Tyler and the East Texas job market employ a large number of jobs and careers in the manufacturing, healthcare, education, grocery distribution, banking, retail business, oilfield, petrochemical, natural gas, drilling, and refining job sectors.
Within the City of Tyler are located about 50,000 jobs, with a total of about 103,000 in Smith County.
The workforce consists of thousands of accountants, information technology workers, restaurant employees, hotel workers, bankers, retail sales personnel, health care workers, welders, roughnecks, drillers, truck drivers, oilfield rig mechanics, electricians, and dozens more jobs and occupations in the Tyler job market.
Even in difficult economic times nationally, employment and job search opportunities in Tyler have remained strong, and better than much of the US.
Employers
Major job markets include the oil & gas industry, medical sector, manufacturing, education, grocery distribution, retail distribution, air conditioning equipment manufacturing and banking.
East Texas Medical Center (ETMC) and Trinity Mother Frances Hospital are the two largest job employers in the Tyler area, each with about 3,800 employees.
The Brookshire Grocery Company has its corporate headquarters in Tyler. Other major employers include the University of Texas at Tyler, Tyler Junior College, Trane, Carrier, UT Health Center at Tyler, Suddenlink, Target Distribution Center, Tyler Pipe, and Southside Bank.
In addition, public entities including Smith County, the City of Tyler, and the Tyler Independent School District (TISD) employ about 4,000 personnel.
East Texas oil & gas employers include a wide array of companies such as Halliburton, BJ Services, Chesapeake Energy Corporation, Baker Petrolite, Cudd Pressure Control, Delek Refining, Eastman, Weatherford International, and hundreds of other small, and large, corporations.
Independence Place, Tyler, offices of Chase Bank, Simmons Real Estate, and other businesses
Tyler's long association with the rose and nursery industry provides additional stability and growth, and jobs.
The Tyler Economy
Even in difficult economic times, Tyler's diverse economy remains robust with its base in the manufacturing, retail, oil & gas, education and health care industries. Employment is stable, and better than much of the US. The City of Tyler has successfully dealt with declines in tax revenues without substantial cuts in public services.
The up-to-date Tyler Pounds Regional Airport provides rapid connections to all of the country for both business travel and leisure travel.
Financial center, downtown, Tyler
Finances and Budget
Texas is one of the few states that in 2011 has a healthy budget. The positive implications of balanced budgets for Texas, and Tyler, are huge. The City of Tyler continues to have a balanced budget and an excellent bond rating.
Tyler Population Growth
Tyler is growing! The preliminary 2010 census figures were just released in February, 2011, showing Tyler's population at 96,900 or 15.8% higher than the 2000 census count of 83,650. And Smith County's population was reported to be 209,714, a 20% increase from 174,706 in 2000.
Also, Tyler has not been caught up in the unrealistic real estate markets that have plagued other parts of the nation. Most Texas banks retain conservative banking principles.
South Broadway Corridor, Tyler
In-migration continues for Texas and Tyler, and more residents are added on a regular basis.
South Broadway Avenue Growth Corridor
Growth continues at a solid pace in the Tyler area, especially along the South Broadway Avenue corridor (U.S. 69) and Loop 323, with new restaurants such as Chuy's, BJ's Restaurant & Brewery, Smashburger and others providing more job growth.
The Rage Salon, on the Old Jacksonville Corridor, Tyler
Jobs and tax revenue from retail outlets on South Broadway such as Kohl's and Target, and hospitality industry growth from the new Marriott Courtyard provide for more growth in this area.
Old Jacksonville Corridor
The Old Jacksonville Highway corridor is experiencing exponential growth, and features exciting new businesses such as The Rage Salon, and FRESH by Brookshire's which opened in March, 2011.
Developments such as The Crossing, Oak Hollow, Oak Hills, The Heights, and Cumberland Ridge continue to enhance the "New Jacksonville" area.
The Oak Hills Promenade includes Merrill Lynch, Keller-Williams, The Rage Salon, and several other businesses.
FRESH by Brookshires, Tyler, Texas
FRESH by Brookshires, located at 6991 Old Jacksonville Highway, sells the absolute freshest, highest quality produce, meat, seafood, flowers and chef-prepared specialties available in East Texas.
It sells natural, organic, chemical-free and sustainable items whenever possible, and uses packaging materials that are earth-friendly, including produce bags, paper and reusable grocery sacks. A large portion of the beautiful building was constructed with recycled materials and 75% of construction waste was recycled. FRESH uses natural light with skylights, supplementing the irrigation system by capturing rainwater from the roof in a large cistern.
In the nearby area are establishments such as Swann's Furniture (under construction), Oak Hills Montessori School, and other major Tyler businesses. The Ridge Retail Center at Oak Hills, located adjacent to Fresh, will contain Bikram Yoga, Katie's, and others. ZaZa Restaurant will be located at 6899 Oak Hills Boulevard.
In short, Tyler has in the past, and will continue to survive, and thrive, in the current economic crisis far better than other areas.
