EDCO Releases 2026 Largest Employers List for Central Oregon

Top private companies employ over 22,700 people, with St. Charles Health System leading the way

Apr. 16, 2026 at 5:40pm

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A high-end, photorealistic studio still-life photograph featuring a clean, monochromatic background with a few premium, polished objects arranged elegantly, representing the abstract concepts of corporate strategy, finance, and economic growth in Central Oregon.A premium, polished still life captures the strength and momentum of Central Oregon's traded-sector businesses, which drive the region's economic growth and resilience.Bend Today

Economic Development for Central Oregon (EDCO) has announced its 2026 Central Oregon Largest Employers List, which features the top private and public employers in the region. The list shows that the top 50 private companies collectively employ 22,733 Central Oregonians, or roughly 20.9% of the region's total non-farm employment. St. Charles Health System tops the list, employing 5,538 people, a 6.75% increase from last year.

Why it matters

EDCO's annual list provides valuable insights into the economic health and growth of Central Oregon, highlighting the region's key industries and largest employers. The data helps businesses, policymakers, and residents understand the region's economic landscape and identify opportunities for further development and investment.

The details

The top five private traded-sector businesses in Central Oregon include BASX Solutions, Bright Wood Corporation, Les Schwab Headquarters & Tire Centers, Meta Platforms, Inc., and Epic Aircraft, LLC. Of these, Medline ReNewal experienced the most significant increase in new jobs, adding 73 positions, a 22.88% rise compared to last year. EDCO serves as a key partner for businesses looking to relocate, start, or expand in Central Oregon, providing market intelligence, industry insights, and access to resources and networks.

  • EDCO has collected this data annually for the past 25 years.
  • The 2026 list was released on April 16, 2026.

The players

EDCO

Economic Development for Central Oregon, a non-profit organization supported by private and public members and stakeholders, with a mission to strengthen communities by creating opportunities that generate new revenue and family-wage jobs.

St. Charles Health System

The top employer on the list, employing 5,538 people in Central Oregon, a 6.75% increase since last year.

BASX Solutions

An industry leader in manufacturing high-efficiency data center cooling solutions, cleanroom systems, custom HVAC systems, and modular solutions, with a recent expansion in Redmond and a new location in Sisters.

Bright Wood Corporation

The largest independent manufacturer of window and patio door components and engineered dimension lumber in the U.S., founded in Madras, Oregon in 1960.

Les Schwab Headquarters & Tire Centers

Founded in 1952 as a single shop in Prineville, the company's Prineville campus evolved into a longtime headquarters and operations hub, including large-scale warehousing and tire distribution facilities supporting regional logistics.

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What they’re saying

“Across Central Oregon, traded-sector companies continue to demonstrate the strength and momentum of our regional economy. These businesses bring new revenue into the region and their growth is a key reason we're seeing Central Oregon outperform much of the state.”

— Jon Stark, CEO of EDCO

What’s next

EDCO will continue to collect and release the Central Oregon Largest Employers List annually, providing valuable insights into the region's economic development and growth.

The takeaway

The 2026 Central Oregon Largest Employers List highlights the region's thriving traded-sector industries, including advanced manufacturing, technology, and bioscience, as well as the importance of EDCO's role in supporting businesses and fostering economic prosperity across Central Oregon communities.