Thinking about relocating? Consider Vancouver, Washington! A city of around 200,000 people, Vancouver is part of the Portland metropolitan area. Its economy is largely influenced by the larger economic trends in the region. The city is known for its strong presence in the technology and healthcare industries and its growing manufacturing sector.
According to recent Glassdoor listings, there are 30,000 jobs hiring in the Vancouver, Washington area. Vancouver residents also have access to jobs in Portland, Oregon; however, only 30% of Vancouver workers work outside of Clark County, where Vancouver is located. (Washington residents who work in Oregon have to pay Oregon income tax, which is much higher– keep that in mind if you plan to live in Vancouver but work in Portland). The area is great for finding employment; projected job growth over the next ten years is predicted to be 38.8%.
So what job opportunities in Vancouver, Washington, might be a good fit for you?
Growing Industries in Vancouver, Washington
Originally a center for logging and mining, Vancouver’s business profile has changed dramatically since the city was founded. Here is the breakdown of the industry by population for Vancouver, Washington, according to Best Places.
| Industry | Percentage of Population Working In Industry | Industry | Percentage of Population Working In Industry |
| Health care and social assistance | 13.5% | Finance and insurance | 4.2% |
| Manufacturing | 12.5% | Public administration | 3.5% |
| Retail trade | 12.2% | Wholesale trade | 2.8% |
| Hospitality and food services | 8.3% | Information | 2.3% |
| Education | 6.6% | Real estate, rental, leasing | 2.3% |
| Construction | 6.3% | Arts, entertainment, recreation | 1.7% |
| Professional, scientific, and technical services | 6.2% | Utilities | 0.9% |
| Transportation and warehousing | 6.1% | Agriculture, forestry, fishing, hunting | 0.4% |
| Other services | 5.2% | Management of Companies | 0.1% |
| Administrative, support, waste management services | 5.1% | Mining, quarrying, oil and gas extraction | 0.1% |
As you can see, there are numerous industries thriving in Vancouver, Washington. However, some of them are particularly important to the city’s economy.
Healthcare and Social Assistance
The Healthcare and social assistance industry is Vancouver’s largest employment sector, driven by major organizations that provide vital services to the region. PeaceHealth, a nonprofit Catholic healthcare system, is headquartered in Vancouver and serves communities across the Pacific Northwest and Alaska. Kaiser Permanente also operates multiple facilities in the area, offering comprehensive care and employment opportunities in both clinical and administrative roles. Additionally, companies like Prestige Care and EmpRes Healthcare support the city’s growing demand for home healthcare services, making healthcare a cornerstone of the local economy.
Manufacturing
Manufacturing is another major market sector in Vancouver, Washington. This encompasses several manufacturing types, including transportation and manufacturing for the big tech industry. HP Inc. has a manufacturing plant and is in the process of creating a major corporate campus. SEH America is a leading manufacturer of silicon wafers for semiconductors, and nLight is a major manufacturer of next-generation fiber lasers.
Tech isn’t the only industry served by Vancouver’s manufacturing industry. ConMet is a leading manufacturer for the transportation industry, while the Pacific Power Group makes engines for the power industry. RS Medical also operates a manufacturing plant in Vancouver, making non-opioid pain relief devices.
Education
Education is a vital part of Vancouver’s community and economy. Evergreen Public Schools and Vancouver Public Schools are among the largest employers in the area, providing opportunities for educators and support staff. Vancouver also is home to Clark College, a community college that offers a number of two-year degrees and serves nearly 12,500 enrolled students. Washington State University also maintains a campus in Vancouver, offering bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees.
Technology
The technology sector in Vancouver is rapidly growing, offering diverse opportunities for professionals in software development, manufacturing, and e-commerce. Zoominfo Technologies, a prominent SaaS and data company, has become a major player in the city’s tech landscape. Emerging platforms like NetRush are revolutionizing e-commerce, while startups like Hubb are making waves with innovative software solutions for event management. Vancouver’s tech industry is expanding across multiple fields, making it an exciting place for those looking to advance their careers in this dynamic sector.
Transportation
Vancouver’s strategic location along the Columbia River has long made it a transportation hub. The Port of Vancouver, USA, supports global shipping and logistics operations, while major railways like BNSF and Union Pacific maintain railyards in the city. The area is also served by the local Lewis and Clark Railway, and Amtrak provides passenger service on three lines that stop in Vancouver. For those in the trucking industry, companies like Gulick Trucking offer additional employment opportunities. The city’s transportation sector is integral to its economy and offers a range of roles from logistics coordination to equipment maintenance.
Food and Hospitality
The food and hospitality industry in Vancouver is a mix of local flair and national brands. The city is home to the headquarters of Papa Murphy’s and Burgerville, two beloved restaurant chains. The Great Western Malting Company also operates in Vancouver, supporting the craft beer and distilling industries with its production and distribution facilities. This sector provides opportunities for culinary professionals, managers, and entrepreneurs looking to tap into the city’s growing food scene.
Corporate Headquarters in Vancouver, Washington
Vancouver’s business-forward atmosphere makes it a desirable place for corporate headquarters. Many large corporations have chosen to call Vancouver, Washington home, making it an attractive city for relocation. Some of these companies include
- PeaceHealth, a not-for-profit Catholic healthcare organization that provides care to communities throughout the Pacific Northwest and Alaska
- Banfield Pet Hospital, a private veterinary hospital company that operates clinics in over 1,000 PetSmart locations throughout the US
- Zoominfo Technologies, a SAAS (software as a service) and data company
- Nautilus, Inc. a fitness equipment company that designs, manufactures, and markets fitness equipment under the brands Bowflex, Modern Movement, Nautilus, Schwinn Fitness, and Universal.
- Papa Murphy’s, a nationwide take-and-bake pizza company
- Burgerville, a fast food burger chain focused on fresh ingredients and environmental sustainability
Considering Vancouver, Washington?
While Vancouver’s economy is strong and a great reason to make the city your new home (or business location), Vancouver has much else to offer. It is a diverse and vibrant city with a strong focus on outdoor recreation. Access to the Columbia River and nearby forests and mountains provides adventurous activities such as hiking, fishing, and boating opportunities.
If you’re ready to start your next chapter in Vancouver, Washington, let us at Redefyne Moving & Storage help you get there. Our experienced team specializes in making moves stress-free and seamless. Contact us today for a free moving quote, and let us show you why so many people trust Redefyne Moving & Storage for their relocation needs.
