Long Island’s pharmaceutical industry now makes up one of the region’s largest employers of manufacturing jobs. That’s according to a report released this week by the Suffolk County Industrial Development Agency.
The pharmaceutical industry employs more than 9,300 people in Suffolk County, more than any manufacturing sector in any county across New York State.
Employment in the industry grew about 64% on Long Island since 2004.
The report says business leaders try to lure pharmaceutical companies to move to Long Island, but the industry struggles to attract and retain qualified workers.
Economists say Long Island experiences a “brain drain” where educated young people decide to move away because of the high cost of living.