When we think about the local economy, our minds immediately go to Joint Base Lewis-McChord. Or health care. Or the Port of Tacoma. But Puget Sound is a business, too. And a pretty big one, at that.
In 2016 we were the 27th largest employer in Pierce County. Each year our faculty, staff, and student employees—not to mention the thousands of visitors that come to our campus—infuse millions of dollars into the local economy.
Number of regular employees: 750
Regular employees living in Pierce County: 609
Student and temporary employees: 1241
Payroll: $53 million
Direct salary deposits in local banks: $40.5 million
Operating Budget: $138 million
University expenditures on goods and services to Pierce County vendors: $7 million
Estimated local spending by students: $13.6 million*
Estimated local spending by campus visitors: $10 million **
*This includes estimated spending in the community for local transportation and personal costs, as well as estimated expenses for meals and housing for students living off-campus. Books and supplies are not included.
**This estimate is calculated by multiplying visitors for student recruitment, major events, and conferences by 2016 average visitor spending data from Travel Tacoma & Pierce County.