Jobs in Ocala, Florida
A growing job market with 37.6% projected 10-year growth, major employers in healthcare, defense, manufacturing, and logistics, and a cost of living that stretches every paycheck further.
2.3%
Current Job Growth
37.6%
Projected 10-Year Growth
$53,520
Median Household Income
Major Employment Sectors
Healthcare
Healthcare is one of the largest employment sectors in Marion County, anchored by two major hospital systems. AdventHealth Ocala is a non-profit hospital providing a full range of medical services including emergency care, surgical specialties, and outpatient clinics. HCA Florida Ocala Hospital is a 585-bed facility and the only Level I Trauma Center in the region. It is also home to the only Cancer Center in Marion County, providing oncology services without requiring patients to travel to Gainesville or Orlando. Both systems employ thousands of workers across clinical, administrative, and support roles.
Defense & Aerospace
Lockheed Martin has operated in Ocala since 1970, making it one of the longest-tenured major employers in Marion County. The 393,000-square-foot facility employs approximately 950 workers specializing in missile fire control systems. The operation is a significant contributor to the local economy and provides some of the highest-paying technical and engineering positions in the area. Lockheed Martin's presence has helped build a small but stable defense and aerospace workforce in the region.
Manufacturing
E-ONE, a subsidiary of REV Group, has manufactured fire trucks and emergency vehicles in Ocala since 1978. The company employs over 1,000 workers across a 420,000-plus-square-foot manufacturing facility and is one of the most recognized names in the fire apparatus industry. Positions range from skilled welding and assembly line work to engineering and corporate management. E-ONE's long history in Ocala makes it one of the community's most established manufacturers.
Distribution & Logistics
Ocala's location along I-75, midway between Jacksonville and Tampa, has made it a hub for distribution and logistics operations. Major facilities include FedEx Ground, Chewy.com, Amazon (617,000-square-foot fulfillment center), AutoZone ($49 million distribution center), and Dollar Tree (1.8 million-square-foot facility employing 700 workers). Combined, the logistics sector employs over 7,000 workers in Marion County and continues to grow as companies seek strategic distribution points in central Florida.
Education
Marion County Public Schools is the single largest employer in the county, operating 64 schools and serving approximately 45,500 students. The district employs thousands of teachers, administrators, support staff, bus drivers, and maintenance workers. The College of Central Florida also provides employment in higher education. Teaching and support positions are consistently available given the district's size and the region's population growth.
Equine Industry
Marion County is known as the "Horse Capital of the World," and the equine industry represents a multi-billion dollar economic engine for the region. With over 1,200 farms and more than 40,000 horses, the industry supports jobs in training, veterinary medicine, farrier services, farm management, feed and supply, and event operations. The World Equestrian Center has expanded the industry's economic impact significantly, creating hospitality, event management, and facility operations positions.
Job Search Resources
CareerSource CLM
The local workforce development board serving Citrus, Levy, and Marion counties. Offers free job placement, resume assistance, training programs, and career counseling.
careersourceclm.comIndeed - Ocala Jobs
Search thousands of current job listings in the Ocala area across all industries. Filter by salary, job type, experience level, and company.
Indeed Ocala JobsOcala CEP
The Ocala/Marion County Chamber and Economic Partnership promotes economic development and connects job seekers with employers in the region.
ocalacep.comFrequently Asked Questions
What are the biggest employers in Ocala?
The largest employers in Ocala and Marion County include Marion County Public Schools (the single largest employer with 64 schools serving 45,500 students), HCA Florida Ocala Hospital, AdventHealth Ocala, Lockheed Martin, E-ONE/REV Group, and the distribution centers for FedEx Ground, Amazon, Chewy.com, Dollar Tree, and AutoZone. Healthcare and logistics are the two largest employment sectors in the area.
What is the job growth rate in Ocala?
Ocala has a current job growth rate of approximately 2.3%, which outpaces many comparable metro areas in Florida. The projected 10-year job growth rate is 37.6%, driven largely by expansion in logistics, healthcare, and manufacturing. The area's strategic location along I-75 and relatively affordable cost of living continue to attract new businesses and distribution operations.
What is the median household income in Ocala?
The median household income in the Ocala metro area is approximately $53,520. While this is below the national average, it should be considered alongside Ocala's significantly lower cost of living, particularly in housing. Many households find their purchasing power is comparable to or better than higher-income areas with proportionally higher costs of living.
Does Lockheed Martin have a facility in Ocala?
Yes, Lockheed Martin has operated a facility in Ocala since 1970. The 393,000-square-foot facility employs approximately 950 people and specializes in missile fire control systems. It is one of the highest-paying employers in Marion County and a significant contributor to the local defense and aerospace sector.
Where can I search for jobs in Ocala?
The primary job search resources for the Ocala area include CareerSource Citrus Levy Marion (the local workforce development board), Indeed, and the Ocala/Marion County Chamber and Economic Partnership (CEP). CareerSource offers free job placement services, resume assistance, and training programs. Many major employers like HCA Florida, AdventHealth, and Amazon also post openings directly on their career websites.
What industries are growing fastest in Ocala?
The fastest growing industries in Ocala are distribution and logistics (driven by Amazon, Dollar Tree, and AutoZone expansions), healthcare (both hospital systems continue to expand services), and the equine industry (fueled by the World Equestrian Center and the region's 1,200-plus horse farms). Manufacturing and defense also remain stable sectors with E-ONE and Lockheed Martin maintaining significant local operations.
Ready to Work in Ocala?
With a growing economy, major employers across multiple industries, and a cost of living that goes further than most Florida metros, Ocala is a smart place to build a career.