Memphis is a vibrant hub of economic activity, home to a diverse array of companies that drive innovation and job creation. The city boasts a mix of global giants and local stalwarts, contributing significantly to the region’s employment landscape. From logistics to healthcare, these top employers not only provide a wealth of career opportunities but also foster community development and sustainability initiatives. This article highlights the leading companies in Memphis and their impactful roles within the local economy.
Memphis’s Top Companies: Powering the Local Economy
The largest companies in Memphis specialize in diverse sectors and rank among the top employers in the region:
FedEx
A global leader in delivery services, FedEx operates extensively in Memphis and employs around 30,000 people locally. It offers varied roles from operations and data science to marketing, with annual revenues exceeding $45 billion.
AutoZone
AutoZone’s headquarters in Memphis supports over 6,400 stores across the U.S., Mexico, and Brazil, employing more than 96,000 associates globally. With annual revenues of $9 billion, the company frequently tops growth stock charts and offers careers across finance, e-commerce, supply chain, and operations.
First Horizon National Corporation
First Horizon, a Memphis banking leader, employs 6,000 in Memphis and manages over $40 billion in assets. It’s highly rated as an employer by American Banker and Working Mother magazines, with job roles in wealth management, customer service, and financial planning.
St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital
As a globally recognized healthcare institution, St. Jude focuses on pediatric cancer research. Not only is it a top-rated employer, but its Memphis location offers impactful work for medical and support professionals alike.
Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare
Memphis’s largest healthcare provider, Methodist Le Bonheur, employs around 13,000 professionals in roles from risk management to IT. Recognized on Fortune’s list of top workplaces, it offers highly rewarding roles in patient care.
Baptist Memorial Health Care
One of the leading healthcare systems, Baptist Memorial Health Care employs more than 11,500 people locally and is committed to innovation, compassionate care, and community service.
Smith & Nephew
Specializing in medical devices, Smith & Nephew employs 7,000 people in Memphis and makes a significant economic impact with $2.4 billion annually.
The Kroger Co
As one of the largest supermarket chains in the U.S., Kroger employs over 2,500 individuals in the Memphis area, providing various roles from retail management to logistics. The company is committed to community engagement and sustainability initiatives.
Government, Education, and Logistics: Careers Across Memphis
In addition to private companies, Memphis companies in government, education, and logistics also offer substantial career opportunities.
Memphis Shelby County Schools
With over 11,500 employees, the district supports nearly 50,000 students with roles across IT, transportation, nursing, and public relations.
Nike
Operating one of the largest distribution centers globally in Memphis, Nike provides thousands of jobs that support its vast logistics network and contribute significantly to the local economy.
Vantiva
A major media manufacturer, Vantiva employs 3,500 people in Memphis, supporting industries from gaming to film production.
University of Tennessee Health Science Center
A research hub with 4,000 employees, it plays a central role in healthcare education and services across Tennessee.
Discover Your Next Career in Memphis
Memphis’s economic landscape is thriving, presenting an array of career opportunities across various sectors. Whether you aspire to join a prestigious Fortune 500 company, make a difference in the dynamic healthcare field, or contribute to community education initiatives, Memphis offers a wealth of rewarding career paths. With a strong emphasis on growth and innovation, the city is a fertile ground for professionals seeking to enhance their careers while enjoying the rich cultural and community life that Memphis has to offer.
