News
Skilled Trades in Kentuckiana
Skilled trades offer competitive wages without a four-year degree, and they’re a major part of Kentuckiana’s economy. With more than 90,000 jobs in the region and a median wage of $27 per hour, these careers pay above the area’s living wage. But nearly one in four workers is 55 or older, so building the next generation of talent is critical.
October is Manufacturing Month
October is Manufacturing Month and there’s no better time to spotlight this critical industry in the Kentuckiana regional economy. Manufacturing is the region’s second largest industry, employing nearly 80,000 workers in 2025. As manufacturers continue investing in new technology, the sector will increasingly need workers equipped to design, operate, and maintain it. The region is building its next generation of manufacturing talent through career and technical education in local high schools. Initiatives like the Academies of Louisville Alliance and SummerWorks offer employers concrete ways to engage with students early, and help shape the region's future skilled workforce.
Five local business careers paying over $70k
These five business-related professions have a median wage of at least $70,000 in the Louisville region.
Spotlight on the finance and insurance industry
The finance and insurance sector plays an important role in the Louisville region's economy. The industry's share of employment is higher than typically expected for an economy the size of Kentuckiana, and is particularly important to the college-educated workforce. However the sector has experienced recent job loss and is projected to continue shedding jobs, with insurance carriers hit hardest.
Occupational Outlook 2025-2035
The Kentuckiana region's job market is evolving rapidly, shaped by technological advances, demographic shifts, and changing economic priorities. For job seekers, students, and workforce development programs, understanding where opportunities are growing is crucial for making informed career decisions.