Workforce

Strong Hiring Starts with Skilled Talent

Salem boasts a diverse and highly skilled workforce, supported by local educational institutions like Roanoke College and other regional universities. Our talent pool is equipped to meet the demands of various industries, from technology and manufacturing to healthcare and services. 

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OLDE SALEM BREWING, EAST MAIN STREET

Salem Demographics

SALEM

  • 2021 Population: 25,335
  • Median Age: 40.8
  • 2021 Poverty Rate: 9.95%
  • 2021 Median Household Income: $66,472
  • 2021 Median Property Value: $205,900
  • 2024 Unemployment Rate: 2.9%

REGIONAL

  • 2022 Population: 330,569
  • Employment (2023): 166,694
  • Educational Attainment aged 25 and older: 28.4%
  • 2023 Median Household Income: $54,386
  • GDP: $19,149,246,000

Education

The Region, on average, graduates over 6,500 high school students each year. Award-winning Salem City Schools, with a student-to-teacher ratio of 14:1, are dedicated to providing an excellent education and have a graduation rate above the state and regional averages.

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COLLEGIATE EDUCATION

Salem is home to Roanoke College, A private 4-year liberal arts college, where 2,000 undergraduate students study and grow. Within an hour's drive, 100,000 undergraduate and graduate students earn degrees from highly-ranked institutions such as Roanoke College, Virginia Tech, and Virginia Western Community College.

Workforce Development Programming

The Roanoke Region has numerous partners and institutions ready to assist you in advancing your staff to the next level.

The Greater Roanoke Workforce Development Board brings together local businesses, government agencies, educational entities and other partners to meet regional workforce needs and allow individuals to thrive.

CAREER & TECHNICAL TRAINING PROGRAMS