Buffalo County Labor
Buffalo County offers a diverse, skilled labor force of nearly 35,000, shaped by strong higher education and key industries like healthcare, retail, and manufacturing. Employers gain access to talent with broad experience, while workers enjoy strong career and earning opportunities.
Employers benefit from the diverse range of inherent skills and experience present with area residents. Employees benefit from the substantial career opportunities and earning ability driven by the solid economic sector base.
Buffalo County Workforce Facts:
- Total Businesses: 2,401
- Total Employed: 34,349
- Workers 16 and older: 27,193
- Average Commute Time: 16 min.
- Resident Commuters: 24,164
- Non-Resident Commuters: 2,965
Top Employers
Non-Manufacturing
| Employer | Employee Count |
| CHI Health Good Samaritan | 1000+ |
| University of Nebraska -Kearney | 1000+ |
| Kearney Public Schools | 750-1000 |
| The Buckle | 750-1000 |
| Kearney Regional Medical Center | 500-750 |
| Hy-Vee | 500-750 |
| Cash-Wa | 500-750 |
| Walmart | 250-500 |
| Cabela's | 250-500 |
| City of Kearney | 250-500 |
Manufacturing
| Employer | Product/Service | Employee Count |
| Parker Hannifin (Baldwin Filters) | Oil, Air & Fuel Filters | 1000+ |
| Eaton Corporation | Auto Valves & Forged Gears | 500-700 |
| American Foods Group (Gibbon Pack) | Animal Processing | 500-700 |
| West Pharmaceutical Services | Pharm. Stoppers & Closures | 250-500 |
| Chief Industries, Inc. | Agri/Indust. & Construction | 100-250 |
| BluePrint Engines | Engines Automotives/Marine/Ag | 100-250 |
| Morris Printing Group, Inc. | Publishing & Cookbooks | 100-250 |