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Top 5 Industries for Job Seekers in Ohio in 2026
Ohio is often celebrated for its stunning landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and delicious home-cooked meals. However, it’s also home to a robust economy and a thriving job market that continues to evolve.
At Zippia, we delve into local economies to identify which job sectors are thriving. Our goal is to provide job seekers and those considering relocating for work a clear picture of what to expect in Ohio.
With that in mind, we’ve compiled an updated list of the best industries for jobs in Ohio for 2026.
After examining the latest data, here are the five best industries for jobs in Ohio:
Continue reading to discover how we determined which industries stand out in the competitive job landscape of Ohio.
For more insights into the Ohio job market, check out:
- 100 Highest Paying Jobs in Cincinnati
- 100 Highest Paying Jobs in Cleveland
- 100 Highest Paying Jobs in Columbus
How We Identified the Best Industries for Jobs in Ohio
We rely on data to guide our insights, gathering comprehensive information about Ohio’s job market.
To identify the best industries, we considered the following relevant criteria:
- Average Salary
- Job Availability
- Average Stress Level of Jobs in the Industry
Data sources include the Bureau of Labor Statistics and the Department of Labor.
Stress levels were assessed based on self-reported statistics from industry professionals. Each industry was ranked from 1 to 22, with 1 indicating the best performance.
We then averaged the rankings to create a ‘Best Industry’ index, designating Healthcare Practitioners and Technical as the top industry in Ohio.
For a detailed breakdown of the data, see the table below. Let’s explore why these industries offer the best job opportunities.
In-Depth Analysis of Ohio’s Best Industries
| Rank | Industry | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Healthcare Practitioners And Technical | $74,200 |
| 2 | Architecture And Engineering | $76,770 |
| 3 | Education, Training, And Library | $54,880 |
| 4 | Production And Manufacturing | $37,700 |
| 5 | Management | $107,060 |
| 6 | Business And Financial Operations | $67,400 |
| 7 | Computer And Mathematical | $79,290 |
| 8 | Office And Administrative Support | $35,300 |
| 9 | Community And Social Service | $44,150 |
| 10 | Legal | $85,440 |
| 11 | Transportation | $33,570 |
| 12 | Installation, Maintenance, And Repair | $44,630 |
| 13 | Life, Physical, And Social Science | $67,720 |
| 14 | Healthcare Support | $27,740 |
| 15 | Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, And Media | $45,120 |
| 16 | Food Preparation And Serving Related | $22,150 |
| 17 | Sales | $39,390 |
| 18 | Construction And Extraction | $47,730 |
| 19 | Protective Service | $42,520 |
| 20 | Personal Care And Service | $25,070 |
| 21 | Building And Grounds Cleaning And Maintenance | $26,880 |
| 22 | Farming, Fishing, And Forestry | $31,750 |
Summary of Ohio’s Best Industries
In summary, the Healthcare Practitioners and Technical industry remains the premier choice for job seekers in Ohio in 2026.
Conversely, the Farming, Fishing, and Forestry industry ranks at the bottom due to lower salaries and limited job opportunities.
For further exploration, check out:
- 8 Best Companies to Work For in Warren, OH
- 10 Best Jobs in Ohio for Recent College Graduates
- 10 Best Places in Ohio to Get a Job

