We crunched the numbers for you

These are the top industries and employers in Columbus

Nationwide is one of the largest employers in Columbus. | Photo via Nationwide

More than 2.1 million people (and thousands of businesses) contribute to the Columbus metro area’s $137+ billion economy. But have you ever wondered about the Capital City’s heaviest hitters?

Consider this Columbus Business 101 — your guide to five of our region’s 11 key industries and seven major employers.

Note: The Columbus metro area is defined as Franklin, Delaware, Fairfield, Licking, Madison, Morrow, Pickaway, and Union counties, according to local data.

CBUStoday Hilton Downtown Columbus — This Hilton hotel is open downtown. | Rendering via Meyers + Associates

The key industries

There are 11 key industries that represent Columbus + no industry holds more than an 18% share of the market, based on data from the City of Columbus Economic Development Division. We’ve listed them in order of employment numbers.

Professional and Business Services | 18% or 376,000 employees
Of the 11 Fortune 1000 companies headquartered in the Columbus Region, five are also Fortune 500 companies. These businesses include Nationwide Insurance, AEP, and Hexion Inc.

Government | 16% or 336,000 employees
Since Columbus is the capital of Ohio, that means large government agencies, such as the State of Ohio, are headquartered here. The State of Ohio employs 21,000+ people and adding to that are other agencies like the Supreme Court of Ohio or the Ohio Department of Transportation.

Education and Health | 15% or 315,000 employees
While healthcare providers such as OhioHealth, Nationwide Children’s Hospital + Cardinal Health are major employers in this category, The Ohio State University leads the way for education with 47,000+ employees. Other community colleges and local schools, like Columbus State Community College and Columbus City Schools, add to these totals.

8 MORE INDUSTRIES + WHO'S HIRING

Test your business knowledge: Which company employs the most people globally?

A. Amazon
B. McDonalds
C. Walmart
D. Starbucks

SUBMIT YOUR ANSWER

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Wednesday, Nov. 30

Home for the Holidays | Wednesday, Nov. 30 | Southern Theatre, 5115, 21 E. Main St., Columbus | $14.70–$82.95 | Enjoy a holiday jazz concert led by singer Stacie Boord.
Live Music Series | Wednesday, Nov. 30 | 5-8 p.m. | Understory, 2571 Neil Ave., Columbus | Free | Listen to local musician Will Strickler on the patio if weather permits.

Thursday, Dec. 1

Cirque Dreams Holidaze | Thursday, Dec. 1-Friday, Dec. 2 | 7:30 p.m. | Palace Theatre Columbus, 34 W. Broad St., Columbus | $33-$103 | This Broadway-style production has twists on holiday classics with contemporary circus arts.
Trivia Night | Thursday, Dec. 1 | 7-9 p.m. | Park Street Tavern, 501 Park St., Columbus | Free

Friday, Dec. 2

GalaxyCon Live | Friday, Dec. 2-Sunday, Dec. 4 | Times vary | Greater Columbus Convention, 400 N. High St., Columbus | $35-$45 | Celebrate sci-fi, comic books, anime, and pop culture at this fandom convention.
Columbus Winterfair | Friday, Dec. 2-Sunday, Dec. 4 | Times vary | Ohio Expo Center, 717 E. 17th Ave., Columbus | $0-$7 | Browse jewelry, glass, paintings, photographs, and ceramics from 400+ artists.

Saturday, Dec. 3

Ohio State Men’s Basketball vs. Saint Francis University | Saturday, Dec. 3 | 12 p.m. | The Schottenstein Center, 555 Borror Dr., Columbus | $7-$28

We have a monthly guide filled with events + activities you can plan for in advance. Click the button below to bookmark ideas for upcoming date nights, family outings, and time with friends.

100+ MORE EVENTS

Holiday day trip destination: Carmel Christkindlmarkt 🎄

A couple taking a selfie at the bustling Carmel Christkindlmarkt.

The market is open Thursdays 4-9 p.m. and Friday-Sunday 11 a.m.-9 p.m. through Dec. 30 — parking + admission is free. | Photo provided by Carmel Christkindlmarkt

Feeling festive, Columbus? An authentic German Christmas market awaits you at the award-winning Carmel Christkindlmarkt.

