The Bloomington-Normal workforce is young, well-educated, and able to meet the needs of a broad range of business and industry. The median age is 34, and 43% of residents have bachelor’s degrees or higher. An average household income of $79,136 reflects the types of employers that are located here.  

State Farm’s corporate headquarters contributes to the dominance of the finance and insurance sector - which makes up 22% of McLean County’s employment base.

Whether you’re an employer looking for an educated and talented workforce or a job seeker searching for a challenging position in a vibrant community, Bloomington-Normal has you covered.

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State Farm

Founded in 1922 by retired farmer and insurance salesman G.J. Mecherle, State Farm is McLean County’s largest employer and insures more cars and homes than any other insurer in the U.S.

 

Illinois State University

Illinois’ first public institution now boasts a total enrollment of nearly 21,000 students. ISU also employs over 3,300 faculty and staff, helping to carry out its motto of "gladly we learn and teach".

 

COUNTRY Financial

Formed in 1925 by Central Illinois farmers to insure for fire and lightning, COUNTRY has grown in coverage expansion and employs around 2,000 insurers and financial representatives in Bloomington-Normal.

 

McLean County Unit 5 School District

The area's largest school district serves around 13,500 students and employs over 1,700 people. Unit 5 covers 214 square miles and boasts 23 schools and one vocational training site.

Advocate BroMenn

For nearly 120 years, the Magnet-designated medical center has served those in need in McLean County. Now part of the largest fully-integrated health care delivery system in Illinois, 1,400 residents of the area call BroMenn their employer.

 

OSF St Joseph

Distinguished as the only Magnet hospital in McLean County, St Joseph has served the community since 1880. OSF employs 1,364 healthcare professionals.

 

Afni, Inc.

What began as a collections agency in 1936 in Bloomington now features global brand development and consumer relationship building in telecommunications, healthcare, satellite/cable, and insurance.

 

Bloomington Public Schools District 87

Established in 1857, District 87 was one of the first established school districts in Illinois. The school board even hired a Central Illinois lawyer named Abraham Lincoln to help with the details. Now, District 87 is home to 680 employees and 5,300 students.

Heritage Enterprises

Heritage began in the 1960s in Bloomington and has continued to advance in senior healthcare and therapy. It has expanded to more than 40 locations across Illinois and Indiana.

 

GROWMARK 

GROWMARK provides agronomy, energy, facilities, and logistics services in 40 states and Canada. The organization, which serves more than 250,000 customers through its FS brand, is headquartered in Bloomington-Normal.

 

Illinois Wesleyan University

The oldest university in Bloomington continues to churn out graduates among 42 majors. IWU’s seal means "Knowledge and Wisdom," and they embody those values within a staff of 500.

 

McDonald’s Corporation

While not distinctive at first glance, local ownership has continued a passion for child development, education, and community involvement since 1989.

 

Bridgestone/Firestone

The Bridgestone plant opened in Normal in the 1950s, manufacturing off-road tires for cars and tractors. The facility still employs nearly 400 workers and began expanding production in 2013.

Nestle USA

Local entrepreneur Paul Beich started his own venture, Beich’s Candy, in 1893. In 1987, Nestle purchased the company and still maintains a factory with 420 employees in Bloomington.

Nussbaum Transportation

What began with a single truck in 1945 has grown into an industry leader in freight shipping. Nussbaum opened a new headquarters and maintenance facility near Hudson in 2013.

The Snyder Companies

Based in Bloomington since 1906, The Snyder Companies operate a diverse portfolio that combines real estate, new home and commercial construction, business and personal insurance, and hotel and apartment development and operations.

 

Illinois Farm Bureau

The Illinois Agricultural Association was founded in 1916.  The IFB continues to serve 95 Illinois counties a century later from its Bloomington headquarters through its mission to improve the economic well-being of agriculture and enrich the quality of farm family life.

 

Heartland Community College

Heartland began classes in a strip mall in Normal in 1991. The college now operates campuses in Normal, Lincoln, and Pontiac covering more than 70 areas of study.

 

Chestnut Health Systems

Accredited by the Joint Commission since 1975, Chestnut offers comprehensive behavioral and mental health treatment and human services at 11 Illinois locations – four of which (including the headquarters) are based in Bloomington-Normal.