Looking to get hired or thinking of a career change? You’re in the right place. | Photo by Sean Pavone/Getty Images/iStockphoto
More than 1,242,883 people (and thousands of businesses)contribute to the Alamo City’s $121 billion economy. But have you ever wondered about the Countdown City’s heaviest hitters?
Consider this your San Antonio Business 101 — a guide to our region’s five key industries and nine major employers.
Note: When we say San Antonio metro area, that refers to Bexar, Comal, Atascosa, Bandera, Guadalupe, Kendall, Medina, and Wilson counties.
The key industries
There are five key industries that represent ~60% of the San Antonio metro area’s economy, based on data from the San Antonio City Chamber of Commerce. We’ve listed them in order of employment numbers.
Trade, Transportation, and Utilities | 17% or 213,300 employees
This sector saw a hiring of 1,900 individuals from 2022 to 2023. Even though this isn’t the city’s targeted industry sector, San Antonio has seen a steady increase in warehouse operations and the construction of new facilities in part thanks to its Ready to Work program.
Government | 15% or 187,800 employees
From Joint Base San Antonio to the FBI and NSA field offices, it’s clear that Military City USA is one for government-based jobs.
Healthcare + Bio Sciences | 14% or 180,498 employees
In 2021, this industry generated the city of San Antonio a sum of $44.1 billion. Nearly one in five employees in the Alamo City work in this sector. Furthermore, nursing roles remain the top in-demand job in the healthcare industry.
Leisure + Hospitality | 12% or 147,500 employees
Tourism continues to be one of San Antonio’s biggest industries. How can it not be? We have our world-famous Alamo + San Antonio Missions (UNESCO World Heritage Sites), and the Historic Pearl (to name a few).
Information Technology & Cybersecurity | 2% or 19,100
With Rackspace, USAA, Southwest Research Institute, and the UT System all offer competitive wages and various work from home or hybrid working options at their companies.
Girl Boss Got Goals | Thursday, March 28 | 10 a.m.-1 p.m. | Paramour At The Phipps, 102 9th St. #Floor 4, San Antonio | $40-$50 | Join like-minded women as you enjoy networking, chips + guac, and a drink at this goal-setting event.
Make Your Own Heart Macrame Coaster | Thursday, March 28 | 5:30-7 p.m. | Revolución Coffee + Juice, 7959 Broadway #500, San Antonio | $28 | Grab a coffee or juice as you learn how to macrame.
Cocktails & Conversation | Thursday, March 28 | 6-8 p.m. | The Greenwood, 300 E. Ramsey Rd. Ste. 307, San Antonio | $19 | Mingle with other local entrepreneurs over drinks and appetizers.
Friday, March 29
How to get the most out of your garden | Friday, March 29 | 11 a.m.-12 p.m. | Rainbow Gardens, 8516 Bandera Rd., San Antonio | Free | Learn the best practices for keeping + maintaining your garden during spring with Andy Chidester from Medina Agricultural Products.
Punto. | Friday, March 29 | 7-10 p.m. | Dulce Suenos Coffee, 1904 Fredericksburg Rd., San Antonio | Free | Browse photographs taken by 20 local female photographers.
Ryan Davis | Friday, March 29-Saturday, March 30 | Times vary | Laugh Out Loud Comedy Club, 618 NW Loop 410, San Antonio | $50-$140 | Spend the evening laughing with this young stand-up comedian who has made appearances on “Curb Your Enthusiasm” and Issa Rae’s “Insecure.”
What’s that smell? Just wipes in the pipes again. The San Antonio River Authority issued a polite reminder to not flush wipes down the toilet as they cause clogs + blocks pumps. Even if the package says “flushable” it’s best to still throw it in the trash.
Closed
Jefferson Bodega announced it has closed permanently. The community staple on the city’s westside thanked its patrons for five years of business, adventures, and support.
Plan Ahead
Hops and Hounds is celebrating the total solar eclipse with an extended happy hour. Visit the location Monday, April 8, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. for Eclipse-A-Ritas, $1 “Spaced Out” Shots, and a free pair of eclipse glasses. Give our guide a lunar look for more eclipse parties.
Arts
The San Antonio Cultural Arts released the schedule for its 30th anniversary Community Paint Days. The public is invited to join muralists at 1547 S. Zarzamora St. on Saturday, April 6 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. All ages + skill levels are welcomed to create a piece of SATX art.
Pets
The Little Woodrow’s on Braun is hosting a Corgi Derby Day on Saturday, April 27. Check in starts at 11 a.m. and there’s a $10 fee at the time of the event. Pet parents can register their Corgi’s for a race to the finish line. May the fastest paws win.
Fiesta
The San Antonio Public Library unveiled it’s Fiesta medal, “El Libro.” The keepsake is available for $10 at the BookCellar inside the Central Library, open Thursday to Saturday, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. While you’re there, sign up for a library card if you haven’t already — it’s free.
Sports
Does it feel like the expectations are too high for the Spurs? Get the latest news, analysis, and insider information for the San Antonio Spurs with Locked On’s daily, team-focused podcasts.
Wellness
Therapy isn’t a luxury — it’s an essential tool for navigating life’s complexities. Invest in your wellbeing with 25% off your first month of BetterHelp.*
Correction
Our bad. We incorrectly reported that the San Antonio Book Festival is taking place on Thursday, April 18. The correct date for the festival is Saturday, April 13. Thank you reader Michelle T. for catching the error.
The last day for a Kroger Delivery order is Friday, May 24. | Photo by the Kroger Co.
The Kroger Co. is closing it’s delivery operations in San Antonio on Saturday, May 25. In a statement to its River City customers, Kroger explained “Despite our best efforts... these facilities did not meet the benchmarks we set for success.”
What if I paid for a Boost?
Members located in Austin, San Antonio, and South Florida who paid for an annual or monthly subscription will receive a total refund for their Boost by Kroger membership within 30 days.
Pro tip: If you’re on a 30-day free trial you may still use it until it expires or until the facility’s final delivery on Saturday, May 25 — whichever comes first.
What if I have a gift card or coupon?
You can still use those to shop until it’s final day to receive orders which is Friday, May 24.
Unfortunately San Antonians, this was the only way to shop with Kroger in our area.
City Editor Adriana and I are trembling with anticipation (and a smidgen of anxiety) for Fiesta. I’ll be trying new events this year and can’t wait to experience it with y’all. Can you do us a favor? Send us an email with a Fiesta Pro Tip that you’d like to pass on to new Fiesta goers.
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