Each year, the Indiana Department of Workforce Development (DWD) provides critical insights into the state’s evolving labor market. The recently released 2025 Employment and Wage Report for Marion County (Region 12) and surrounding counties (Region 5), offers a clear snapshot of how our local economy is shifting and where opportunity is growing.
As the workforce development leader for Marion County and Indianapolis, EmployIndy is committed to translating this data into action for employers, educators and community partners.
Key Findings
Marion County continues to anchor Indiana’s workforce activity
Marion County represents approximately 15% of Indiana’s total workforce, reinforcing Indianapolis’ role as a central hub for employment and economic activity.
At the same time, this data reflects broader economic patterns that extend across Central Indiana’s interconnected labor market, driving job growth and talent movement.
Health care and high-skill industries remain dominant drivers of wages
In Indianapolis, about 14% of all earned wages are concentrated in the health care industry.
Across the broader Central Indiana regional footprint, projected growth also points to strong demand in health care, technology, business operations and engineering occupations, demonstrating a consistent need for highly skilled talent.
Regional growth is concentrated in high-demand, high-opportunity occupations
Long-term projections for the Region 5 show growth across occupations such as health care support, computer and mathematical roles, business and financial operations, and construction.
These growing number of occupations show where career pathways and industries offer stronger wage potential and long-term stability for job seekers.
How Employers and Community Organizations Can Use This Data
Align workforce investments with regional demand
Employers can use this data to prioritize hiring, training, and retention strategies in high-growth sectors like health care and advanced business services.
For community organizations, this means aligning programs with career pathways that are growing and in-demand consistently throughout Central Indiana.
Strengthen cross-county talent pipelines
Talent and job opportunities do not stop at county lines. Educators, career coaches, workforce partners, and employers should increasingly collaborate across Central Indiana to build broader and more regional talent pipelines to maximize potential.
Expand access to high-wage, high-growth careers
The data reinforces the importance of connecting more residents to in-demand careers that offer family-sustaining wages. This includes scaling training opportunities, improving career navigation, and ensuring that all Central Indiana residents have relevant and equitable access to the education and support needed to succeed.
Moving Forward
This data should serve as a road map.
At EmployIndy, we use this data every day. It informs our workforce innovations and partnerships reaching across our communities and neighborhoods, ensuring to advance the work of our employers while also ensuring every resident has access to the tools and support to build a thriving career.