Source: Business Dynamic Series U.S. Census
The greatest share of working Vermonters are employed in mid-sized firms – those with 20-500 employees. These firms are considered small in terms of U.S. firm size, but that range represents Vermont’s “sweet spot” in terms of growing and sustaining firms. The share of employees in Vermont’s largest firms had been growing, but ticked down in recent years. Recent downsizing and relocations for some major companies mean this trend is likely to continue.
Source: Longitudinal Employer-Household Dynamics, U.S. Census
Wages generally rise with employer size. In every employer size category VT lags behind US wages, including in mid-size firms (20-499 employees) which are Vermont’s dominant employment category.