Top 5 Industries in Nevada: Which Parts of the Economy Are Strongest?


Nevada’s economy is growing by leaps and bounds, as employers who work for one of the five major industries in the state can verify.

From hitting it rich at the poker table to digging for gold and silver, these sectors help maintain the Silver State’s position as one of the strongest economies in the U.S.

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1. Tourism and Gaming

You can’t talk about Nevada without mentioned its multi-billion dollar tourism and gaming industry. It is here the state rakes in fast cash and boosts its job market. Hotels, casinos, and other venues currently hire nearly 400,000 employees, with an average yearly gain of 2,500, according to Nevada’s Office of Economic Development. But the wages aren’t as enthusiastic. An average worker makes only $31,000.

2. Logistics

Jobs keep trucking into Nevada – thanks to the logistics industry. This sector currently employs more than 66,000 employees, each one earning about $56,000 each year, the Office of Economic Development (OED) said. These wages saw a $300 increase between 2013 and 2014, and expect to see a continual incline. Nevada continues to focus its efforts on this industry and has plans to turn the state into a warehouse distribution hub.

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3. Manufacturing

No industry builds Nevada jobs faster than manufacturing. This industry grew more than 2,000 jobs from 2013 to 2014 and is responsible for hiring about 42,000 Nevadans, OED said. Each one of those jobs represents $54,330 yearly wages. Printing and publishing and metals fabrication account for the largest impact. These two sectors currently employ more than 10,000 team members.

4. Mining

This may not be West Virginia, but Nevada found a diamond in the rough. The state’s mining industry controls more than 15,000 jobs in the state, OED said. However, some of these positions represent the lowest wages in the region. Support positions represent the minority and are low-paying jobs, but this sector pays and average of about $90,000, if you’re lucky to get one of the mining or administrative positions. 

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5. Aerospace

Aerospace is flying higher as one of Nevada’s top industries. This field currently has more than 13,000 Nevada employees, each earning about $78,000, according to OED. Nellis Air Force helps drive this industry as a major hiring force. Located on more than 14,000 acres, the base employs 12,000 civilian and military workers. http://www.diversifynevada.com/key-industries/aerospace-defense

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