Indiana Job Market Guide: Fastest Growing Industries and Top Employers by Region
Relocating to Indiana brings exciting career opportunities across diverse industries.The Hoosier State has transformed its economy in recent decades, evolving from its manufacturing roots to embrace technology, life sciences, and advanced logistics while maintaining strength in traditional sectors. This comprehensive guide breaks down Indiana’s job market by region, highlighting growth industries, major employers, and salary expectations to help you plan your career move.
Statewide Employment Outlook
Indiana’s unemployment rate consistently trends below the national average, hovering around 3.1% as of 2025. The state has added over 150,000 jobs in the past five years, with particular growth in:
Healthcare and Life Sciences
Advanced Manufacturing
Technology and Digital Services
Logistics and Transportation
Renewable Energy
Central Indiana: Indianapolis Metro Area
The capital region offers the state’s most diverse job market, with particularly strong opportunities in healthcare, technology, and professional services.
Top Industries
Healthcare & Life Sciences15% job growth over past 5 years
Average salary: $75,000-120,000 (specialized roles)
Technology22% job growth over past 5 years
Average salary: $80,000-130,000
Finance & Insurance8% job growth over past 5 years
2. 3. 1.
Average salary: $65,000-110,000
Advanced Manufacturing6% job growth over past 5 years
Average salary: $55,000-90,000
Logistics & Distribution12% job growth over past 5 years
Average salary: $50,000-85,000
4. 5.
Major Employers
Healthcare: IU Health, Ascension St. Vincent, Community Health Network
Pharmaceutical/Life Sciences: Eli Lilly and Company, Roche Diagnostics,Corteva Agriscience
Technology: Salesforce, Infosys, Cummins Digital, Genesys Cloud Services
Finance: OneAmerica, CNO Financial, Anthem/Elevance Health
Manufacturing: Rolls-Royce, Allison Transmission, Allegion
Logistics: Amazon, FedEx, XPO Logistics
Growing Specializations
Digital Health Technology
Cloud Computing & SaaS Development
Biotechnology & Pharmaceutical Research
Marketing Technology (MarTech)
Sustainability & Green Technology
Northern Indiana: South Bend, Fort Wayne & Northwest Corridor
Northern Indiana continues its strong manufacturing tradition while diversifying intohealthcare, education, and emerging technologies.
Top Industries
Advanced Manufacturing9% job growth over past 5 years
Average salary: $50,000-90,000
Healthcare
2. 1.
11% job growth over past 5 years
Average salary: $65,000-110,000
Education & Research7% job growth over past 5 years
Average salary: $55,000-95,000
Defense & Aerospace8% job growth over past 5 years
Average salary: $70,000-120,000
Logistics & Transportation10% job growth over past 5 years
Average salary: $45,000-80,000
3. 4. 5.
Major Employers
South Bend Area: University of Notre Dame, Beacon Health System, AM General
Fort Wayne Area: Parkview Health, Lutheran Health Network, BAE Systems
Northwest Indiana: U.S. Steel, ArcelorMittal, Northern Indiana Public ServiceCompany (NIPSCO)
Elkhart Area: Thor Industries, Forest River (RV manufacturing)
Growing Specializations
Medical Device Manufacturing
Defense Electronics
Advanced Materials
Data Centers & Cloud Infrastructure
Electric Vehicle Components
Southern Indiana: Evansville, Bloomington, New Albany
Southern Indiana offers diverse opportunities across education, manufacturing, andhealthcare, with growing strength in renewable energy.
Top Industries
Healthcare & Medical Services12% job growth over past 5 years
1.
Average salary: $60,000-105,000
Manufacturing7% job growth over past 5 years
Average salary: $48,000-85,000
Education & Research9% job growth over past 5 years
Average salary: $52,000-90,000
Energy (Traditional & Renewable)15% job growth over past 5 years
Average salary: $65,000-110,000
Hospitality & Tourism8% job growth over past 5 years (post-pandemic recovery)
Average salary: $35,000-75,000
2. 3. 4. 5.
