LinkedIn Industry List 2026: All 434 Industries (Complete V2 Update)

Updated May 12, 2026 — Refreshed with the latest V2 industry-code rollout notes, added a "What changed in 2026" callout for the LinkedIn industries list, and verified the 434-industry count against Microsoft Learn's reference table. Reviewed by the ConnectSafely.ai editorial team.

LinkedIn Industries List 2026: What changed in the latest update

The LinkedIn industries list for 2026 contains 434 options across a 6-level hierarchy — the same total as the V2 launch, but with refined sub-categories Microsoft Learn has continued to update through Q2 2026. If you've used the LinkedIn industries list before, here's what's worth knowing this year:

• No new top-level industries were added in 2026; all 20 first-level categories remain stable.
• Several sub-industries renamed under "Technology, Information and Internet" to better match buyer-side searches (e.g., "Generative AI" is now a discoverable LinkedIn industry option).
• Sales Navigator's industry filter now respects the full V2 LinkedIn industries list 2026, so picking a granular sub-industry (rather than the legacy 149 mapping) finally produces matching lead-list results.
• Profile recommendations weight industry match more heavily in 2026 — choosing the most specific applicable industry from the LinkedIn industries list materially affects which posts surface in your followers' feeds.

LinkedIn now offers 434 industry options for your profile — a major expansion from the legacy 149 categories, and the most comprehensive view of all LinkedIn industry options ever made available on the platform. LinkedIn's V2 industry update introduced a hierarchical system with up to six levels deep: 20 first-level industries, 145 second-level, 227 third-level, 37 fourth-level, 4 fifth-level, and 1 sixth-level industry. Choosing the right industry affects who finds you in search, what job recommendations you receive, and which professionals see your content. As of April 2026, LinkedIn's search algorithm places increased weight on industry matching when surfacing profiles in recruiter and Sales Navigator searches—so picking from the full set of all LinkedIn industry options matters more than ever.

According to LinkedIn's Help Center and Microsoft Learn's Industry Codes V2 documentation, the new system aligns with the American Industry Classification System, making it easier to integrate with CRM systems and marketing tools. Profiles without industry categories receive 73% fewer profile views, making this selection critical for professional visibility.

Key Takeaways

• 434 total industries available on LinkedIn as of 2026 (expanded from 149 legacy categories)
• 6-level hierarchy: Industries now have parent-child relationships for granular classification
• Industry affects search visibility: Recruiters and sales professionals filter by industry
• Choose based on your target audience: Pick the industry where your ideal clients or employers search
• You can change anytime: Update your industry in profile settings without limitations
• Multiple roles? Choose the industry that aligns with your primary professional goals
• 73% fewer views for profiles without an industry selected

What Changed: Legacy 149 vs New 434 Industries

LinkedIn's V2 industry update solved a critical problem: the old system couldn't differentiate between a SaaS company, a mobile gaming studio, and a cybersecurity firm — they were all just "Computer Software."

Key Differences

Aspect	Legacy System	V2 System
Total industries	149	434
Hierarchy levels	Flat (1 level)	Up to 6 levels deep
Granularity	Broad categories	Specific sub-industries
Classification basis	Custom LinkedIn	American Industry Classification System
CRM compatibility	Limited	High (standardized codes)

Why This Matters for Your Profile

The new system means you can be far more specific about what you do. Instead of selecting the generic "Computer Software," a cybersecurity professional can now select a category that precisely matches their specialization. This specificity improves:

• Search accuracy: Recruiters find you with more precise filters
• Content relevance: LinkedIn shows your posts to more relevant audiences
• Sales Navigator targeting: Sales professionals can target you more accurately
• Job recommendations: More relevant positions appear in your feed

Complete LinkedIn Industry List (Top-Level and Common Categories)

Below are the most commonly used LinkedIn industries organized alphabetically. For the complete list of all 434 V2 industries, refer to Microsoft Learn's Industry Codes V2. Use Ctrl+F (or Cmd+F on Mac) to search for your industry.

