{"schema_version": 1, "id": "columbus-in-msa/metro-job-market/2026-09", "product": "Metro Job Market Pulse", "metro": {"geography_id": 137, "label": "Columbus, IN MSA", "slug": "columbus-in-msa"}, "focus_area": {"key": "general_conditions", "slug": "metro-job-market", "label": "General Market Conditions"}, "period": "2026-09", "public_after": "2026-09-01", "frozen_at": "2026-10-09T13:38:29.715207+00:00", "headline": "Columbus manufacturing core holds steady as state job growth stalls.", "headline_summary": "Bartholomew County unemployment sits at 3.5% against a 4.1% national rate, even as Indiana has shed 16,100 net payroll jobs over the past year despite 103,000 open postings statewide.", "key_indicators": [{"label": "Bartholomew County unemployment", "value": "3.5%", "context": "vs 4.1% national, 3.3% Indiana statewide"}, {"label": "Local labor force change", "value": "-1,450 workers", "context": "August 2026 vs August 2025, Bartholomew County"}, {"label": "Manufacturing workforce share", "value": "38%", "context": "vs 9% U.S. average; top 2% nationally"}, {"label": "Indiana 12-month payroll change", "value": "-16,100 jobs", "context": "Despite 103,000 open postings statewide"}], "takeaways": [{"headline": "A falling jobless rate here reflects fewer workers, not more jobs.", "body": "Bartholomew County's labor force shrank by about 1,450 people even as unemployment fell to 3.5%. A declining denominator rather than hiring strength is doing much of the work, which matters for any economic development pitch built on labor market tightness."}, {"headline": "Manufacturing concentration keeps Columbus insulated from state softness.", "body": "Indiana lost 16,100 net payroll jobs over the past year, yet Bartholomew County's 38% manufacturing share \u2014 roughly four times the national average \u2014 has kept local conditions comparatively stable. Watch whether statewide softness eventually reaches a metro this dependent on a single industrial base."}, {"headline": "Logistics pay gains outpace white-collar wages locally.", "body": "Warehouse/fulfillment pay rose significantly to $39,520 and CDL driver pay climbed to $85,000 locally, both outperforming national figures, while software engineering and financial analyst pay softened against national medians. This divergence is consistent with national trends favoring hands-on, blue-collar work over white-collar roles."}, {"headline": "Initial unemployment claims ticked up, a figure worth tracking.", "body": "Weekly initial claims in Bartholomew County rose from 17 to 28 in mid-September, a small base but a notable percentage jump. One data point isn't a trend, but it bears watching against the county's otherwise stable unemployment reading."}], "local_conditions": "Columbus metro unemployment held at 3.5% in August, down from 4.0% a year earlier, even as the local labor force contracted by roughly 1,450 people over the same period \u2014 a tightening driven more by shrinking labor supply than by surging demand. Manufacturing's outsized local footprint (38% of the workforce, versus 9% nationally) continues to anchor wage and employment stability even as Indiana's statewide payrolls show a net 16,100-job decline over the trailing twelve months.", "implications": "Columbus's below-national jobless rate reflects a shrinking labor pool as much as economic strength, which matters for commerce leaders weighing expansion against a visibly tightening commuter-dependent workforce spanning a 1.8-million-person catchment. Advertised wage gains in warehouse/fulfillment ($39,520, up significantly) and CDL driving ($85,000, up moderately) point to continued logistics and distribution momentum locally, even as white-collar categories like software engineering and financial analysis show local pay softening against national trends. Current conditions suggest economic development and workforce planning efforts should track labor force participation alongside unemployment, since a falling denominator can mask real tightness in the local talent pool.", "looking_ahead": [{"category": "Worth watching", "body": "Bartholomew County initial unemployment claims rose from 17 to 28 in a single week in mid-September. Track whether this becomes a sustained climb or proves to be normal week-to-week noise in a small-county dataset."