Major Employers
Bloomington: Indiana University, Cook Medical, Catalent Biologics
Evansville: Berry Global, Toyota Motor Manufacturing Indiana, Deaconess Health
Columbus: Cummins Inc., Faurecia, Columbus Regional Health
New Albany/Jeffersonville: UPS Supply Chain Solutions, Beach Mold & Tool,Baptist Health Floyd
Growing Specializations
Renewable Energy & Battery Technology
Automotive Component Manufacturing
Food Processing & Agricultural Technology
Healthcare Technology
Logistics Software Development
Central-Eastern Indiana: Muncie, Richmond, Anderson
This region continues revitalizing former industrial centers with new manufacturing,healthcare, and logistics opportunities.
Top Industries1.
Advanced Manufacturing6% job growth over past 5 years
Average salary: $45,000-80,000
Healthcare10% job growth over past 5 years
Average salary: $58,000-95,000
Education5% job growth over past 5 years
Average salary: $48,000-85,000
Distribution & Logistics13% job growth over past 5 years
Average salary: $42,000-75,000
Business Services7% job growth over past 5 years
Average salary: $45,000-80,000
2. 3. 4. 5.
Major Employers
Muncie: Ball State University, IU Health Ball Memorial Hospital, Magna Powertrain
Anderson: Community Hospital Anderson, Nestlé, Red Gold
Richmond: Reid Health, Belden Wire & Cable, Hill’s Pet Nutrition
Growing Specializations
Health Information Technology
Specialty Food Production
Advanced Materials Manufacturing
Distribution Technology
Educational Technology
West-Central Indiana: Lafayette, Terre Haute
Anchored by Purdue University, this region excels in research, advancedmanufacturing, and agricultural technology.
Top Industries1.
Research & Development14% job growth over past 5 years
Average salary: $70,000-120,000
Advanced Manufacturing8% job growth over past 5 years
Average salary: $52,000-95,000
Agricultural Technology11% job growth over past 5 years
Average salary: $55,000-100,000
Healthcare9% job growth over past 5 years
Average salary: $62,000-105,000
Education6% job growth over past 5 years
Average salary: $50,000-90,000
2. 3. 4. 5.
Major Employers
Lafayette/West Lafayette: Purdue University, Subaru of Indiana Automotive,Franciscan Health
Terre Haute: Indiana State University, Union Hospital, Clabber Girl Corporation,Sony DADC
Growing Specializations
Aerospace Technology
Agricultural Biotechnology
Pharmaceutical Manufacturing
Autonomous Vehicle Technology
Advanced Manufacturing Automation
Remote Work Opportunities in Indiana
Indiana has embraced remote work, with approximately 20% of professional positionsnow offering remote or hybrid arrangements. The state has invested in expandingbroadband access, making remote work viable even in more rural communities.
Indiana’s Remote Work Advantages:
Cost of Living: Affordable housing makes Indiana attractive for remote workersrelocating from high-cost areas
Tax Advantages: Lower income and property taxes compared to coastal techhubs
Central Time Zone: Most of Indiana operates on Eastern Time, convenient forcollaboration with East Coast teams
Co-Working Spaces: Growing number of collaborative workspaces in cities likeIndianapolis, Bloomington, and Carmel
Tech Infrastructure: Expanding fiber internet coverage across the state
Top Remote-Friendly Industries in Indiana:
Software Development & IT
Healthcare Administration & Telehealth
Financial Services
Marketing & Creative Services
Education & E-Learning
2. 3. 4. 5.
In-Demand Skills Across Indiana
Regardless of region, certain skill sets are particularly valuable in Indiana’s evolvingjob market:
Technical Skills
Manufacturing automation systems
Healthcare information technology
Cloud computing and cybersecurity
Data analysis and business intelligence
Digital marketing and e-commerce
Soft Skills
Project management
Cross-functional collaboration
Customer experience management
1.
Supply chain understanding
Innovation and continuous improvement mindsets
|
Salary Expectations by Experience LevelExperience Level |
Entry-Level |
Mid-Career |
Senior/Management |
|
Healthcare |
$50,000-70,000 |
$75,000-95,000 |
$100,000-160,000+ |
|
Technology |
$60,000-80,000 |
$85,000-120,000 |
$130,000-180,000+ |
|
Manufacturing |
$45,000-60,000 |
$65,000-90,000 |
$95,000-140,000+ |
|
Finance |
$55,000-75,000 |
$80,000-110,000 |
$115,000-170,000+ |
|
Education |
$45,000-60,000 |
$65,000-85,000 |
$90,000-130,000+ |
|
Logistics |
$45,000-65,000 |
$70,000-90,000 |
$95,000-140,000+ |
