Top 10 Hot Jobs in Indianapolis

TV's David Letterman began his small screen career in his hometown of Indianapolis as a TV weatherman. Having never seen his forecasts, I wager that they were entertaining if not accurate. in accordance with the Late Nights Top 10 Lists, Indianapolis provides several such lists, discussed throughout this article.

Indianapolis was added in 2008 to Forbes.com listings of its Top 10 Best Citiesin the country for job seekers to find, secure, and thrive in good jobs. There are a variety of reasons why this is true, even in recessions. One reason for this is the healthy college and university enrollment that is increasing in this city in 2009. Of the population total, 1,800,000 people are in the greater metro area and about 800,000 in the city of Indianapolis, according to US Census Bureau in 2007 and 2008. A good place for Young Adult Professionals, Indianapolis is home to 522,800 or more young adults ages 25 to 44. This cohort comprises the bulk of the city population.

Top 10 Indianapolis Achievements in the 2000s

1. 2008: Working Mother Magazine - Local Eli Lily one of Top 100 Best Companies for Working Mothers
2. 2008 - NFL Super Bowl 2012 bid won by Indianapolis.
3. 2007 - Indianapolis in the Top 10 Cities for Total Biosciences Employment by Battelle and BIO
4. 2007: Indianapolis Colts first appear in the Super Bowl (XLI) and win over the Chicago Bears, 29-17.
5. 2007: Indianapolis 500the first IndyCar event to include three women drivers: Patrick, Fisher, and Duno; with two, Patrick and Fisher, both finishing. In 1911, the Indy 500 was the first such race of this length in America.
6. 2007: Forbes - Indiana has the 4th Lowest Business Costs in the nation in labor, energy, and tax costs.
7. 2007: Expansion Management - Indianapolis is one of the 50 “hottest” cities in the US.
8. 2007: Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation, 2007 New Economy Index - Indiana ranked 1st in the USA for Advanced Manufacturing Technology and Entrepreneurial Advances.
9. 2007: Business Facilities Magazine - Indiana was ranked 5th in Biotechnology Strength in the U.S. for drugs and pharmaceuticals.
10. 2004: Digital Education Achievement Award for Indianapolis Regional Center Plan 2020.

Visit Indianapolis Job Search Sites

• WorkOne
  Fine any local jobs office by clicking a county or Metro Area on an interactive map.
• Indianapolis Jobs at Indeed.Com - (i.e., 13,551 jobs on April 8 '09) 

Ongoing revitalization of a vibrant downtown area in Indianapolis is operating under a city development plan reaching to 2020. This plan includes the work of an innovative life sciences Center called BioCrossroads. The leadership of this firm ensures funding and launch of new technologies and products that mesh into the new Sustainability Movement in America. Under the 2009 Stimulus Package, this work includes 1) Health IT, 2) Medical Technologies, and 3) Food & Agricultural Development projects.

In 2008, new jobs increased through building and jobs development in the central city. In 2008 alone, $1.4 Billion funded completion of 26 separate major projects in real estate development, office space, and residential buildings Downtown (compared to only $157 Million in 1998). In the same year, $433,000,000 in life sciences projects were finished. Boosting Travel and Trousism in the city, nealy 8,000,000 visits were made to Downtown attractions. Downtown Indianapolis has more than 50 WIFI Hotspots as well.

The number of University Students in Downtown in 2008, 54,000 was significantly higher than in any year previously back to 1995, with a marked increase from 2007 - 2008. College towns such as these fare better during recessions than non-college cities, because of the presence of students with dollars to spend.

1. U.S. Government
2. State of Indiana - Govt.
3. Eli Lilly and Co.
4. Indiana University
5. Purdue University
6. St.Vincent Health
7. Marsh Supermarkets Inc.
8. Clarian Health Partners
9. City of Indianapolis/Marion County - Unigov (combined).
10. Community Health Network and Hospitals

An additional five top employers in Indianapolis are all health care companies and include:

• Peyton Manning Children's Hospital
• Indiana University/Purdue University Hospitals
• Clarian Health Partners Inc
• Indianapolis Public Schools
• Methodist Hospital
• SBC Indiana
• Wishard Health Services
• Allison Engine, Transmission Division
• Ford Motor Company
• St. Francis Hospital and Health Centers

Nine of the 20 fastest-growing occupations in Indiana, Central INdiana, and Greater Indianapolis are in life sciences, making it clearly one of the most significant growth sectors in the state.

Top 10 Fastest-Growing Jobs in Central Indiana

1. Computer Software Engineers, Applications $70,700
2. Network Systems and Data Communications Analysts $70,600
3. Computer Systems Analysts $68,700
4. Pharmacists $95,000
5. Registered Nurses (RNs) $59,100+
6. Sales Representatives $50,000 - includes medical and pharmaceutical sales.
7. Dental Assistants $35,700
8. Postsecondary Teachers $57,800
9. Dental Hygienists $71,300
10. Management Analysts $61,200

Top 10 Hot Jobs in Indianapolis (increases of 40 - 48%)

1. Network Systems and Data Communications Analysts
2. Avionics Technicians
3. Veterinary Techs
4. Actuaries
5. Home Health Aides (HHAs)
6. Computer Software Applicatons Engineers
7. Pharmacy Technicians
8. Veterinarians
9. Environmental Engineers - especially in sustainability and green industry development.
10. Skin Care Specialists

Increases of 33 - 39% through 2016.

• Medical Assistants
• Physician Assistants (PAs)
• College Level Computer Science Teachers 
• College Level English Language & Literature Teachers
• Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists
• Physical Therapist Assistants
• Personal Financial Advisors
• Personal/Home Care Aides 
• Educational and Vocational Counselors
• Dental Hygienists

• Butler University
• Christian Theological Seminary
• Crossroads Bible College
• Indiana Bible College
• Indiana Business College
• Indiana University - Purdue University Indianapolis
• Ivy Tech State College
• Marian College
• Martin University
• University of Indianapolis

According to Indiana State Governor Mitch Daniels on the State of Indiana website, Indiana has agreed to receive $4.3 Billion from the Stimulus Package. Indianapolis and Marion County governments are combined into a Unigov and will receive a large pot of funds from that amount. The Top 10 Projects will Include a portion each allotment following:

1. Medicaid, $1.4 billion - expansion with emphasis on covering needy children.
2. Education, $1.3 billion
3. Roads and Bridges, $650 million in infrastructure funding.
4. Nutrition, $400 million
5. Weatherization, $100 million
6. Water Quality, $100 million
7. Housing, $100 million
8. Public Transportation, $80 million
9. Energy, $70 million - expanding alternative sources, including biofuels.
10. Employment Services: $70 million for Employment & Training activities. $40 million in Child Care will help workers with children.