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Columbus, Ohio — The Columbus metro added 20,607 jobs and posted the fourth-fastest year-over-year job growth rate among the nation’s 55 largest metro areas, those with populations of one million or more, according to newly released Quarterly Census of Employment and Wages data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Employment grew by 1.9% from December 2024 to December 2025, nearly 10 times the national rate, and only behind Raleigh, Austin and Las Vegas. Columbus outpaced other high growth markets including Charlotte, Salt Lake City, Nashville, Dallas, Indianapolis and Tampa.
“This is the kind of data that should make people stop and pay attention,” said Jason Hall, CEO of the Columbus Partnership. “Columbus is adding jobs at nearly 10 times the national rate, and wages are growing among the fastest in the country. Those numbers mean better career opportunity and momentum people can actually feel. Growth at this level is creating room for more people to build a future here, and that’s exactly what is happening.”
The QCEW survey is widely regarded as the most comprehensive measure of local employment and wage trends in the United States, drawing from unemployment insurance records covering more than 95% of American jobs.
Numbers to know about Columbus:
• #4 nationally for job growth rate among the nation’s 55 largest metro areas.
• Nearly 10 times the national job growth rate. Columbus employment grew 1.9% year-over-year compared to 0.2% nationally.
• #1 in the Midwest for job growth. Columbus’ job growth rate was more than double the next-fastest major Midwest metro.
• 20,607 jobs added in one year, ranking fifth nationally for total job creation among the nation’s largest metro areas and top in the Midwest.
• #6 nationally for wage growth. Total wages grew 6.0% in 2025, the fastest pace among major Midwest metros.
• More than $81 billion in wages were paid across the Columbus metro economy in 2025.
Several industries drove growth in 2025, led by education and health services, financial activities, professional and business services, and trade, transportation and utilities.
The combination of strong job creation, rising wages and sustained industry growth continues to reinforce the Columbus Region’s position as one of the nation’s most competitive metropolitan economies.
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About the Columbus Partnership
The Columbus Partnership brings together civic-minded business leaders to advance a shared vision to make Columbus the most prosperous region in the country. Columbus Partnership member CEOs are committed to the future of the Columbus metropolitan area through high-impact civic and philanthropic engagement. Through our One Columbus and Smart Columbus brands and investor support, our team works to help create jobs and attract capital investment, expand access to opportunity, and improve the economic competitiveness of the Columbus Region. Learn more at columbusregion.com.