To get a true picture of a community, many people look at the major employers—manufacturers, businesses and organizations that bring people to town for jobs and contribute to the quality of life enjoyed by residents.

Norman is known as an education community—a logical distinction because two of the city’s top employers are the University of Oklahoma and the Norman Public School System. The health care needs of many central and south central Oklahoma residents are served by Norman’s medical community. Norman Regional Hospital has experienced significant growth during the last several years, making it the second largest employer in the community.

Quality of life means different things to different people. In Norman, an essential component is an expanding economic base of educational institutions, state and federal facilities, major manufacturers, and growing businesses that keep the community thriving.

State agencies abound in Norman, employing more than 1,000 people. Largest among them is Griffin Memorial Hospital. Other state-supported facilities include J.D. McCarty Center for Children with Developmental Disabilities, Veteran’s Center, Oklahoma Youth Center, Oklahoma Indigent Defense System, Army National Guard, and the Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History.

The U.S. Postal Service National Center for Employee Development as well as the National Weather Center with many weather related entities included under the umbrella of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) create a major federal presence in Norman.

The Norman area boasts several manufacturers and businesses that make a significant contribution to the local economy. Major manufacturers or distributors and their products include York International/Johnson Products—heating and air conditioning equipment; ClientLogic —business process outsourcing ; Office Max—office products; Hitachi Computer Products (America), Inc.—mainframe computer products; Sysco Food Services of Oklahoma—food service distribution; and Astellas Pharma Technologies, Inc.—prescription drugs.

Quality of life means different things to different people. In Norman, an essential component is expanding the economic base of educational institutions, state and federal facilities, major manufacturers, and growing businesses that keep the community thriving.

Average Hourly Wages