Indiana Job Market: Top Industries, Salaries & Employers (2026)
Guide to the Indiana job market in 2026. Manufacturing, healthcare, life sciences, and logistics industries across Indianapolis and beyond.
Indiana is the "Crossroads of America" — its central location and extensive highway/rail network make it a logistics and manufacturing powerhouse. The state leads in automotive manufacturing, pharmaceutical production, and medical device innovation while keeping costs low for workers and businesses.
Top Industries
- Manufacturing: Indiana is the #1 state for manufacturing as a share of GDP (27%). Automotive (Subaru in Lafayette, Toyota in Princeton, GM in Fort Wayne), steel (NWI), and pharmaceuticals. 520,000+ manufacturing jobs. Average manufacturing salary: $55,800.
- Healthcare & Life Sciences: Eli Lilly (Indianapolis HQ, $35B revenue) is the state's economic anchor. IU Health, Community Health Network, and Anthem/Elevance Health are major employers. Indiana is a top-5 state for pharmaceutical production.
- Logistics: Indianapolis is the #1 FedEx hub and a top UPS hub. Amazon has 20+ IN facilities. The crossroads location and I-65/I-70/I-69 intersection drive distribution growth.
- Agriculture: #5 in corn, #3 in hog production. Cargill, ADM, and local co-ops employ tens of thousands. Agricultural sector contributes $35B+ annually.
- Technology: Indianapolis tech scene is growing around Salesforce (major office), Genesys, Infosys (Indy hub), and startups. Tech employment grew 20% from 2020-2025.
Major Employers
| Employer | Industry | Approx. IN Employees |
|---|---|---|
| IU Health | Healthcare | 36,000+ |
| Eli Lilly | Pharmaceuticals | 12,000+ |
| State of Indiana | Government | 35,000+ |
| Walmart | Retail | 38,000+ |
| Community Health Network | Healthcare | 16,000+ |
| Subaru of Indiana | Manufacturing | 6,000+ |
| Amazon | Logistics | 30,000+ |
Average Salary by Metro Area
| Metro Area | Avg Salary | Cost of Living Index |
|---|---|---|
| Indianapolis | $55,180 | 92 (below avg) |
| Fort Wayne | $48,640 | 84 |
| South Bend | $47,350 | 83 |
| Evansville | $46,820 | 82 |
| Lafayette | $48,270 | 86 |
| Bloomington | $45,940 | 90 |
Growing Sectors
- Pharmaceutical Manufacturing: Eli Lilly's $3.7B expansion for diabetes/weight loss drug manufacturing. Creating 1,500+ new high-paying jobs.
- EV & Battery: Battery plants and EV component suppliers expanding across the state. Stellantis and Samsung SDI battery plant in Kokomo.
- AgTech: Precision agriculture technology combining Indiana's manufacturing and farming strengths. Purdue-affiliated startups drive innovation.
Remote Work Availability
Indianapolis offers a strong remote work environment with low cost of living. Salesforce and other tech companies maintain significant Indy offices with hybrid options. The city's affordable housing (median home price $230,000) attracts remote workers from coastal cities.
FAQ
What is the minimum wage in Indiana?
$7.25/hour (federal floor). However, most employers in Indianapolis and other metros pay $11-15+ for entry-level positions due to labor market competition.