Jobs & Economy in Paterson
Paterson's economy runs on a real, genuinely diversified base -- healthcare, manufacturing, and retail trade -- reflecting the city's historic industrial identity.
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Learn moreHealthcare: Paterson's largest employment sector
Healthcare employs approximately 10,410 people in Paterson, the city's single largest sector, with Paterson serving as a genuine regional healthcare hub for Passaic County.
A real manufacturing legacy, still substantial today
Manufacturing employs approximately 8,981 people -- a real, continuing thread of Paterson's historic industrial identity as the birthplace of the American Industrial Revolution.
Retail trade and modest, real employment growth
Retail trade employs approximately 8,966 people; total employment grew a modest but real 1.09% from 2023 to 2024, with unemployment running approximately 4.6%.
Key takeaways
- Healthcare (~10,410 employees) is Paterson's largest sector, with a genuine regional hub role for Passaic County.
- Manufacturing (~8,981) remains a real, substantial thread of Paterson's historic industrial identity.
- Total employment grew a modest 1.09% from 2023-2024; unemployment ran approximately 4.6%.
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