Top 20 Mason County Employers

Most of my past blog topics have been about Mason County and the Pacific Northwest lifestyle and local real estate statistics. I have written about the variety of outdoor recreation we enjoy, the splendor of the Olympic Mountains and the distinctive history of the villages, hamlets and towns that make up rural Mason County in the state of Washington.

There are hundreds of miles of salt and freshwater shorelines. We are known for the many scenic and popular launches for kayaking, boating and fishing. There are numerous trails and trailheads for hiking and exploring. County and State Parks are abundant for camping and play. And of course there is The Hood Canal...deep water diving, oysters and shrimping. Mason County is truly a very cool Pacific Northwest location for engaging in recreation.

But what about... Work? Employment? Jobs?

Mason County, Washington has a Labor Force of approximately 25,695. Nearly 30% plus of the workers are employed outside the County. Our unemployment comes in at around 7.0%. Mason County employ's about 14,719 with an average wage per job at $31,061. The list of the top 20 Mason County Employers is an interesting study of the economics of rural Mason County

Here is a List of the Top 20 Mason County Employers:

EMPLOYER (employees) 2008 2009

1. Little Creek Cassino 714 720 Tribal

2. Shelton School District 675 675 Public

3. Washington Correction Center 646 657 Public

4. Mason General Hospital 511 475 Public

5. Wal-Mart 406 430 Retail

6. Mason County 421 360 Gov't

7. North Mason School District 358 351 Public

8. Taylor Shellfish, Inc 400 325 Private

9. Olympic Panel Products 340 280 Manufacturing

10. Squaxin Indian Tribe 237 249 Tribal

11. Simpson Timber 360 170 Timber

12. Fir Lane Health 140 153 Health Care

13. Island Enterprises 104 145 Tribal

14. Alderbrook Resort 125 125 Hotel/Spa

15. Skokomish Indian Tribe 130 124 Tribal

16. Safeway 96 121 Grocery

17. Mason County PUD 3 116 116 Utilities

18. Fred Meyer 114 115 Retail

19. City of Shelton 127 105 Gov't

20. Mason County Forest Products 177 101 Timber

Are Mason County job opportunities akin to other rural Counties in the Nation?