Labor
Low wage costs and high productivity levels characterize the Rio Grande Valley labor force. The local labor force is drawn from the Laguna Madre Area and the surrounding communities of Brownsville and Los Fresnos.The unemployment rate for Cameron County in April 2010 was 10.8% and the unemployment rate for South Padre Island is estimated to be 6.9% The current year estimated per capita income is $36,795, compared to an estimate of $26,410 for the United States as a whole.
| Major Employers | |
| Schlitterbahn Beach Water Park | 383 |
| Sheraton South Padre Island Beach Hotel | 225 |
| Isla Grand Resort | 217 |
| City of South Padre Island | 200 |
| Blackbeard's Restaurant | 180 |
| Hilton Garden Inn | 150 |
| Louie's Backyard | 130 |
| La Quinta Inn and Suites | 120 |
| La Copa Inn | 110 |
| Sea Ranch Enterprises | 85 |
