Agriculture, coal mining and automobile manufacturing have historically been Kentucky’s most significant business sectors. Though all three remain important today, the Bluegrass State’s overall employment outlook has become an unusual mix of old and new. For example, horse racing and breeding is an iconic source of jobs in Lexington, Kentucky (a little known fact: the high calcium content of its soil makes the Lexington area ideal for horse grazing). Other notable sources of jobs in Kentucky include shipping, medical science, bourbon whiskey and baseball bat manufacturing.

Healthcare is a particularly dynamic source of jobs in Louisville, Kentucky, the most populous city in the state. Louisville, KY contains the headquarters of the Humana health insurance company, and it has also been a leading center of innovation for heart surgery and heart transplants. Kentucky jobs in the healthcare, computer and mathematical fields are expected to show the most growth over the next decade according to the Education Cabinet of Kentucky. This growth of Kentucky careers in nursing, engineering and education will reflect the increased demand for applicants with advanced degrees.