The following are some of the city's major employers:
* Royal Victoria Hospital
* Georgian College and the associated University Partnership Centre and Centre for Health and Wellness
* City of Barrie
* Simcoe County
* Simcoe County District School Board
* TD Canada Trust and TD Waterhouse Regional Centre
* TD Canada Trust Technology and Operations Centre
* Scotiabank Regional Centre
* BMO Data Centre
* The Source Distribution Centre
* Coca-Cola Bottling Company
*Sun Media Central Ontario Production Hub and The Barrie Examiner newspaper
* Hydro One Ontario Grid Control Centre
Notwithstanding these major employers, Barrie has increasingly been perceived as a bedroom community for those commuting to Toronto, which is approximately 90 km (56 mi) south of Barrie. Approximately 32% of the resident-employed labour force (17,040 persons/53,400 persons) commute out of Barrie for employment purposes, however, approximately 28% of the resident-employed labour force (14,880 persons/53,400 persons) commute into Barrie for employment for a net out-commuting figure of only 4.26% (17,040 persons –14,880 persons)/(50,665 persons employed in Barrie)). Source: 2001 Census and City of Barrie Economic Development
