
Headquarters & Professional Services
Outpacing the nation in headquarters and professional services growth.
Industries
A service-oriented region that thrives in professional services.
With nearly 187,000 workers supporting headquarters and professional services operations throughout the region, few locations rival Northeast Ohio in this sector. The region has the second-heaviest concentration of headquarters employment among the 20 largest metros in the U.S. Proportionately, the region outpaces much larger markets, including Chicago, Atlanta, and New York, creating a strong demand for professional services in Northeast Ohio.
Successful businesses need the support of top-tier professional services. The Northeast Ohio Region offers a world-class professional services cluster of leading legal, insurance, and marketing firms. In addition, the region’s financial sector is among the top 5 in the U.S.
The Northeast Ohio Region has outpaced the nation in headquarters employment growth since 1990, fostering the continued development of the professional services industry. Northeast Ohio is a prime location for professional service operations, thanks to its talented workforce and corporate-friendly tax structure, as well as exceptional growth opportunities.
Concentrated strength, competitive costs, and continued growth.
A thriving professional services cluster, rental and wage costs that are 50% lower than those in New York City, and a strong Midwest work ethic? With conditions like this, you can’t afford to look elsewhere.
15% growth
15% employment growth in professional services sector from 2001-2017
#4 in U.s.
#4 in U.S. headquarters employment
40% of ohio
40% of Ohio’s Fortune 1000 companies
2nd heaviest
2nd heaviest concentration of headquarters employment among top 20 U.S. metros
top 5
Top 5 financial sector in the U.S.

Success Story: AMS
AMS (formerly known as Alexander Mann Solutions), which provides talent acquisition services, talent advisory services, talent skilling solutions and digital talent solutions to companies around the globe, recently announced plans to add 153 jobs to its current staff of 200 in Cleveland.
AMS decided to focus and expand its activities in the Northeast Ohio Region (versus other locations outside of Ohio) because of its favorable business environment and quality workforce. This is the company’s second expansion in the region.
AMS is celebrating the 10th anniversary of its entry into the United States and the establishment of Cleveland & the Northeast Ohio Region for its North American headquarters, choosing the region over other large markets.
Top 10 Management & Professional Services Employers in Northeast Ohio
Company | Employees |
---|---|
Mancan, Inc. | 2,175 |
Willis Towers Watson | 2,116 |
Actionlink, LLC | 2,000 |
Ernst & Young LLP | 1,476 |
Jones Day Limited Partnership | 900 |
Weltman, Weinberg & Reis Co., LPA | 780 |
Cohen & Company, LTD | 650 |
Quadax, Inc. | 536 |
Baker & Hostetler LLP | 465 |
Calfee, Halter & Griswold LLP | 358 |
Top 10 Management & Professional Services Occupations in Northeast Ohio
Occupation | Employed in Industry |
---|---|
Accountants and Auditors | 8,917 |
Lawyers | 7,275 |
Software Developers and Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers | 6,509 |
Management Analysts | 4,848 |
Bookkeeping, Accounting, and Auditing Clerks | 4,540 |
Customer Service Representatives | 4,401 |
Paralegals and Legal Assistants | 4,289 |
Computer Systems Analysts | 3,918 |
Office Clerks, General | 3,836 |
Project Management Specialists and Business Operations Specialists, All Other | 3,703 |

Mindy McLaughlin
Managing Director, Global Business Development, Team NEO