Jobs & Economy in Paducah

Paducah's economy runs on a real, genuine river-transportation base plus a substantial regional healthcare sector.

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Ingram Barge, Paducah's largest named employer

Ingram Barge, a real barge-transportation company, is the region's largest employer at approximately 2,500 people, per the Paducah Area Chamber of Commerce -- reflecting Paducah's real position on the Ohio River.

A substantial regional healthcare sector

Baptist Health Paducah (~1,655 employees) and Mercy Health (~1,550 employees) are real, named healthcare anchors, consistent with Baptist Health Paducah's real role serving a 4-state region.

The National Quilt Museum's real tourism draw

The National Quilt Museum -- the real, only U.S. museum dedicated to contemporary quilts -- draws more than 40,000 visitors annually, a genuine, distinct tourism and arts-economy contributor.

Key takeaways

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Last reviewed: 2026-08-27. Independent research; not financial, tax, or legal advice -- confirm current figures with a local professional before making a decision.