Originally, the local economic temperament relied solely on abundant natural resources and the railroad that ambles through the heart of downtown. Today the economy of Ruston and Lincoln Parish is firmly rooted in education by Louisiana Tech and Grambling State Universities, the two largest employers in the area. Providing balance and diversity are many other major employers which include: Washington-based Weyerhaeuser Company with numerous manufacturing facilities in Lincoln Parish and the surrounding area; Saint-Gobain Containers in Simsboro produces the world's supply of Tobasco bottles; Franke Consumer Products , a member of the Swiss-based Franke Group, the world's largest manufacturer of stainless steel kitchen systems; Hogan Hardwoods and Moulding, one of the south’s largest distributors of quality hardwoods and building products; and House of Raeford.

Several "home-grown" companies also have a regional or national scope and serve as major local employers. These include: Industrial Insulation Group, makers of industrial pipe insulation; Davison Transport, long-haul trucking and fuel brokerage; Hart Associates, a custom-designed furniture and fixtures maker; Hunt Forest Products, plywood, lumber and other building materials; and Lincoln Builders, one of the fastest growing commercial construction companies in the South.

In addition to the universities, manufacturing and business services, other niche employers also play a major role on the local scene. These include healthcare, with Northern Louisiana Medical Center, HealthSouth Specialty Hospital of Noth Louisiana and Green Clinic / Green Clinic Surgical Hospital leading the way. Three social service agencies, the Louisiana Methodist Children's Home, the Louisiana Center for the Blind, and the Ruston Developmental Center, also are counted among our top job providers. Finally, as a sector, banking and trust services play a major role. Ruston is home to nine banks with numerous locations as well as one of the mid-south's largest trust companies. Chamber members in this sector include Argent Financial Group, Bancorp South, Bank of Ruston, Chase, Community Trust Bank, First National Bank, Iberia Bank, Regions Bank, and Sabine State Bank.

As a result of this hub of activity, Ruston is a retail mecca for a 50-mile market of over 423,000 residents of rural north central Louisiana and southern Arkansas. A number of national chains, Lowe’s, Wal-Mart SuperCenter, Goody's, Office Depot, Chili’s, Starbucks, and Applebee’s have recently opened their doors in Ruston to take advantage of the area's prosperity. These nationals are supported by a strong hometown business sector, concentrated in two areas: Ruston's Historic Downtown District  and along the Interstate 20 corridor. When it comes to longevity, locally owned shops are led by Lewis & Company, that has served as a bastion of the business community in the heart of downtown for over 100 years.