| Employer | Service | # of Employees |
| Burke County Schools | Public education | 2,200 |
| Carolinas HealthCare Blue Ridge | Health care | 1,400 |
| Broughton Hospital | Mental health care | 1,200 |
| J. Iverson Riddle Development Center | Mental health care | 1,000 |
| Case Farms | Food production | 725 |
| Leviton | Manufacturing, electrical | 620 |
| Western Piedmont Community College | Community college | 560 |
| Burke County Goverment | County government | 499 |
| Continental Teves | Manufacturing, automotive | 450 |
| Viscotec | Manufacturing, automotive | 250 |
