Find a Job You Really Want In
As a recent college graduate in 2026, you’re likely facing the pivotal question: what comes next? For many, the immediate answer is to secure a job. However, with the evolving landscape of work and career opportunities, finding the right fit can feel daunting.
To assist you in navigating this journey, we’ve compiled a list of the 10 best jobs for recent college graduates in Indiana, based on current labor market data and trends. Here’s the updated list:
- Process Engineer
- Cytotechnologist
- Community Health Worker
- Business Analyst
- Laboratory Technician
- Epic Consultant
- Estimator
- Web Developer
- Designer
- Systems Administrator
Wondering about the selection of Process Engineer? Keep reading to discover how we curated this list and the rationale behind each job’s inclusion.
How We Identified Indiana’s Top Entry-Level Jobs
Through conversations with recent graduates, we’ve gained valuable insights into what they prioritize in their initial job search. Key factors include:
- Job Availability
- Location
- Salary
- Growth Potential
- Work-Life Balance
Fortunately, a wealth of data exists to inform these criteria. The Bureau of Labor Statistics offers salary data by region, while each state’s Department of Labor compiles job growth statistics. Additionally, O*NET Online provides comprehensive job requirement data.
By merging insights from these sources, we created a comprehensive database encompassing all relevant professions. We focused on the following criteria:
- Location quotient, indicating the prevalence of a job in Indiana.
- Positions requiring a college degree.
- Average annual entry-level salary.
- Projected industry growth over the next decade.
This analysis narrowed our focus to 32 degree-requiring occupations, which we then ranked according to our established criteria.
Ultimately, we averaged these rankings to generate a “Job Score,” allowing us to rank each profession based on overall desirability.
Navigating Your Career Path
Graduating from college can be both exhilarating and intimidating. With countless opportunities ahead, you may feel overwhelmed by choices—or perhaps eager to explore the world before settling into a career. Regardless, this list serves as a valuable resource to help you make informed decisions about your job prospects in Indiana.
Below, we delve deeper into the best entry-level positions available for recent college graduates in the Hoosier State.
Comprehensive Overview of Indiana’s Top Entry-Level Jobs for Recent Graduates
| Rank | Job | Growth % |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Process Engineer | 11.98% |
| 2 | Cytotechnologist | 17.62% |
| 3 | Community Health Worker | 21.49% |
| 4 | Business Analyst | 19.92% |
| 5 | Laboratory Technician | 20.05% |
| 6 | Epic Consultant | 25.13% |
| 7 | Estimator | 12.53% |
| 8 | Web Developer | 39.13% |
| 9 | Designer | 11.67% |
| 10 | Systems Administrator | 10.73% |
| 11 | Radio Frequency Identification Device Specialist | 0.36% |
| 12 | Database Administrator | 12.87% |
| 13 | Sales Engineer | 6.21% |
| 14 | Mental Health Technician | 12.18% |
| 15 | Recruiter | 9.62% |
| 16 | Sales Representative | 9.24% |
| 17 | Pastor | 14.89% |
| 18 | Counselor | 23.93% |
| 19 | Legal Assistant | 14.11% |
| 20 | Network Technician | 13.86% |
| 21 | Insurance Agent | 8.07% |
| 22 | Case Manager | 18.06% |
| 23 | Kindergarten Teacher | 6.52% |
| 24 | Coach | 6.92% |
| 25 | Instructor | 18.62% |
| 26 | Event Coordinator | 12.4% |
| 27 | Resident Advisor | 12.21% |
| 28 | Programmer | -3.55% |
| 29 | Interior Designer | 12.36% |
| 30 | Job Coach | 16.36% |
| 31 | Account Executive | -2.24% |
| 32 | Camp Counselor | 11.52% |
Author
Chris Kolmar is a co-founder of Zippia and the editor-in-chief of the Zippia career advice blog. He has hired over 50 people in his career, been hired five times, and wants to help you land your next job. His research has been featured on the New York Times, Thrillist, VOX, The Atlantic, and a host of local news. More recently, he's been quoted on USA Today, BusinessInsider, and CNBC.
