Austin has always lived up to its nickname as the "Silicon Hills of the Southwest" with such stalwart technology companies as Dell, Inc., National Instruments and others choosing to build their businesses here, but there are all kinds of organizations that make up the city's diverse list of Top 25 Largest Employers. From education, computers and hardware to government, healthcare and much more, these businesses truly run the gamut. Here's a list, including a brief description of the organization with contact information, web site and number of employees.

1. The State of Texas
65,688 employees
512-463-2000
www.governor.state.tx.us

With the state's major government operations headquartered in Austin, the State of Texas is the Austin area's largest employer. Largest state agencies include the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts; Texas Department of Transportation; Texas Department of Public Safety; Texas Water Development Board; and the Texas Department of Health.

2. Dell, Inc.
17,000 employees
One Dell Way
Round Rock, Texas 78682
512-728-4100
www.dell.com

Dell Computer Corporation (NASDAQ: DELL) ranks number two in Austin with 17,000 employees. The company, which originated in Michael Dell's college dorm room at the University of Texas, designs, manufactures and customizes computers and sells other hardware through its direct business model.

3. The University of Texas at Austin
13,577 employees
1 University Station
Austin, Texas 78712
512-475-7348
www.utexas.edu

As one of the top five largest universities in the country with 49,738 students in 2006, the University of Texas is also among Austin's top five largest employers. Founded in 1883, UT awarded its first law degree in 1884, and its first Bachelor of Arts degree in 1885.

4. Austin Independent School District
10,714 employees
1111 W. 6th Street
Austin, Texas 78703
512-414-1700
www.austin.isd.tenet.edu

Austin ISD enrolled 79,707 students during the 2004-2005 school year, ranking it as one of the top urban school districts in Texas. It's also one of the largest employers in the Austin area, with more than 10,000 professional and support personnel.

5. U.S. Government
10,624 employees

The federal government is Austin's fifth-largest employer with just over 10,000 employees - a large number of whom include workers for the U.S. Postal Service.

6. City of Austin
10,000 employees
P.O. Box 1088
Austin, Texas 78701
512-974-7870
www.ci.austin.tx.us

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