The right industry mix for an expanding economy.
From energy to aerospace, to bioscience, information technology-software, and financial services, Metro Denver offers a diversified economy of viable industries and the nation's third-most highly educated workforce.
Aerospace - Metro Denver is first among the 50 largest metros for total private aerospace workers with 19,600 people employed at aerospace companies. Colorado has the nation's second-largest aerospace economy and is home to four military commands, eight major space contractors, and more than 400 aerospace companies and suppliers.
Aviation - Denver International Airport and three reliever airports create a solid foundation for 15,910 workers directly employed by aviation companies.
Bioscience - Ten local higher education institutions with bioscience programs and numerous bioscience research assets support the region's bioscience industry. The industry is also enhanced by the opportunities to bring together academic, research, and corporate biotechnology institutions at the 578-acre, $5 billion Fitzsimons Life Science District and the adjacent Anschutz Medical Campus.
Broadcasting & Telecommunications - Metro Denver's Mountain time zone location makes it the largest U.S. region with one-bounce satellite uplinks, providing companies real-time connections to six of seven continents. With a broad mix of broadcasting and telecommunications firms, the region ranks sixth out of the 50 largest metros for employment concentration.
Energy - The integration of cleantech and the state’s rich energy resource base places the region at the forefront of energy development. The National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) in Golden is the U.S. Department of Energy's laboratory for renewable energy and energy efficiency R&D.
Financial Services - The region is one of the few areas outside of the Northeast with a substantial financial services industry in three key market segments. A variety of trade associations and service firms supports the diverse financial services industry base of more than 13,020 companies and 87,750 employees in the region.
Healthcare & Wellness - Employment in the healthcare and wellness cluster has grown consistently since 2006, increasing 22.1 percent in the last five years, with 176,460 employed in 18,260 companies.
Information Technology-Software - Metro Denver has the 10-highest concentration of high-tech workers among the 50 largest metro areas. A strong entrepreneurial spirit fuels this industry, employing approximately 43,230 workers.
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