Lexington has a large number of technology and government jobs. Lexington also includes numerous manufacturing and technology jobs. Also, the University of Kentucky is a large employer. The Fortune 500 companies Lexmark International, Hewlett Packard and Affiliated Computer Services are located in the city. Amazon.com, Trane and United Parcel Service have a large presence in Lexington. In addition, the JIF peanut butter facility is one of the world's largest producers of peanut butter.
Lexington has been ranked as the 5th best city for "Businesses and careers" by Forbes Magazine. Kiplinger named Lexington the 5th best city for young professionals.
The following is a list of the top employers in the Lexington region:
- University of Kentucky
- Toyota Motor Manufacturing
- Fayette Co. Public Schools
- Lexington-Fayette Urban County Gov't
- Lexmark International
- Central Baptist Hospital
- Eastern Kentucky University
- St. Joseph Hospital
- Veterans Medical Center
- The Trane Company
- ACS
- NACCO Materials Handling Group Inc
- Lexington Clinic
- Amazon.com
- Osram Sylvania Inc
- U.S. Postal Service
- Kentucky Utilities
- Walmart
- IBM Global Services
- TOKICO (USA) Inc
- Valvoline Co
- L-3 Communications Integrated Systems
- Chase
- ALLTEL
- Quebecor World
Some of the most popular occupations which are primarily filled by those with a college degree are registered nurses, teachers, wholesale and manufacturing sales representatives, financial managers, computer systems analysts, lawyers; child, family and school social workers; computer applications software engineers, and pharmacists.
Lexington's top job providing sectors are:
- Healthcare
- Education
- Government
- Technology
- Professional, scientific and technical services
- Accommodation and food services
- Finance and insurance
Noteworthy information regarding Lexington Kentucky: Lexington is known as the "Horse Capital of the World." Has been ranked #10 among the nation's cities regarding college education rate with 39.5% of the residents having earned at least a bachelor's degree. In 2008 the city's cost of living index was at 86.2. The nation's average is 100. Lexington's estimated median household income in 2007 was $46,000.
Some of the helpful organizations for Lexington businesses are:
- The Greater Lexington Chamber of Commerce
- Kentucky Association of Manufacturers
- The Kentucky Cabinet for Economic Development
The Lexington Herald-Leader provides news about business and industry in Lexington.