Tecate has not experienced the massive growth that has plagued Tijuana in the past decade. Workers have many options in the smaller shops, though transportation can be a problem. Skilled technical and university-educated workers are often lured to higher paying jobs in Tijuana. Harvest times often constrict the workforce, many leave to support the family farm or seek migrant work in California's Imperial Valley.

Currently almost 6,00 people are employed in Tecate maquilas. The shelter style with small run assembly operations are the most common arrangement. In 1990, Mexican census counted 18,597 males and 17,969 females in the economically active age range of 15 - 49.

Tecate unemployment ranges from 8% -10%, depending upon the agriculture season. There is no measurable US percentage from Tecate, California, the Minuscule sister city across the International Border from Tecate.

Larger maquilas have not located in Tecate in the last five years, so there is little reason to expect comparable skill levels with Tijuana. Tecate's literacy rate of 93.4% is average for border cities; with 81% of its workforce high school graduates and an additional 12% having finished preparatory or technical school.

Tecate has several technical schools, and a university supported by Tijuana faculty.

Estimates in Tecate typically run as high as 20% per month in some smaller maquilas. Smaller shops for less do not continue worker education. Agricultural migration also contributes heavily to Tecate's high turnover.