As we move into 2025, the employment landscape in West Virginia and Ohio highlights the strength and diversity of industries shaping the region’s economy. From manufacturing giants to health care leaders, here’s an overview of who’s hiring and which sectors dominate.
Top Manufacturers in West Virginia
West Virginia’s manufacturing sector continues to be a major employer, with Toyota Motor Manufacturing leading the pack with 2,103 employees in Buffalo. Close behind is Pilgrim’s Corp. in Bluefield with 2,000 workers, followed by Northrup Grumman Innovation Systems in Rocket Center employing 1,600.
Other top manufacturers include Constellium Rolled Products in Ravenswood (1,138 employees), Chemours in Washington (1,100), and Alcon Research Ltd. in Huntington (900). The list also features ArcelorMittal Weirton, American Woodmark Corp., Quad in Martinsburg, and AHF LLC in Beverly, all contributing hundreds of jobs across the state.
Wood County’s Leading Employers
Wood County showcases a strong mix of healthcare, government, education, and manufacturing jobs. WVU Medicine Camden Clark Medical Center is the largest employer with 2,275 staff, followed by the Bureau of the Fiscal Service with 2,000 employees.
Wood County Schools employ 1,714 people, while the Washington Works complex (including Chemours, Dupont, and Kuraray) provides jobs for 1,522. Retail and manufacturing also play key roles with Walmart, Wincore, and Hino Motors among other top employers.
Industry Breakdown in Wood County
Trade, transport, and utilities dominate with 23% of the workforce. Leisure and hospitality account for 13.1%, manufacturing for 6.8%, financial services 5%, and information industries 2.2%. This mix reflects a balanced economy with a range of opportunities.
Largest Employers Across West Virginia Counties (2024)
Each county in West Virginia has its own economic anchor. For example, Minnie Hamilton Health System leads in Calhoun County, Triple H Enterprises Inc. in Doddridge, and Constellium Rolled Products in Jackson County.
Other counties see leaders like Solvay Chemicals in Pleasants, Cornerstone Building Brands in Ritchie, and WVU Medicine in Wirt and Wood counties. These employers help sustain local economies and provide stable jobs for thousands.
Top Employers in Washington County, Ohio
Over the border in Ohio, Washington County’s biggest employer is Memorial HealthSystem with over 3,000 workers. Other major employers include Pioneer Group, Thermo Fisher Scientific, Kraton Polymers, and Peoples Bancorp Inc. The area also benefits from educational institutions like Washington State College of Ohio and Marietta College, along with diverse manufacturing firms.
Industry Strength in Washington County
Healthcare and social assistance lead the way, followed by manufacturing, retail trade, accommodation and food services, and educational services. These industries together shape the workforce and provide a broad range of career options.
Ohio’s Top Employers (2023-2024)
At the state level, Ohio is home to some of the largest employers in the nation. The Cleveland Clinic tops the list with over 58,000 employees, followed closely by Walmart and Amazon.
Other big names include Kroger, Ohio State University and Medical Center, OhioHealth, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, University Hospitals Health System, Bon Secours Mercy Health, and J.P. Morgan Chase. These employers contribute significantly to Ohio’s economy and job market.
