The Leading Industries in Columbus, Ohio That Can Use Managed IT Services

Columbus anchors Central Ohio’s economy. The metro area population reached 1,746,000 in 2025, a 1.1% gain from the previous year. The local economy is growing quickly across all Columbus industries, and as each key industry grows, so does its need for well-managed IT.

“We’ve supported local businesses for over 18 years and have a front row seat to the region’s economic growth. Across every industry, we’re seeing a shift toward smarter systems, stronger cybersecurity, and scalable tools. These investments reflect a focus on sustainable growth rather than temporary fixes.” – Eric Hullibarger, President, AhelioTech

State analysts are optimistic about companies headquartered in Columbus. Projections show the metro will add about 102,000 jobs between 2020 and 2030, which is a 9.4 % increase and the fastest pace among Ohio’s large metros.

So, what are the major industries of Columbus driving that growth? The rest of this article will explore 7 key industries, and we will also explore why choosing a local MSP is good for any business in that sector.

7 Leading Columbus Industries

1. Automotive

Columbus plays a leading role in the automotive and mobility industry thanks to its strong manufacturing presence and advanced research centers. Local training programs and testing facilities create a skilled workforce and attract industry leaders. The region supports both innovation and production, which makes Columbus a key player in North America’s auto sector.

2. Food & Beverage

The city has a large and growing food production industry. Major brands operate in the region, and partnerships with farms and universities help develop new products. The city’s central location makes it easy to ship goods across the country, which gives manufacturers a strong advantage.

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3. Real Estate

Columbus continues to draw attention as one of the most active real estate markets in the country. Home prices remain competitive, and demand is high. The city’s mix of affordability and opportunity makes it appealing for long-term investment.

4. Health Services

The city is home to several major health systems, research hospitals, and community care providers. Columbus supports both cutting-edge medical research and everyday health needs, making it a center for healthcare education, services, and innovation.

5. Fashion

Columbus has a surprisingly strong fashion industry, with more design talent than most U.S. cities outside New York and Los Angeles. Top retail brands are based here, and they are supported by local design schools and creative networks.

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6. Finance

The financial sector in Columbus encompasses a wide range of institutions, from local banks to global firms. It also supports a potent mix of wealth advisors and fintech companies. This variety supports new businesses, personal finance, and innovation in digital banking.

7. Insurance

Ohio ranks 6th in the United States for insurance carrier Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Many firms, including Nationwide, Root Insurance, and Beam Benefits, are based here, with operations that include agents, brokers, and regulators. The city plays a key role in shaping how the industry grows and adapts through both business and public-sector leadership.

Columbus Insurance Industry Stats

Insurance headquarters operate in the region

23,000

People work in the insurance sector

$8.2 billion

Total economic output of the insurance industry in Columbus

Source: Columbus Region

How These Columbus, OH, Industries Can Benefit From Managed IT Services

*Automotive*	Maintains uptime for scheduling and diagnostics software Supports secure access to vehicle data Reduces IT disruptions in service bays and offices
*Food & Beverage*	Protects point-of-sale systems and inventory software Supports compliance with food safety tracking Enables fast response to system outages
*Real Estate*	Keeps email, CRM, and file-sharing tools running smoothly Protects sensitive client data Supports agents with remote access from any location
*Health Services*	Secures patient data Supports HIPAA-compliant systems Monitors infrastructure to reduce downtime in clinics and administrative offices
*Fashion*	Protects eCommerce platforms from cyber threats that cost the industry $48 billion globally Protects design files and supply chain systems Keeps retail systems online during peak shopping periods
*Finance*	Secures financial records Supports industry-specific applications Applies strict access controls and monitoring to reduce cyber risk
*Insurance*	Keeps client management platforms running efficiently Backs up sensitive data Provides fast, reliable helpdesk support

Choose AhelioTech As Your Columbus IT Partner

No matter what industry you’re in, you can benefit from better IT services, and what could be better than a Columbus-based MSP who can strategically meet your specific needs?

AhelioTech has been serving Ohio’s business leaders for over 18 years. Over time, we have developed a keen eye for where the local economy is heading. That means that we’re well-equipped to provide strategic IT advice that will help your Columbus business stay competitive.

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Reach out today to learn more!