Colorado has a highly diversified economy powered by Hi-Tech industries, agriculture, education, mining and financial services. Denver International Airport is the largest employer in the state with over 30,000 employees. The fast growing northern Colorado region constitutes over 10 counties, including Boulder, Weld and Larimer. The largest cities in the region are Boulder, Ft Collins, Broomfield, Loveland and Greely. According to the Metro Denver Economic Development Corporation, here are the region’s top private, non-retail employers in 2019:
Larimer County
The country has traditionally operated a human capital based economy teeming with skillful workforce. Statistics show more than 40% of residents of Larimer County hold at least an undergraduate degree. One of the reasons for this high number of graduates is because a sizable number of jobs require applicants to have a higher college degree. The largest industries in the county include manufacturing, education and health services, leisure and hospitality and mining.
Top employers in Larimer County
UCHealth: Poudre Valley Hospital
Industry: Healthcare
Number of employees 7,700
Location: Fort Collins
The 270 bed capacity regional medical facility is one of the largest employers in Colorado. It operates 24/7 and offers an array of services, including diagnostic testing and surgeries. The other specialty areas include neuroscience, orthopedic surgery and bariatric weight loss surgery.
Broadcom Inc
Industry: Semiconductor components
Number of employees: 1,700
Location: Fort Collins
This diversified global semiconductor company has been operating for the last 50 years. Broadcom, Inc is a leader in the provision of inter-connective technologies. Interns and employees who work for the company enjoy plenty of career advancement opportunities.
Banner Health: McKee Medical Center
Industry: Healthcare
Number of employees: 1,400
Location: Loveland
McKee Medical Center is a Loveland based treatment center. The services offered here include treatment for cancer, diabetes, concussions and emergency services. Employees are offered attractive benefits such as the 401 (k) and 403 (b) plans and private retirement cover.
Hewlett Packard Enterprises
Sector: Technology Product Design
Number of employees: 1,250
Location: Fort Collins
The company maintains an active presence in Fort Collins and is one of the largest private employers in northern Colorado. The company has been operating in the county for several decades thanks to the land for expansion and the presence of a skilled workforce.
Weld County
The county is located between the Rocky Mountains and the sprawling plains north of the Denver Metro. With a sizable population of over 250,000 people, Weld County has one of the most vibrant economies in the state. Greely is the county seat and the largest city in the area.
The economy of Greely is dominated by the following industries; agriculture, food processing, education, manufacturing, energy production and health and wellness sectors.
Top employers in Weld County
JBS Swift Co – All Weld Operations
Industry: Beef processing and corporate offices
Number of employees: 4,600
Location: Greely
JBS is a leading animal protein processor with a global outlook. Started in 1953 as a small family business, the Brazilian based company is today the biggest employer in Greely, Colorado. Globally, the company operates over 100 facilities that employ more than 85,000 workers.
Banner Health North Colorado medical Center
Industry: Healthcare
Number of employees: 3,600
North Colorado Medical Center offers advanced treatment using state-of-the art technology. The center has been offering treatment in Weld County and surrounding areas for more than 100 years. The services here range from infusion therapy and gastroenterology to cancer treatment.
Vestas Wind turbine
Industry: Manufacturing
Number of employee: 2,800
Location: Windsor
The Danish based firm is leading manufacturer of wind turbines. Its presence in Windsor has seen many young people take up apprenticeship programs to sharpen their skills and enhance their job prospects. Pre-apprentices earn about $13 to $17 an hour while students are offered a salary of $12 an hour.
State Farm Insurance Companies
Industry: Insurance
Number of employees: 1,200
Location: Greely and others
State Farm is a nationwide mutual firm with a highly visible presence in Greely, Colorado. This is evident by the high number of agents. The company has over 58,000 employees nationally and maintains a record 19,000 independent agents overseeing more than 80 million US accounts.
Halliburton Energy Service, Inc
Industry: Oil and Gas Development
Number of employees: 1,000
Location: Fort Lupton
The oil and gas giant has been operating for the last one century exploring oil wells in deep water, unconventional areas and mature fields. In Fort Lupton, CO the company operations centers on oil and gas services. Halliburton Energy also operates in the neighboring Denver County.
Boulder County
The county consists of highly populated centers like the Boulder Statistical Metropolitan Area. It is also home to several protected areas such as the Indian Peaks Wilderness and Roosevelt National Forest. The top economic activities in Boulder County are scientific and technical services, educational services, healthcare and social assistance and oil and gas extraction. The county has one of the highest median household incomes in the US.
Top employers in Boulder County
Medtronic PLC
Industry: Medical devices and product
Number of employees: 2,500
Location: Boulder
The global medical device maker is a leader in the development of small, smarter and healthier medical use, testing and monitoring equipment’s. These include advanced surgical devices, cardiac rhythm supports and diabetes monitoring systems. Employees working at the company enjoy a number of incentives, including attractive pay and benefits, job security and positive culture.
Boulder Community Health
Industry: Healthcare
Number of employees: 2,400
Location: Boulder
The health center’s mission is to create a healthier community in Boulder by offering high value healthcare in patient centric and medically innovative environment. The treatment provided includes orthopedics, emergency and trauma care, primary care, heart care and neurology. Boulder Community Health was voted the best local employer in 2018.
Ball Aerospace & technologies Corporation
Industry: Aerospace, Technologies and services
Number of employees: 1,700
Location: Boulder
The company has been operating for the last 60 years. The Boulder campus designs and produces satellites, instruments for space application and cryogenic devices among other items. Employees who work here have a unique opportunity to learn about space missions and planets.
IBM Corporation
Industry: Computer systems and services
Number of employees: 1,600
Location: Boulder
IBM is a renowned technology company with a global presence. Its operations in Boulder are among the largest in the state. The company offerings include IBM Cloud, IBM Watson, security solutions and enterprise architecture. Employees working for the company enjoy infinite experiences that promote career advancement. Entry level opportunities are available to graduates.
Seagate Technology
Industry: Computer hard drives
Number of employees: 1,400
Location: Longmont
Seagate has been developing engineering data storage technologies since 1978. The company has a diverse workforce of over 40,000 globally. Some of the regularly advertised positions include that of material clerk, process development manager and software engineer.
Conclusion
Northern Colorado offers job prospects plenty of opportunities to test their skills and pursue rewarding careers. The area is home to several large universities such as the University of Northern Colorado, Colorado State University and the University of Colorado Boulder. One of the organizations at the forefront of supporting employers in Northern Colorado is the Northern Colorado Economic Development Corporation (NCEDC). The nonprofit corporation serves several municipalities, including Wellington, Fort Collins, Timnath, Windsor and Loveland.