores, restaurants, and online shopping platforms. Some popular positions include:

  • Store managers
  • Cashiers
  • Customer service representatives
  • Inventory managers
  • Online sales associates

Accommodation and Food Services

This sector includes jobs in hotels, restaurants, and catering services. In-demand positions include:

  • Hotel managers
  • Restaurant managers
  • Chefs and cooks
  • Waitstaff
  • Catering coordinators

Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services