Labor Pool

The 1.1 million-strong labor force already in place in the Hudson Valley is one of the region's most valuable assets: Nearly 200,000 workers are underemployed, working at jobs that require less skill than they are able to offer. An additional 33,400 people are neither employed nor looking for work but might accept a job given the right opportunity. Many workers commute across county and state borders, and would like to accept a job closer to home. Train ridership into New York City (1/2 hour to 1 1/2 hours away) has increased 65% in 20 years. (Click here for PDF of Hudson Valley commutation patterns) The valley's workforce is well educated, especially in the fields of science and technology: 85% of valley residents have graduated from high school, with 35% over age 25 possessing a Bachelor's degree (the national average is 26%). New York State ranks first in degrees awarded in materials sciences, computer sciences, and medical sciences; second for degrees in electrical engineering, mathematics, and biological sciences; and third in civil and mechanical engineering. The Hudson Valley is an attractive place to hire workers: Salaries are competitive with most major industrial centers. High-range management positions average less than $80,000, and production workers earn under $30,000 per year. The diversity of housing - single-family homes, condos, and rental units in all price ranges - allows workers to live close to where they work. New York workers are among the most productive in the nation: New York ranks 9th nationally in worker productivity in the manufacturing sector. These workers generate more than $6 in value for every dollar earned. Labor costs are lower than those of most leading industrial states, and yet: Our workforce standards are higher. Training and educational resources are far greater here than those available elsewhere. Workforce Development Training Assistance Coordinated, customized approach to meet workforce needs. Funding available for up to 50% of qualified training projects. Classroom and on-the-job training. Human resource assistance, such as pre-screening employees. SMT Degree Program Community colleges in Orange, Ulster, Sullivan and Dutchess counties recently formed a consortium to offer a two-year semiconductor manufacturing technology (SMT) degree. Download Workforce Report.

Selected Headquarters in the Hudson Valley