The main source of economy in Dehradun is its tourist destinations. The city’s economy has grown with the presence of nearby national parks, mountain peaks, and historical sites. The per capita income in Dehradun is close to $ 2400 (per 2012 figures: a national average of $ 800). It has enjoyed strong economic growth over the last 20 years Dehradun has experienced commercial and information technology, promoted by the establishment of Software Technology Parks of India (STPI). and throughout the SEZ (Special Economic Zone). Regional offices of Genpact, Spice Digital, Serco, Aptara, and IndiaMart are present in Dehradun Economy. Several manufacturing units exist in the Selakui region.

The largest occupation in Dehradun is agriculture. The main foods are rice and lentils with raita, yogurt, and salad. Dehradun is known for its litchi and for growing the world’s finest basmati rice.

It hosts training institutes of national importance such as the Indian Military Academy, Indira Gandhi National Forest Academy (IGNFA), Zoological Survey of India (ZSI). It is home to national foundations like Ordnance Factory Dehradun, Equipment Research and Development Establishment (IRDE), Defense Electronics Applications Laboratory (Sauda), and other defense installations. Other institutes include the Indian Institute of Petroleum, National Institute for Disabled, Central Soil and Water Conservation Research and Training Institute, Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (Keshav Dev Malviya Institute of Petroleum Exploration, Institute of Drilling Technology), Uttarakhand Space Application Center. Survey of India, Wadia Institute of Himalayan Geology, Forest Survey of India (FSI), Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education (ICFRE), Indian Institute of Remote Sensing, Wildlife Institute of India, Forest Research Institute (FRI), Army Cadet College and National Military College (RIMC)

The state government has announced the construction of a film city in Dehradun.