4 Key Industries in Chicago Right Now

Chicago’s been making its mark in several sectors. There are several booming industries in Chicago right now that are all thriving in because of the city’s central location. This positions Chicago a convenient, centralized hub; Los Angeles is nearly as accessible as New York City.

Here are some such thriving industries in Chicago right now.

Manufacturing

If you want to work in manufacturing, Chicago may be the right city for you. For many reasons, the city is top of the list in the manufacturing of food, metals, and plastics. Manufacturing is one of the top industries in Chicago right now not only because of its central location, but also because of the opportunities the city provides. The advancement of manufacturing is happening here, and people want to get in on the ground floor.

Incubators, such as mHub, have set up in Chicago which attempt to revolutionize the industry. mHub is the area’s “first innovation center focused on physical product development and manufacturing.” It offers mentorship programs and encourages the community to keep the industry accelerating.

Nearly half a million people work in manufacturing here, creating a talent pool that is unmatched. So, if you’re looking to open a manufacturing business here, you’ll surely be able to find an excellent team of people to work with. And if you want to break into the industry, you’ll be able to learn a lot from the people you work beside.

Transportation

Manufacturing and transportation go together, so it’s no surprise that this is another booming industry in Chicago.

The supply chain depends on transportation and freight, and the central location of Chicago makes it easy for manufacturers and other businesses to get their products to destinations all over the country.

In recent years, supply chain companies like Tax Air Freight and Saia LTL Freight have been moving into large warehouses and setting down roots in Chicago. The city not only offers the typical trains to trucks as modes of transport, but also two international airports that make global shipping a simple task. It’s estimated that just one of these airports, O’Hare International Airport, shipped over 1.4 million tons of cargo in a single year.

Information Technology

With many technology firms locating here, Information Technology (IT) has become one of the most popular industries in Chicago right now. Both awareness of this sector and the number of people working in it have increased in recent years, and it is quickly becoming the fastest growing sector in Chicago.

The city even has a hub for digital startups called 1871. The incubator has been ranked best in the world by UBI Global. It works with eight university partners, hosts more than a thousand events each year, and has trained hundreds of students in IT.

This growing sector offers many opportunities for both business owners and those looking for a job in the field.

Health Services and Technology

The Windy City is also central to the healthcare industry. Health holds its own as one of the top industries in Chicago right now with a multitude of insurance carriers, nursing care facilities, general hospitals, and med tech companies in the city.

Over 40 national medical and health associations are headquartered in Chicago. Some include the American Medical Association, the American Dental Association, and the American Hospital Association.

The MedTech sector is growing rapidly, and Chicago is on the front lines. The city has many colleges and universities, and 3,000 biomedical and engineering students graduate here annually. This creates a wonderful talent pool for the MedTech sector.

With a concentration of experts and the advancements being made in medical manufacturing, Chicago creates a perfect storm for innovation in healthcare.

If you are looking for a position in any of these top industries in Chicago, take a look at our job listings. If you choose to apply, one of our expert recruitment consultants will be in touch with relevant opportunities. And if you’re seeking talent in any of these sectors,