Employment in Indiana
The employment outlook for Indiana appears quite strong, particularly when compared to the rest of the country. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the state's 4.2% unemployment rate is January 2021 was 2% lower than the average rate for the nation. The state also attracts new and future workers with its cost of living index, which is nearly 20 points lower than the national average.
Individuals seeking employment in the state's major industries enjoy an even better career outlook. Indiana ranks in the top 10 employment states for agricultural product sales, has one of the fastest-growing technology sectors, and is a national leader in life sciences jobs and exports.
Targeting a growing field with your degree can improve employment chances significantly. Students should consider how their strengths and interests align with state trends and choose a discipline that satisfies both.
The following section highlights the highest-paying and most common jobs in Indiana, including a few of the highest-paying roles employing more than 1,000 individuals in the state. Salary information refers specifically to Indiana, while job growth data pertains to the entire United States.
Highest-Paying Careers
| Career |
Annual Mean Salary (2019) |
Projected Job Growth (2019-2029) |
Education Required |
| Dentists |
$178,750 |
3% |
Doctoral degree |
| Chief Executives |
$161,410 |
4% |
Bachelor's degree |
| Sales Managers |
$127,140 |
4% |
Bachelor's degree |
| Architectural and Engineering Managers |
$126,150 |
3% |
Bachelor's degree |
| Computer and Information Systems Managers |
$126,030 |
10% |
Bachelor's degree |
Source: BLS
The following data reflects the highest-paying roles that employ more than 7,500 professionals in Indiana. Salary figures apply specifically to Indiana, while job growth data refers to the United States as a whole.
Highest-Paying Careers
| Career |
Annual Mean Salary (2019) |
Projected Job Growth (2019-2029) |
Education Required |
| Physicians |
$244,980 |
4% |
Doctoral degree |
| Financial Managers |
$118,370 |
15% |
Bachelor's degree |
| Lawyers |
$111,790 |
4% |
Doctoral degree |
| General and Operations Managers |
$110,480 |
6% |
Bachelor's degree |
| Medical and Health Services Managers |
$102,300 |
32% |
Bachelor's degree |
Source: BLS
Online Associate and Graduate Degrees
Online degrees provide schedule flexibility and accessibility for many students. Online training allows learners to combine work and study in ways that on-campus programs may not. As the COVID-19 situation halted the vast majority of campus programs across the country, online learning allowed schools and students to continue with their studies from a safe distance.
Online training has expanded substantially amid the pandemic, with schools increasing their program quantity, quality, and support resources. In Indiana, this trend holds true: The Indiana University systems increased entirely online programs 46% in 2020.
Indiana students have access to hundreds of online programs across education levels, including more than 170 degrees at Indiana University alone. Learners can complete individual online courses or earn an associate, bachelor's, or master's degree entirely online. Some available online disciplines include health sciences, business, and computer science. These degrees provide the same training and credentials as their on-campus counterparts.
Online programs feature asynchronous or synchronous classes, allowing students to complete coursework on their own time or through a set schedule. Online programs may also offer more accessible support resources, innovative assignments, and unique collaborative efforts through modern technologies.
