Jobs & Economy in Salem
Salem's economy runs on a real, substantial tourism and hospitality sector, alongside healthcare and small-business anchors.
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Learn moreA real, substantial tourism economy
Salem's tourism sector is genuinely substantial -- over 500,000 annual visitors specifically for witch-trial-related sites, and approximately 1.3 million during 2023's Haunted Happenings alone -- supporting real, local hospitality and retail employment.
Salem Hospital as a major local employer
Salem Hospital (Mass General Brigham) anchors direct local healthcare employment within the city, alongside the region's broader academic-medical-center network.
A real, dual-rate downtown small-business environment
Salem's substantially higher commercial property tax rate ($21.89/1,000 versus the residential $10.78/1,000) is a real, relevant factor for small-business owners operating downtown.
Key takeaways
- Salem's tourism sector is genuinely substantial, supporting real local hospitality and retail employment.
- Salem Hospital anchors direct local healthcare employment within the city.
- Salem's substantially higher commercial tax rate is a real factor for downtown small-business owners.
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