Who are Long Island’s biggest employers?

of aerospace, defense, engineering, and advanced technology innovation. The company remains one of the island's notable employers, with operations focused on research, electronics, and national defense. File photo: Jonathan Weiss, licensed. — of aerospace, defense, engineering, and advanced technology innovation. The company remains one of the island’s notable employers, with operations focused on research, electronics, and national defense. File photo: Jonathan Weiss, licensed.

Long Island is home to many of New York’s largest employers, including healthcare systems, public school districts, government agencies, research institutions, defense contractors, and major universities. Together, these organizations employ hundreds of thousands of people across Nassau County and Suffolk County.

In Short

Some of Long Island’s largest employers include Northwell Health, Catholic Health, Stony Brook University, Suffolk County, Nassau County, the Long Island Rail Road, Brookhaven National Laboratory, and defense and aerospace companies such as Northrop Grumman. Education, healthcare, government, transportation, and scientific research remain among Long Island’s largest employment sectors.

Who Are Long Island’s Biggest Employers?

Healthcare is Long Island’s largest employment sector, led by major hospital systems that operate medical centers, specialty hospitals, outpatient facilities, and physician practices throughout the region. These organizations employ tens of thousands of physicians, nurses, technicians, researchers, and support staff while serving millions of patients each year.

Higher education and scientific research also play an important role in Long Island’s economy. Stony Brook University, Farmingdale State College, and Brookhaven National Laboratory support thousands of jobs in education, engineering, medicine, and advanced scientific research.

Government agencies are also among the island’s largest employers. Nassau County, Suffolk County, local school districts, law enforcement agencies, and transportation providers such as the Long Island Rail Road collectively employ tens of thousands of people in public service.

Long Island also has a long history of innovation in aerospace, defense, manufacturing, technology, and financial services. Companies such as Northrop Grumman continue to maintain a significant presence on the island, while thousands of small businesses contribute to the region’s diverse economy.

Quick Facts

Employer Category	Examples
Healthcare	Northwell Health, Catholic Health, hospitals, and medical centers.
Higher Education	Stony Brook University, Farmingdale State College, and other colleges and universities.
Research	Brookhaven National Laboratory.
Government & Transportation	Nassau County, Suffolk County, local school districts, and the Long Island Rail Road.
Defense & Aerospace	Northrop Grumman and related aerospace manufacturers.

Long Island’s economy is built upon a diverse mix of healthcare, education, government, scientific research, transportation, manufacturing, and private industry. Together, these employers help make the island one of the largest economic centers in the northeastern United States while supporting the communities that millions of residents call home.