Tennessee’s economy thrives across a variety of sectors. The largest industry in Tennessee is ambulatory health care services, accounting for 4.8% of the state’s total GDP and employing around 156,000 people, which constitutes 5.2% of all jobs in the state. Other significant industries include education, entertainment, agriculture, automotive, advanced manufacturing, adventure tourism, and health care. These sectors collectively underpin the diverse economic landscape of Tennessee, showcasing strengths in areas like automotive manufacturing with major operations from General Motors, Nissan, and Volkswagen, as well as in sectors like advanced manufacturing, which is known for a wide range of products including Tennessee whisky, cooking systems, printing, and firearms.
Largest Employment Sectors in Tennessee
The information below reflects various sectors in Tennessee’s economy, including employment and GDP contributions. For a detailed breakdown of employment by sector and the specific GDP contributions, I utilized general economic data.
| Sector | Number of Employees (Thousands) | GDP Contribution (Billion $) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Manufacturing | Not specified | 75.0 | Highest GDP in state |
| Retail Trade | Not specified | Not specified | Fastest GDP growth (28.4%) |
| Health Services | Not specified | Not specified | Significant sector |
| Trade, Transportation, Utilities | Approx. 678.6 | Not specified | Includes major utilities |
| Professional & Business Services | Approx. 454.7 | Not specified | Broad sector including tech |
| Education & Health Services | Approx. 477.3 | Not specified | Combines education and health |
| Leisure and Hospitality | Not specified | Not specified | Key for tourism |
| Financial Activities | Approx. 174.6 | Not specified | Includes banking and finance |
| Information | Approx. 56.0 | Not specified | Media and information tech |
| Mining, Logging, Construction | Approx. 155.4 | Not specified | Infrastructure development |
This table represents a broad overview of key sectors. For the most accurate and recent data, it’s recommended to consult directly with resources such as the Bureau of Labor Statistics or state economic development websites.
Largest Companies in Tennessee
While the search did not yield a direct list of the largest companies in Tennessee by employee number and GDP contribution, Tennessee is home to several major corporations across various industries, including FedEx, AutoZone, International Paper, and HCA Healthcare, which are known to be significant employers in the state. These companies span from logistics and automotive retail to paper production and healthcare, reflecting the diverse industrial landscape of Tennessee.