In 2006, the largest industry employer in Wellington Shire was the Agriculture, Forestry and Fishing sector (14%) followed by Retail trade (12%) and Health care & social assistance (11.2%) of the total residence. Education & training, Manufacturing, Public administration and safety, and Construction sectors are also significant employers for residents in Wellington Shire.

Wellington Shire has a greater number of people employed in the Agriculture, Forestry and Fishing industries in comparison to the Gippsland region but has alike numbers in the Retail trade and Health care and social assistance sectors.

Between 2001 and 2006 there was an increase in industry employment in Mining, Construction, Retail trade, Finance and insurance services, Real estate services, Public administration and safety, Education and training, and Health care & social assistance sectors in Wellington Shire.