Blessed with a thriving economy and diverse job market, Missouri’s fastest growing city is a great place to enjoy a successful career.
The Springfield metro area is home to large and small companies across a range of industries. That makes it easy to find exciting opportunities for all skillsets and experience levels – whether you’re a recent graduate seeking that first job or a seasoned pro reaching for the next rung on the ladder.
Led by two major health systems and the state’s second-largest university, the Springfield area offers numerous positions in health care and education. Our region is also home to Fortune 500 companies and other global employers, making it a magnet for those working in manufacturing, logistics, retail, information technology and financial services. And thanks to an attractive tax climate and entrepreneurial spirit, Springfield is an excellent place for starting a new business of your own.
Corporate Headquarters & Small Businesses
Two well-known retail giants have their roots and their headquarters in Missouri’s Queen City, with over 4,000 employees combined. From an eight-square-foot section in the back of a package store to America’s premier destination for outdoor gear and apparel, Bass Pro Shops today is one of the largest privately held companies in the United States. Fortune 500 company O’Reilly Auto Parts has grown from a single Springfield location in 1957 to over 6,200 stores throughout the United States, Canada and Mexico.
Other corporate headquarters include Forvis Mazars, one of the largest accounting firms in the nation, along with banking technology stalwart Jack Henry & Associates in nearby Monett.
And if you’re looking to get your own startup idea off the ground, there’s no better place to begin than the Springfield metro area. Small business contributes to over 95% of our local economy. Notable local businesses include Mother’s Brewing Company and Askinosie Chocolate.
Health Care
More than 30,000 people work in a range of health care professions across the metro area, accounting for about 17% of the workforce. In fact, the area’s two largest employers are both health systems. CoxHealth boasts over 12,000 employees at its two Springfield hospitals and in numerous clinics and specialty offices. Over 9,000 employees work for Mercy Hospital throughout the Springfield area.
Other healthcare employers across our region include the following:
- Citizens Memorial Healthcare has hospitals and clinics in Bolivar.
- Burrell Behavioral Health provides mental health services throughout Southwest Missouri.
- Jordan Valley Community Health Center serves patients in clinics throughout the metro area.
- Lakeland Behavioral Health is Missouri’s leading psychiatric hospital and treatment center.
- Ozarks Community Hospital serves patients in clinics throughout Southwest Missouri and Northwest Arkansas.
Education
More than 6,400 people work in education in the Springfield metro area. That number includes teachers, professors, coaches, administrators and staff members in a wide variety of roles, from accounting to marketing.
With enrollment topping a record 25,000 students for the Fall 2024 semester, Missouri State University is the state’s second-largest university. It offers a wide range of academic specialties, including over 70 advanced degree programs. Other local institutions of higher learning include Drury University, Evangel University and Ozarks Technical Community College.
Springfield Public Schools is the largest public school district in the state of Missouri, with more than 25,000 students system-wide. Other nearby school systems also rank among the area’s largest employers, including:
- Ozark R-VI School District
- Nixa R-11 School District
- Republic R-III School District
- Willard R-2 School District
- Boliver R-I School District
- Logan-Rogersville School District
Financial Services
Ranked among the largest public accounting firms in the United States, Forvis Mazar boasts a Springfield team of over 500 employees. They provide auditing, tax and consulting services across a wide breadth of industries, including financial, manufacturing, distribution, construction, real estate and nonprofit.
Banking and insurance are also well-represented among our area’s largest employers. With a nationwide network of agents providing customized service, American National Property & Casualty has its headquarters in Springfield. Leading financial employers also include Great Southern Bank, U.S. Bank, Central Bank of the Ozarks and Commerce Bank.
Technology & Innovation
The Springfield area technology sector has blossomed, thanks to a strong cluster of IT firms, suppliers and educational programs. Missouri State University fosters the growth of a high tech hub in Springfield through IDEA Commons. This 88-acre urban research park in center city includes advanced research and development through the Jordan Valley Innovation Center. Businesses also receive support for innovation, workforce development and more through the eFactory.
Jack Henry & Associates, one of our region’s largest private employers, offers a variety of banking solutions to support digital banking, online payments, information security, lending, commercial banking and more. Founded in Monett in the 1970s, the company is driven by a desire to help community and regional financial institutions and the hardworking people they serve. Other leading tech employers include healthcare IT firm Netsmart Technologies in Springfield and Duck Creek Technologies, which offers solutions for the insurance industry through its office in Bolivar.
Manufacturing
From food processing to industrial equipment, Springfield has a long history as a manufacturing hub, thanks to its centralized location and low cost of doing business. Springfield Remanufacturing Corporation provides OEMs with high-quality remanufactured diesel engines, engine components, turbochargers and fuel systems from its Springfield facility. Other top manufacturing employers include:
- Kraft Foods: food processing
- 3M: tapes and adhesives
- John Deere Reman: remanufactured parts and components
- Loren Cook Company: ventilation equipment
- Paul Mueller: stainless steel processing equipment
Logistics
Thanks to its location in the heart of the U.S. and easy access to major highways, Springfield is an ideal hub for logistics and transportation firms. As North America’s most successful refrigerated, flatbed and tanker carrier, Prime Inc. offers paid training and advancement opportunities for professional truck drivers. The company also offers a wide variety of in-house positions at their spectacular headquarters in Springfield.
SRC Logistics offers core logistics and management for the remanufacturing industry. Services include reverse logistics, fulfillment, distribution and non-asset-based transportation management. Founded over 30 years ago, the company is a subsidiary of SRC Holdings. Other notable logistics employers in the area include Amazon, BNSF Railway, Associated Wholesale Grocers, Indiana Western Express, Transland Headquarters and Trailiner Corp.
Finally, numerous manufacturers and retail companies also manage distribution through Springfield. Prominent examples include Kraft Heinz, McLane, O’Reilly Auto Parts, John Deere Reman, Bass Pro Shops and FedEx Freight.
Government
With over 30,000 employees, government work represents the third-largest industry sector in the Springfield area. Major employers include the City of Springfield, Greene County and the U.S. government, with services including police, fire, public works and environmental services.
The municipally-owned City Utilities has been recognized by the American Public Power Association as a top utility, and Springfield-Greene County Office of Emergency Management has been nationally accredited by the Emergency Management Accreditation Program. The Springfield Police Department is one of only 5% of departments to earn accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies. The Springfield-Greene County Park Board is a Gold Medal winner from the National Recreation and Park Association.
Download Your Free Relocation Guide
Thanks to a thriving local economy, affordable cost of living and a variety of industries, the Springfield region is an excellent place to launch and grow your career. You can discover even more of what our community has to offer by downloading your free relocation guide today!
