Johnson County, an encompassment of the Iowa City, IA Laborshed area, is a vibrant economic hub powered by industries such as advanced manufacturing, biotechnology, financial services, and warehouse & distribution. Leveraging the most recent Laborshed reports from 2024, compiled by Iowa Workforce Development (IWD) and Greater Iowa City, Inc., this blog uncovers the focal insights and data points about workforce trends, commuting patterns, and occupational opportunities in these pivotal sectors of Johnson County’s economy. For full details on each industry sector, like common job search tools or the number of underemployment, please download the industry reports below.
- Advanced Manufacturing: Bridging Expertise and Opportunity
Advanced manufacturing in Johnson County thrives with a workforce of over 87,000 individuals, commuting an average of 17 miles for work. This report’s insights reveal:
- Job Diversity: Roles such as industrial machinery mechanics and production managers earn annual salaries ranging from $40,900 to $117,385.
- Key Benefits: Health and dental insurance (96.2%), retirement plans, and incentive bonuses are highly valued.
Access the IWD and Greater IC 2024 Advanced Manufacturing Report here: Iowa City Advanced Manufacturing Industry Report
- Biotechnology: A Science-Driven Workforce
Johnson County’s biotechnology sector boasts a highly educated workforce of 43,000+ individuals, commuting an average of 12 miles for work. Data from this report show:
- High Educational Attainment: Most employees hold bachelor’s (32.3%) or master’s degrees (29%), with a total of 61.3% of the workforce holding a bachelor’s degree or higher.
- Competitive Compensation: Biochemists and biomedical engineers earn median salaries of $92,745 and $84,670, respectively.
Access the IWD and Greater IC 2024 Biotechnology Report here: Iowa City Biotechnology Industry Report
- Financial Services: A Local Talent Pool
The financial services sector highlights the region’s robust local engagement, with a workforce of over 58,000+ individuals commuting an average of just 7 miles. Key findings from IWD and Greater IC include:
- Diverse Roles: High-paying positions such as financial analysts and managers earn median salaries of $87,802 and $127,788, respectively. However, unlike any of the three other sectors in this post, 0% of financial service workers are/were self-employed.
- Compact Laborshed Concentration: Workers in this sector are the most closely concentrated to their place of work, traveling just 7 miles on average, showing the financial sector is most likely to live and work in the same community.
Access the IWD and Greater IC 2024 Financial Services Report here: Iowa City Financial Services Industry Report
- Warehouse & Distribution: Logistics in Motion
Johnson County’s warehouse and distribution industry supports over 87,000 individuals, commuting an average of 18 miles to work. The report by IWD and Greater IC highlights:
- Critical Occupations: Roles such as logisticians and heavy truck drivers earn competitive median salaries of $87,993 and $53,443.
- Full-Time Dominance: 90.5% of the workforce is employed full-time, with a significant number in cross-functional roles. Individuals in these roles work an average of 45 hours per week, matching the average amount worked in the Advanced Manufacturing sector.
Access the IWD and Greater IC 2024 Warehouse & Distribution Report here: Iowa City Warehouse Distribution Industry Report
Explore Further
These industry-specific Laborshed reports from IWD and Greater Iowa City, Inc. emphasize Johnson County’s position as a regional economic leader and provide detailed data on our area’s key sectors’ workforce characteristics. By spotlighting workforce dynamics and growth opportunities, the reports serve as invaluable tools for businesses, policymakers, and job seekers looking to navigate and contribute to the area’s economic success.
For more detailed insights, explore the linked reports and be part of shaping greater Iowa City’s thriving future!
A comprehensive overview for the entirety of Iowa City, IA’s 2024 Laborshed Area Analysis is also available here: Executive Summary for Iowa City Laborshed. See also IWD’s interactive presentation-style version of this data which includes maps and additional information not included in the visualization on the IWD’s Laborshed webpage.
