Below are strategic insights and workforce analysis gathered by our Business Partnership team to help employers navigate talent challenges and capitalize on growth opportunities in Marion County’s evolving industrial landscape.
SOURCE: JobsEQ by Chmura
Workforce at a Glance
Key metrics defining Marion County’s manufacturing workforce landscape in 2025.
Total Workforce (16+)
520,799
in Manufacturing
19,395
Unemployment rate
8.6%
Average Wage Growth*
16.6%
* Compared to 2.8% average annual growth. For example, if worker earned $50,000 in previous year, currently they earn $58,600.
Top Manufacturing Roles
The following roles represent the most in-demand positions driving Marion County’s manufacturing sector forward.
Team Assemblers
3,028 jobs
Assembling parts and components on production lines.
Packaging and Filling Machine Operators and Tenders
2,505 jobs
Operating equipment that fills, packages, and prepares products.
First-Line Supervisors of Production and Operating Workers
2,249 jobs
Overseeing production teams and daily workflow on the floor.
Inspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers
2,016 jobs
Checking products for quality, accuracy, and compliance.
Manufacturing Wage Trends
A detailed breakdown of entry-level and experienced hourly wages across key manufacturing positions in Marion County. Wages reflect competitive compensation.
Critical Challenges for Employers
A detailed breakdown of entry-level and experienced hourly wages across key manufacturing positions in Marion County. Wages reflect competitive compensation.
Skills Gap
A widening dived between the technical skills employers need and those availble in the current workforce pipeline
Attracting New Talent
Competing with other industries to draw in younger workers and career changers to manufacturing roles
Retaining Experienced Workers
Keeping seasoned employees engaged and committed in a competitive labor market with rising wage expectations
Strategic Recommendations for Employers
EmployIndy can partner with you in each of the following strategies to help you build a more resilient, skilled, and engaged workforce.
1. Invest in Upskilling & Training
Partner with local education providers like Ivy Tech to develop customized training programs
2. Enhance Workplace Culture
Focus on employee engagement, career pathways, and competitive benefits to improve retention
3. Leverage Apprenticeships
Create structured apprenticeship programs to build a pipeline of skilled workers
4. Promote Industry Awareness
Connect with schools and community groups to showcase modern manufacuring careers
Building the Talent Pipeline
A structured approach to developing manufacturing talent from education through career advancement ensures long-term workforce sustainability.
Awareness
Hiring
Training
Retention
Wage Growth Impact
With average wages growing by 16.6%, Marion County manufacturing workers are seeing meaningful gains in earning power. For example, a worker earning $50,000 in 2024 would earn $58,600 by the end of 2025. This growth reflects the sector’s commitment to competitive compensation.
16.6%
Cumulative increase in average manufacturing wages
2.8%
Year-over-year average wage growth
$58,600
New average salary—a gain of $8,600 for the average worker
Get Connected
Let us help you access a stronger, more reliable talent pipeline. Get started by reaching out, and our team will guide you through the next steps.