Pocatello Employment

Idaho State University Research and Business ParkWith an active economic development team headquartered at the ISU Research and Business Park, Pocatello enjoys a stable and diversified economic base. In Forbes 2005 "Best Places for Business and Careers," Pocatello ranked 11th among all small metros in the nation.

Pocatello Economy

The chief sources of income of Pocatello and its surrounding trade area are manufacturing, mining, transportation, agriculture, medical products, processing of agricultural products, high-tech and nuclear research, recreation, and tourism. Pocatello also serves as the retail hub for southeast Idaho.

Farm land near Pocatello, IdahoAgriculture, including farming and processing Idaho's famous potatoes, is an important part of the local economy.

Regional industry also includes the Idaho National Laboratory (INL), located 60 miles northwest of Pocatello. INL was built in 1949 for the construction, testing and operating of new types of nuclear reactors and equipment. More than 50 nuclear reactors have been built at the facility. INL currently employs about 12,000 people.

Pocatello Major Employers

On January 8, 2007, Hoku Materials, a division of Hoku Scientific, Inc., announced plans to build a new $220 million polysilicon (solar panel material) production plant in Pocatello. The plant is expected to create 200 jobs.

Top 15 Employers (2006)

Idaho State University3,400
School District #251,700
Portneuf Medical Center1,200
ON Semiconductor1,150
Convergys Business Services725
Pocatello City Government600
Union Pacific Railroad580
Bannock County Government400
Wal-Mart Retail Stores400
Teleperformance, USA400
J.R. Simplot Company350
Ballard Medical/Kimberly Clark350
Qwest Communications350
Heinz Frozen Foods320
Farmers Insurance Group250

Links

Four Generations of Service