In the past, Šariš was one of the richest regions in Hungary. The main occupation of the inhabitants of Šariš was agriculture. Potatoes and buckwheat were grown in large quantities and constituted an important component of the diet of the inhabitants of mountain regions.
The region also dominated the production of hemp and flax. The inhabitants of Šariš also dealt with horticulture, which flourished in the vicinity of Sabinów in Ražňany, Ostrovanoch, Chminiansky Jakubovanoch, Jakubova Vola, Toryse, Uzovskom Šalgove, Brezovičke, Dubovici. Interestingly, extensive orchards continue to grow in these villages, fruit drying chambers are still operating, and the good fame of the Raznian cherries and Sabino apricots produced there has gone far beyond the borders of its region. Sheep breeding developed in the northern and mountain areas of Šariš.
Herds were grazed mainly by the inhabitants of the villages of Bajerovce, Jakubany, Lačnov, Oľšov, Šarišské Dravce, Šindliar, Štefanovce, Radatice, Malcov, Rokytov, Lenartov and Zlaté. In these areas one could also find cattle and pigs. Inhabitants of mountain areas obtained additional income from the surrounding forests. It was there where they obtained firewood, the surplus of which was sold in the valleys. The plentiful trees, especially in the Czergowskie Mountains, were transported and sold in nearby sawmills. The harvested wood was used to make railway sleepers, charcoal and shingles, which were sold in further regions of Šariš and Zemplín. The art of making shingles has survived to this day in the villages of Hervartov, Fričkovce, Osikovo, Hertník and Lukovnadal. In the south-eastern part of the region, thanks to the production of large amounts of charcoal, the lime industry developed. This occupation was especially important in Sucha Dolina, where almost all inhabitants were involved in burning lime.
The towns of Bardejov and Prešov were among the important craft centers of Slovakia. They were also the main fair centers of Šariš. According to archival sources, in 1437 there were a total of 64 craftsmen and 146 craftsmen in Bardejów. Bardejov wicker baskets were once known throughout Central Europe, and their production has been preserved in some places to this day. Bardejov was also known for cooperage and pottery. There are still potters in this city who create traditional ceramics. The Frankovič family is one of the oldest pottery families, in which craftsmanship was passed on from father to son for centuries. Master Ján Frankovič was a sixth generation potter. Speaking of the craftsmanship of Bardejov, one cannot ignore the beautifully woven fabrics (Bardejov Bakačins) that spread throughout the entire Šariš region and reached Zemplín as well.
In the Šariš region, the mining industry was not as important a branch of the economy as in Zamagurie. In Solivar, which is now part of Presov, salt has been mined since the Middle Ages. It was the only salt deposit in Slovakia, and the local mine and warehouse are today one of the most beautiful technical monuments in Europe. In other places, mercury (Červenica) and opal (Dubník) were mined. Metal processing was also of great importance for the economy of Šariš. Weapons and other locksmith products were produced in Presov. In the second half of the 18th century, there was a local development of glassworks, which were established in Dubova, Kružlov, Livovska Huta, Richvald and Stebnícka Huta.
Currently, it is one of the poorest regions of Slovakia. In recent years, tourism, recreation and health resorts (Bardejów) have been developing here.
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