Talent in Pierce County and Northeast Nebraska

Within Pierce County, talent and training initiatives are preparing students to enter the workforce having gone through internship or apprenticeship programs, or having received training, earning a certificate or degree from Northeast Community College. When our high school students graduate, they are truly “workforce ready.”

Wayne State College is also preparing the local workforce. Rated as the “most affordable four-year college in the region,” Wayne State College makes it easy for students to earn their four-year degree. Pierce County businesses benefit from close proximity to the college and the ability to recruit graduates. 

In addition to the talent in Pierce County, local businesses can recruit from Northeast Nebraska’s 116,500 strong workforce. “Our people are friendly, entrepreneurial, forward-thinking, and look for what’s next,” said Susan Norris, PCED Executive Director. “New businesses thrive in an environment where people are excited to help businesses grow.”

Profile Report Sections

Workforce

Total Businesses

420

Total Employed

2,662

Workers 16+

3,626

2026 HealthCare / Social Assistance

cp-industries

Businesses

39

Employed

499

2026 Educational Services - Businesses

cp-industries

Businesses

16

Employed

395

2026 Retail Trade Businesses

cp-industries

Businesses

55

Employed

321

2026 Finance / Insurance Businesses

cp-industries

Businesses

23

Employed

192

2026 Construction Businesses

cp-industries

Businesses

35

Employed

171

2026 Other Service excl Pub Admin

cp-industries

Businesses

62

Employed

169

Some
High School

153

Graduated
High School

1,358

Associates
Degree

1,100

Bachelor's
Degree

923

Graduate
Degree

277

Average Commute Time

20 min.



Resident Commuters

1,753

Non-Resident Commuters

1,857

Drive Alone

2,986

Carpooled

222

Public

0

Work At Home

289

Source: ESRI, 2026-09-09