Those working in Indianapolis today are most often employed in the service or business industries, although the city was once home to over 60 automobile marques and has deep roots in manufacturing. As in many Midwestern cities, deindustrialisation has taken its toll on Indianapolis, and most automotive plants have been closed.
Nowadays, Indy’s economy mostly revolves around healthcare, insurance, and tourism generated through major sports events and conventions. It’s much more diversified than it was a few decades ago and has seen an influx of younger workers. Job growth has climbed steadily. The city’s appeal to young, skilled jobseekers also owes much to its gentler cost of living compared to nearby cities like Chicago and Columbus.
Job market in Indianapolis
New arrivals in Indianapolis shouldn’t struggle to find a job. The city is home to several Fortune 500 and Fortune 1000 companies, and sports tourism also plays a significant role. Sprawled over 560 acres in the suburb of Speedway is the famous Indianapolis Motor Speedway, which sees hundreds of thousands of people descend on the city every May to watch the most attended sporting event in the US, the Indianapolis (or Indy) 500.
Other major sporting events include the Brickyard 400 and the Men’s and Women’s NCAA Basketball Tournaments. These, as well as the annual conventions hosted in the city, contribute tens of millions to Indianapolis’s job creation and revenue collection.
Healthcare and insurance professionals will also have their pick of jobs, as many companies in these sectors are headquartered in Indianapolis or have regional offices there. The city has increasingly positioned itself as a life sciences hub, anchored by major research institutions and companies like Eli Lilly.
Logistics companies are also widespread, and the city is home to the second-largest FedEx Express hub in the world. The Indianapolis International Airport is also one of the busiest for air cargo transport and employs thousands in the city.
Those who work in education should also find jobs relatively easily. Apart from hundreds of schools, the city is also home to a host of higher education institutions, such as Butler University, the University of Indianapolis, and Indiana University Indianapolis (formerly IUPUI).
Finding a job in Indianapolis
Finding a job in Indianapolis is best started online. Employers advertise vacancies on web portals such as LinkedIn and on specialist recruiting sites.
Industry-specific agencies, whether in healthcare, insurance, hospitality, or sports, are also a good way to go, as they have intimate knowledge of the job market and can help connect suitable candidates with employers.
Known for its ‘small town feel’, Indianapolis has remarkably tight-knit communities and networks that welcome newcomers and are quick to lend a helping hand in the job search.
Useful links
Work culture in Indianapolis
As in any city, the work culture in Indianapolis largely depends on the individual’s particular industry and company. Generally speaking, though, Indy is much slower-paced than the notorious rat races of big East Coast cities like New York, and there’s a bit more of a laid-back vibe. You can expect a healthier work-life balance overall.
These days, the Indianapolis economy shows healthy growth across various sectors. Unemployment is remarkably low, and job security is mostly stable. Employees are guaranteed the right to work without the obligation to join a union, a right not all that common in Midwestern cities.
Big national and Fortune 500 companies calling Indianapolis home often provide their employees with generous benefits and clear paths for career growth. Smaller start-ups in the tech and hospitality industries tend to allow for more flexibility but can be a riskier choice.