}, {"category": "Emerging pressure point", "body": "Indiana's labor force participation rate has fallen 0.8 percentage points over the past year to 63%, still above the national 61.6% but trending down. A continued decline would tighten the available commuter workforce Columbus employers draw from across its 1.8-million-person catchment."}, {"category": "Potential inflection point", "body": "National WARN filings include major employers like Amazon, Meta, and Tyson Foods, while Indiana's own filings (Owens Corning, Humano LLC, First Brands Group) remain concentrated in manufacturing and logistics. Watch for any WARN activity reaching Bartholomew County specifically, given its outsized manufacturing dependence."}, {"category": "Expected", "body": "State-level investment announcements in advanced manufacturing and agbioscience (570 new jobs statewide, per the governor's September announcement) could extend to the Columbus corridor given its manufacturing base. Confirmation of any site-specific announcements in Bartholomew County would be a meaningful local signal."}], "roles": [{"role": "Retail Sales Associate", "data_scope": "metro", "metro_p25": 24117.0, "metro_p50": 31000.0, "metro_p75": 37229.0, "metro_trend_direction": "down", "metro_trend_magnitude": "moderate", "national_p50": 33325.0, "national_trend_direction": "stable", "national_trend_magnitude": "stable"}, {"role": "Retail Cashier", "data_scope": "metro", "metro_p25": 24960.0, "metro_p50": 29120.0, "metro_p75": 31200.0, "metro_trend_direction": "stable", "metro_trend_magnitude": "stable", "national_p50": 31200.0, "national_trend_direction": "stable", "national_trend_magnitude": "stable"}, {"role": "Warehouse/Fulfillment Associate", "data_scope": "metro", "metro_p25": 31723.75, "metro_p50": 39520.0, "metro_p75": 39780.0, "metro_trend_direction": "up", "metro_trend_magnitude": "significant", "national_p50": 38000.0, "national_trend_direction": "stable", "national_trend_magnitude": "stable"}, {"role": "CDL Truck Driver", "data_scope": "metro", "metro_p25": 62162.0, "metro_p50": 85000.0, "metro_p75": 93694.0, "metro_trend_direction": "up", "metro_trend_magnitude": "moderate", "national_p50": 78000.0, "national_trend_direction": "stable", "national_trend_magnitude": "stable"}, {"role": "Delivery Driver", "data_scope": "metro", "metro_p25": 27646.0, "metro_p50": 32152.0, "metro_p75": 35273.75, "metro_trend_direction": "down", "metro_trend_magnitude": "significant", "national_p50": 34344.0, "national_trend_direction": "stable", "national_trend_magnitude": "stable"}, {"role": "Construction Laborer", "data_scope": "metro", "metro_p25": 37440.0, "metro_p50": 40560.0, "metro_p75": 40560.0, "metro_trend_direction": "up", "metro_trend_magnitude": "moderate", "national_p50": 40560.0, "national_trend_direction": "stable", "national_trend_magnitude": "stable"}, {"role": "Electrician", "data_scope": "metro", "metro_p25": 64480.0, "metro_p50": 71809.0, "metro_p75": 77851.5, "metro_trend_direction": "up", "metro_trend_magnitude": "significant", "national_p50": 71404.0, "national_trend_direction": "up", "national_trend_magnitude": "significant"}, {"role": "Manufacturing Production Worker/Assembler", "data_scope": "metro", "metro_p25": 33832.5, "metro_p50": 40040.0, "metro_p75": 46800.0, "metro_trend_direction": "up", "metro_trend_magnitude": "moderate", "national_p50": 39520.0, "national_trend_direction": "stable", "national_trend_magnitude": "stable"}, {"role": "Customer Service Representative", "data_scope": "metro", "metro_p25": 