The Indiana Workforce Snapshot provides a quick look at the labor-market trends Indiana employers should be watching — and our perspective on what those trends could mean for hiring decisions.
Indiana employers are advertising more jobs, but that increase in recruiting activity isn’t translating into overall employment growth.
At the end of September 2026, Indiana had 106,223 open job postings, up 6.2% from June and 20% from a year earlier. Yet total payroll employment was down 0.4% year over year, and the state’s labor force remained relatively unchanged at approximately 3.49 million.
The numbers point to a labor market where recruiting activity and employment growth aren’t necessarily moving together.
What’s behind the increase in job postings?
More advertised openings don’t automatically mean employers are adding positions or successfully filling existing ones.
Some organizations may be replacing departing employees rather than expanding their workforce. Others may be struggling to find qualified candidates.
Job postings also don’t necessarily represent unique, immediate openings. Multiple recruiting firms may advertise the same position, while some employers maintain ongoing postings to develop candidate pipelines.
These factors illustrate why job posting volume alone doesn’t provide a complete picture of hiring demand.
Employment growth is shifting across Indiana industries
Q3 data also reveals notable changes in industry employment.
Education and health services accelerated from 1.5% year-over-year growth in June to 2.6% in September. Manufacturing moved from a 0.8% decline to 0.9% growth.
Meanwhile, professional services growth slowed from 1.5% to 0.2%, and financial services moved from modest growth to a 1.4% decline.
These shifts matter because industries compete for professionals with similar skills, particularly in accounting, HR, finance, customer service and operations.
As conditions change, employers may find opportunities to recruit experienced professionals from other industries.
What should Indiana employers consider?
Look beyond applicant volume. More applications don’t necessarily mean more qualified candidates. Evaluate whether recruiting efforts are producing the right talent, how candidates progress through the hiring process and whether positions are being filled.
Consider talent from other industries. Professionals in slower-growing sectors may bring valuable skills to industries experiencing stronger demand. Relevant experience doesn’t always come from an identical business environment.
Reevaluate the position before filling it. Business needs evolve. Consider whether the role requires different capabilities, whether adaptability and learning potential deserve greater emphasis or whether temporary, contract or project-based talent could be a better solution.
Get the full Q3 Indiana Workforce Snapshot
Milliner Talent Solutions’ quarterly Indiana Workforce Snapshot combines labor market data with practical insights informed by our work with employers and candidates.
Explore key labor market indicators, industry employment trends and recommendations for navigating Indiana’s changing hiring environment.
Download the Q3 2026 Indiana Workforce Snapshot
Sources: Indiana Department of Workforce Development; U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics; Indiana Career Connect.
