Jobs & Economy in Altoona
Altoona's economy runs on a real, historic Pennsylvania Railroad heritage -- honestly updated with today's smaller Norfolk Southern presence -- anchored today by UPMC Altoona, Sheetz, and Penn State Altoona.
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Learn moreA real, historic railroad identity, honestly updated
The Horseshoe Curve remains a real, active National Historic Landmark rail line, but Norfolk Southern's current local Altoona workforce runs substantially smaller than the historic Pennsylvania Railroad peak -- real, disclosed 2019 and 2021 layoffs reduced it by nearly 36%.
Today's real major employers
UPMC Altoona (a 380-bed regional referral hospital) and Sheetz (genuinely headquartered in Altoona) anchor the city's current economy.
Penn State Altoona's real economic contribution
Penn State Altoona enrolls approximately 2,500 students and contributes approximately $137.8 million to the Pennsylvania economy, per a university-commissioned study.
Key takeaways
- Altoona's railroad heritage is real and historic, honestly updated with today's smaller Norfolk Southern presence.
- UPMC Altoona and Sheetz are Altoona's real, current major employers.
- Penn State Altoona makes a real, disclosed $137.8 million contribution to the Pennsylvania economy.
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