30562.25, "metro_p50": 37428.8, "metro_p75": 38079.5, "metro_trend_direction": "down", "metro_trend_magnitude": "moderate", "national_p50": 39520.0, "national_trend_direction": "stable", "national_trend_magnitude": "stable"}, {"role": "Food Service Worker", "data_scope": "metro", "metro_p25": 28051.0, "metro_p50": 28741.0, "metro_p75": 28855.0, "metro_trend_direction": "down", "metro_trend_magnitude": "significant", "national_p50": 33756.2, "national_trend_direction": "stable", "national_trend_magnitude": "stable"}, {"role": "Certified Nursing Assistant / Home Health Aide", "data_scope": "metro", "metro_p25": 31547.0, "metro_p50": 36400.0, "metro_p75": 37960.0, "metro_trend_direction": "down", "metro_trend_magnitude": "moderate", "national_p50": 41106.0, "national_trend_direction": "stable", "national_trend_magnitude": "stable"}, {"role": "Administrative Assistant/Office Clerk", "data_scope": "metro", "metro_p25": 37598.75, "metro_p50": 43678.0, "metro_p75": 45760.0, "metro_trend_direction": "stable", "metro_trend_magnitude": "stable", "national_p50": 43680.0, "national_trend_direction": "up", "national_trend_magnitude": "moderate"}, {"role": "HVAC Technician", "data_scope": "metro", "metro_p25": 65366.0, "metro_p50": 72800.0, "metro_p75": 73222.0, "metro_trend_direction": "down", "metro_trend_magnitude": "moderate", "national_p50": 70720.0, "national_trend_direction": "up", "national_trend_magnitude": "moderate"}, {"role": "Registered Nurse", "data_scope": "metro", "metro_p25": 79772.0, "metro_p50": 91766.8, "metro_p75": 99151.0, "metro_trend_direction": "up", "metro_trend_magnitude": "moderate", "national_p50": 102581.0, "national_trend_direction": "up", "national_trend_magnitude": "significant"}, {"role": "Software Engineer", "data_scope": "metro", "metro_p25": 89236.0, "metro_p50": 119284.4, "metro_p75": 133299.0, "metro_trend_direction": "down", "metro_trend_magnitude": "moderate", "national_p50": 153652.0, "national_trend_direction": "stable", "national_trend_magnitude": "stable"}, {"role": "Data Engineer", "data_scope": "metro", "metro_p25": 95346.0, "metro_p50": 121600.0, "metro_p75": 121600.0, "metro_trend_direction": "stable", "metro_trend_magnitude": "stable", "national_p50": 139500.0, "national_trend_direction": "up", "national_trend_magnitude": "moderate"}, {"role": "Accountant", "data_scope": "metro", "metro_p25": 51359.5, "metro_p50": 67442.0, "metro_p75": 80457.0, "metro_trend_direction": "stable", "metro_trend_magnitude": "stable", "national_p50": 72182.0, "national_trend_direction": "up", "national_trend_magnitude": "moderate"}, {"role": "Financial Analyst", "data_scope": "metro", "metro_p25": 69739.75, "metro_p50": 81936.0, "metro_p75": 91795.75, "metro_trend_direction": "down", "metro_trend_magnitude": "moderate", "national_p50": 94782.0, "national_trend_direction": "stable", "national_trend_magnitude": "stable"}, {"role": "HR Generalist/Manager", "data_scope": "metro", "metro_p25": 51500.0, "metro_p50": 52500.0, "metro_p75": 56500.0, "metro_trend_direction": "down", "metro_trend_magnitude": "moderate", "national_p50": 75000.0, "national_trend_direction": "up", "national_trend_magnitude": "significant"}, {"role": "Marketing Specialist", "data_scope": "state_rollup", "metro_p25": 46264.75, "metro_p50": 57200.0, "metro_p75": 67007.0, "metro_trend_direction": "stable", "metro_trend_magnitude": "stable", "national_p50": 62354.4, "national_trend_direction": "up", "national_trend_magnitude": "moderate"}, {"role": "Operations Manager", "data_scope": "state_rollup", "metro_p25": 72499.25, "metro_p50": 81721.0, "metro_p75": 90187.0, "metro_trend_direction": "up", "metro_trend_magnitude": "moderate", "national_p50": 85216.0, "national_trend_direction": "stable", "national_trend_magnitude": "stable"}, {"role": "Elementary/Secondary School Teacher", "data_scope": "metro", "metro_p25": 33280.0, "metro_p50": 55676.0, "metro_p75": 