St. Louis Area's Largest Employers: A Shift from McDonald's to Boeing

Strategic Insights -

The largest employer outside the St. Louis region with headquarters in the area has changed hands. McDonald's, which previously held the top spot, has been surpassed by Boeing Co. after the latter's acquisition of McDonnell Douglas Corp. This significant shift has brought about a change in the employment landscape, with Boeing employing 22,800 people in the area, including 2,000 in St. Charles.

Key Takeaways:

  • Boeing Co.'s acquisition of McDonnell Douglas Corp. has led to a significant increase in employment in the St. Louis area, with 22,800 people currently employed by the company.
  • The majority of Boeing's employees in the area are based at the complex north of Lambert Field, producing military aircraft such as the F/A-18 and F-15.
  • McDonald's, which previously held the top spot, now ranks second, employing 10,700 people at 168 restaurants in the area.
  • SBC Corp. (parent of Southwestern Bell) ranks third, employing 8,863 people in the area, including a new corporate call center in Olivette.
  • Wal-Mart has moved ahead of Chrysler in the rankings, employing 7,750 people at 24 Wal-Marts and six Sam's Clubs in the area.
  • Chrysler remains a significant employer in the area, with 2,943 people employed at its North plant in Fenton, where pickups are assembled, and 4,719 at the South plant, which makes minivans.

Statistics:

  • Boeing employs 22,800 people in the St. Louis area, including 2,000 in St. Charles.
  • McDonald's employs 10,700 people at 168 restaurants in the area.
  • SBC Corp. employs 8,863 people in the area.
  • Wal-Mart employs 7,750 people at 24 Wal-Marts and six Sam's Clubs in the area.
  • Chrysler employs 2,943 people at its North plant and 4,719 at the South plant.
  • Tenet Healthcare Corp. employs 7,504 people in the St. Louis area.

Sources:

  • "Mcdonald's No. 1 Job Provider In Region", St. Louis Post-Dispatch, (no date provided)
  • "Boeing, Chrysler, Wal-Mart Make List Of Area's Big Employers", St. Louis Post-Dispatch, (no date provided)
  • "St. Louis Area's Largest Employers", St. Louis Post-Dispatch, (no date provided)