While a flight to Germany is ~8 hours (and a hefty price tag) a visit to Carmel, IN is just a ~3 hour drive away. See why USA Today voted it Best Holiday Market — not once, but twice. Look forward to:

Unique market gifts
German sips and bites like Glühwein + mulled beer
Outdoor ice rink
German woodworking demonstrations
The old-world charm of Christmas in Germany.*

SEE THE SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

Weather

49º | Mostly sunny | 20% chance of rain

Edu

The Ohio State University President Kristina Johnson will step down from her role at the end of the 2022-23 academic year. Kristina advocated for free college + will go down as serving the second shortest tenure in OSU presidential history. (The Columbus Dispatch)

Development

Two central Ohio-based developers — Schottenstein Homes + Homewood Homes — are partnering to build 300+ town homes or single-living houses on the west end of Columbus. The project is named Renner Park as it is located on Renner Road. 🏡 (Columbus Business First)

Eat

Katalina’s, the popular brunch spot known for its pancake balls, will open a new location in Franklinton at 480 W. Town St. The new spot plans to open sometime next summer, but delays could push it back to later in the year. (614now)

Sports

Numerous Ohio State football players were awarded All-Big Ten honors, including Tommy Eichenberg and Zach Harrison. On the national level, C.J. Stroud is a finalist for Davey O’Brien’s National Quarterback Award + Marvin Harrison Jr. is a finalist for the Biletnikoff Award, which honors the best wide receiver. 🏆 (ABC6 On Your Side)

Real Estate

Since 2012, the Franklin County land bank has demolished 3,300+ blighted residential homes to make way for new developments to benefit the community. Reports state that these efforts have increased property values by at least $230 million countywide. (NBC4)

Ranked

When it come to the best holiday lights, a new list from BestLife ranked Columbus as the No. 4 city in the US. The article cited popular spots like the Scioto Mile, Columbus Zoo & Aquarium, and Franklin Park Conservatory. ✨

Shop

The perfect gift doesn’t exi — meet our local makers gift guide. Browse unique, handmade gifts crafted right here in City by sellers on Etsy. We’re talking custom illustrations, high-quality salt scrubs, and bourbon barrel-themed home decor. Get shopping. 🎁

Announced

Take your love for CBUStoday to the next level by joining our new membership program. Support local journalism while enjoying perks like: exclusive birthday deals, shoutouts on our member wall, discounts from our online shop (Six & Main) + more. 🎉

Seasonal

We’re all about staying warm throughout the colder months, which means we’re leveling up our typical outerwear to something a little toastier. Enter: heated jackets. We love this one for its three different heat levels and this slim fit option with 5,000+ five star reviews.*

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In the business of bagels 🥯

The bagel shops locals love

Adding pastrami to your Lox sandwiches is always a good idea. | Photo via @markx050

There’s nothing like a piping hot cup of coffee on a Saturday morning followed by a bagel stacked with cream cheese and other delectable fillings. Whether you’re a classic breakfast sandwich or a lox bagel kind of person — here’s your go-to guide to local bagel shops around Columbus.

🥯 The Lox Bagel Shop, 772 N. High St. #106
This Short North shop serves hand-rolled bagels you can grab plain with cream cheese or fancy jam or as a variety of Insta-worthy bagel sandwiches. Try this: An egg + cheese sandwich with pastrami and avocado added.

🥯 Sammy’s New York Bagels, available for delivery
“Ohio’s Best New York Style Bagel” is great for bulk bagel orders to eat at home with classic flavors like blueberry, everything, and pumpernickel plus special seasonal flavors (cranberry or pumpkin, anyone?). Bonus: Find these bagels at Katzinger’s Delicatessen.

2 MORE BAGEL SHOPS

THE WRAP

Today’s issue was written by Mitch.

Editor’s pick: Over the weekend, I watched “Pepsi, Where’s My Jet?” and I highly recommend giving it a watch on Netflix. It’s a wildly entertaining story and an amazing time capsule of the late 1990s. I won’t give any spoilers because it’s better to watch the chaos unfold — but do you remember Pepsi Points? I have to know more.

Missed yesterday’s newsletter? Here’s how you can locally volunteer + make an impact this holiday season.

Connect with us.

Editorial: Mitch Hooper, Hanna Williford, Sarah Leonhardt, Josh Kranzberg, Emily Shea | Send us a scoop, question, or feedback.

Sales: Julie Brown | Advertise with us.

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