58229.0, "metro_trend_direction": "up", "metro_trend_magnitude": "significant", "national_p50": 56731.0, "national_trend_direction": "up", "national_trend_magnitude": "significant"}, {"role": "Account Manager", "data_scope": "metro", "metro_p25": 36072.0, "metro_p50": 61620.8, "metro_p75": 74951.0, "metro_trend_direction": "up", "metro_trend_magnitude": "significant", "national_p50": 92749.0, "national_trend_direction": "up", "national_trend_magnitude": "significant"}, {"role": "Warehouse Manager", "data_scope": "state_rollup", "metro_p25": 63750.0, "metro_p50": 65401.0, "metro_p75": 67500.0, "metro_trend_direction": "down", "metro_trend_magnitude": "significant", "national_p50": 75000.0, "national_trend_direction": "stable", "national_trend_magnitude": "stable"}, {"role": "Business Analyst", "data_scope": "metro", "metro_p25": 71680.0, "metro_p50": 75092.0, "metro_p75": 96770.0, "metro_trend_direction": "stable", "metro_trend_magnitude": "stable", "national_p50": 98279.0, "national_trend_direction": "up", "national_trend_magnitude": "moderate"}], "industry_snapshot": [{"sector": "Construction", "median_pay": 42127.0, "pay_trend_direction": "down", "pay_trend_magnitude": "significant", "postings_trend_direction": "up", "postings_trend_magnitude": "significant"}, {"sector": "Manufacturing", "median_pay": 60000.0, "pay_trend_direction": "stable", "pay_trend_magnitude": "stable", "postings_trend_direction": "up", "postings_trend_magnitude": "significant"}, {"sector": "Retail Trade", "median_pay": 36242.0, "pay_trend_direction": "stable", "pay_trend_magnitude": "stable", "postings_trend_direction": "up", "postings_trend_magnitude": "significant"}, {"sector": "Transportation, Warehousing & Utilities", "median_pay": 72676.0, "pay_trend_direction": "up", "pay_trend_magnitude": "significant", "postings_trend_direction": "up", "postings_trend_magnitude": "significant"}, {"sector": "Information", "median_pay": 94227.0, "pay_trend_direction": "down", "pay_trend_magnitude": "moderate", "postings_trend_direction": "up", "postings_trend_magnitude": "significant"}, {"sector": "Financial Activities", "median_pay": 40217.0, "pay_trend_direction": "down", "pay_trend_magnitude": "moderate", "postings_trend_direction": "up", "postings_trend_magnitude": "significant"}, {"sector": "Professional & Business Services", "median_pay": 84000.0, "pay_trend_direction": "up", "pay_trend_magnitude": "significant", "postings_trend_direction": "up", "postings_trend_magnitude": "significant"}, {"sector": "Education & Health Services", "median_pay": 62784.0, "pay_trend_direction": "up", "pay_trend_magnitude": "significant", "postings_trend_direction": "up", "postings_trend_magnitude": "significant"}, {"sector": "Leisure & Hospitality", "median_pay": 31200.0, "pay_trend_direction": "stable", "pay_trend_magnitude": "stable", "postings_trend_direction": "up", "postings_trend_magnitude": "significant"}, {"sector": "Government", "median_pay": 68934.5, "pay_trend_direction": "up", "pay_trend_magnitude": "significant", "postings_trend_direction": "up", "postings_trend_magnitude": "significant"}], "citations": [], "methodology": "Advertised pay from active employer job postings, not survey data. WageScape's median is calibrated to correct for spurious low-value postings: distribution analysis shows roughly the lowest 10% of raw values are erroneous entries, so the reported median is the 60th percentile of raw advertised pay.", "edition_label": "October 2026", "files": {"html": "columbus-in-msa/metro-job-market/2026-09.html", "pdf": "columbus-in-msa/metro-job-market/2026-09.pdf", "sources_html": "columbus-in-msa/metro-job-market/2026-09.sources.html"}, "published_at": "2026-10-09T13:49:44.035153+00:00", "report_html_url": "https://reports.wagescape.com/archive/v1/editions/columbus-in-msa/metro-job-market/2026-09.html", "report_pdf_url": "https://reports.wagescape.com/archive/v1/editions/columbus-in-msa/metro-job-market/2026-09.pdf"}