5 Fastest-Growing Industries in Ohio (and How COTC Can Help You Get There)

Post

If you’re looking for a new career in Ohio, you’re in luck. The state is actively trying to help Ohioans fill in-demand jobs in fast-growing industries through grants, scholarships and other state initiatives. They’ve also curated Ohio’s Top Jobs List, which tracks job openings and hiring trends throughout the state and predicts which careers and industries will grow the fastest for those trying to choose an in-demand degree. At Central Ohio Technical College (COTC), we’re also dedicated to providing students with degree and certificate programs that prepare students for high-demand jobs in Ohio and across the country. Our career services office will even help you with the job search.

So, we’ve put together a list of five of the fastest-growing industries in Ohio, according to the Top Jobs List, alongside the COTC programs that will help you land a job in them after graduation.

1. Architecture and Engineering

Workers in the architecture and engineering industry design, plan, build, test and study all kinds of structures, systems, products, programs and more. This is one of the fastest-growing industries across the U.S., and Ohio has specifically prioritized growing its manufacturing and technician workforce to fill current and upcoming manufacturing jobs with companies like Intel, which is building a large plant in Licking County that’s expected to open in 2030. Students pursuing careers in architecture and engineering may be eligible for the need-blind tier of the Ohio Work Ready Grant to help fund their education.

Some of the COTC programs that can prepare you for this industry are:

2. Community and Social Services

Community and social services workers help people overcome challenges and access resources and programs. The roles are vital for the safety and well-being of any community and its people. On top of these jobs being in demand right now, Ohio has also listed community and social service jobs as “critical jobs,” which, according to their definition, “ensure that our state’s workforce supports the health and well-being of Ohioans, their families and our communities.”

Some of the COTC programs that can prepare you for this industry are:

3. Computer and Mathematics

The computer and mathematics industry includes workers who design, build, maintain, manage and troubleshoot computer systems, networks and databases. Computer and mathematical occupations are Ohio’s fastest-growing job group, projected to grow 10.6% by 2032. With thousands of openings expected each year and average pay much higher than the state’s median wage, training for a tech or data career at COTC is worth considering.

Some of the COTC programs that can prepare you for this industry are:

4. Healthcare

As the U.S. population grows and ages, there’s increasing demand for healthcare workers. These jobs include doctors, nurses and healthcare providers of all kinds as well as medical technicians and healthcare support workers. Healthcare is expected to add more jobs than any other industry in Ohio, and healthcare workers are in demand across the country, which makes it a great choice for any Ohioan interested in a stable long-term career where you get to help people.

Some of the COTC programs that can prepare you for this industry are:

5. Transportation and Material Moving

Transportation and material moving jobs are vital for the state to function. They keep our stores stocked with food, get people to their jobs, and deliver more and more packages each year. There is a high existing demand for workers in this industry, and that demand is only expected to grow alongside Ohio’s other industries. Additionally, if you’re looking for a career with a shorter training time than some of the others on this list, many truck driving jobs require just a CDL to get started. At COTC, our Commercial Driver’s License program is offered either on weekends for eight weeks or weekdays for just four weeks.

Some of the COTC programs that can prepare you for this industry are:

How COTC Helps You Land Jobs in High-Growth Industries

At COTC, our degree and certificate programs emphasize career preparation through career-focused curriculum, workforce-oriented education, experiential learning opportunities, and employer engagement. As a result, 90% of COTC’s associate degree graduates and 92% of our long-term certificate program graduates are employed in Ohio one year after completion.

Outside of the classroom, COTC’s Career Development and Experiential Learning Services will help you make the transition from college to employment through:

  • Individualized career advising
  • Career exploration
  • Resume and cover-letter development
  • Interview preparation
  • Internship and job search strategy and assistance
  • Employer connections and networking via career fairs and COTC’s online career platform Handshake

So if you’re ready to start on your path to a high-demand career, COTC is the place for you.

Explore our academic programs

request more information

Apply Now