Jobs & Economy in Reading
Reading's economy runs on a real, diversified manufacturing-and-healthcare base, anchored by East Penn Manufacturing and Tower Health.
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Learn moreEast Penn Manufacturing: the region's top employer
East Penn Manufacturing (Deka-brand batteries, 75-plus years in the region) employs approximately 7,145 people -- Greater Reading's single largest employer, repeatedly named a Best Place to Work in PA.
Tower Health and a growing healthcare sector
Tower Health (parent of Reading Hospital) runs a close second among regional employers, and healthcare postings currently dominate the region's job-market activity, with registered-nurse and allied-health roles the hottest category.
A real, substantial manufacturing base beyond one employer
Manufacturing overall employs over 31,000 workers across Berks County -- the county's largest sector by both GDP and employment, not a single-employer story.
Key takeaways
- East Penn Manufacturing (~7,145 employees) is Greater Reading's largest employer.
- Tower Health (Reading Hospital) is a close second, with healthcare postings currently dominating regional job-market activity.
- Manufacturing overall employs over 31,000 workers county-wide -- Berks County's largest sector by GDP and employment.
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