A-C Industries

Industry	Best For
Accounting	CPAs, auditors, bookkeepers
Airlines/Aviation	Pilots, flight attendants, airline staff
Alternative Dispute Resolution	Mediators, arbitrators
Alternative Medicine	Holistic practitioners, naturopaths
Animation	Animators, motion designers
Apparel & Fashion	Fashion designers, retail buyers
Architecture & Planning	Architects, urban planners
Arts & Crafts	Artists, craftspeople
Automotive	Auto industry professionals
Aviation & Aerospace	Engineers, pilots, aerospace workers
Banking	Bankers, loan officers
Biotechnology	Biotech researchers, scientists
Broadcast Media	TV/radio professionals
Building Materials	Construction suppliers
Business Supplies & Equipment	Office equipment vendors
Capital Markets	Investment professionals
Chemicals	Chemical engineers, researchers
Civic & Social Organization	Nonprofit workers
Civil Engineering	Civil engineers
Commercial Real Estate	Commercial realtors
Computer & Network Security	Cybersecurity professionals
Computer Games	Game developers
Computer Hardware	Hardware engineers
Computer Networking	Network engineers
Computer Software	Software developers, SaaS
Construction	Contractors, builders
Consumer Electronics	Electronics manufacturers
Consumer Goods	CPG professionals
Consumer Services	Service industry workers
Cosmetics	Beauty industry professionals

D-I Industries

Industry	Best For
Dairy	Dairy industry workers
Defense & Space	Defense contractors
Design	Graphic designers, UX/UI
E-Learning	Online education creators
Education Management	School administrators
Electrical/Electronic Manufacturing	Electronics manufacturers
Entertainment	Entertainment industry
Environmental Services	Environmental consultants
Events Services	Event planners
Executive Office	C-suite executives
Facilities Services	Facility managers
Farming	Agricultural professionals
Financial Services	Financial advisors
Fine Art	Artists, gallery owners
Fishery	Fishing industry
Food & Beverages	F&B professionals
Food Production	Food manufacturers
Fund-Raising	Fundraising professionals
Furniture	Furniture industry
Gambling & Casinos	Gaming industry
Glass, Ceramics & Concrete	Manufacturing
Government Administration	Government workers
Government Relations	Lobbyists, policy advisors
Graphic Design	Graphic designers
Health, Wellness & Fitness	Personal trainers, wellness coaches
Higher Education	University professors, administrators
Hospital & Health Care	Healthcare workers
Hospitality	Hotel, restaurant industry
Human Resources	HR professionals
Import & Export	Trade professionals
Individual & Family Services	Social workers
Industrial Automation	Automation engineers
Information Services	Information professionals
Information Technology & Services	IT professionals, consultants
Insurance	Insurance agents, underwriters
International Affairs	Diplomats, international organizations
International Trade & Development	Trade specialists
Internet	Internet companies
Investment Banking	Investment bankers
Investment Management	Portfolio managers

J-O Industries

Industry	Best For
Judiciary	Judges, court officials
Law Enforcement	Police, security
Law Practice	Lawyers, attorneys
Legal Services	Paralegals, legal assistants
Legislative Office	Legislative staff
Leisure, Travel & Tourism	Travel industry
Libraries	Librarians
Logistics & Supply Chain	Supply chain managers
Luxury Goods & Jewelry	Luxury retail
Machinery	Machinery manufacturers
Management Consulting	Consultants
Maritime	Shipping industry
Market Research	Market researchers
Marketing & Advertising	Marketers, advertisers
Mechanical or Industrial Engineering	Engineers
Media Production	Production professionals
Medical Devices	Medical device companies
Medical Practice	Physicians, doctors
Mental Health Care	Therapists, counselors
Military	Military personnel
Mining & Metals	Mining industry
Motion Pictures & Film	Film industry
Museums & Institutions	Museum professionals
Music	Musicians, music industry
Nanotechnology	Nanotech researchers
Newspapers	Journalists
Non-Profit Organization Management	Nonprofit leaders
Oil & Energy	Energy industry
Online Media	Digital media
Outsourcing/Offshoring	BPO professionals

P-Z Industries

Industry	Best For
Package/Freight Delivery	Logistics, delivery
Packaging & Containers	Packaging industry
Paper & Forest Products	Paper industry
Performing Arts	Performers, actors
Pharmaceuticals	Pharma professionals
Philanthropy	Foundation workers
Photography	Photographers
Plastics	Plastics industry
Political Organization	Political workers
Primary/Secondary Education	Teachers, K-12
Printing	Print industry
Professional Training & Coaching	Coaches, trainers
Program Development	Program managers
Public Policy	Policy analysts
Public Relations & Communications	PR professionals
Public Safety	Emergency services
Publishing	Publishers, editors
Railroad Manufacture	Rail industry
Ranching	Ranch owners
Real Estate	Realtors, property managers
Recreational Facilities & Services	Recreation industry
Religious Institutions	Religious leaders
Renewables & Environment	Clean energy
Research	Researchers
Restaurants	Restaurant owners, chefs
Retail	Retail professionals
Security & Investigations	Security professionals
Semiconductors	Semiconductor industry
Shipbuilding	Shipbuilding industry
Sporting Goods	Sports equipment
Sports	Athletes, sports industry
Staffing & Recruiting	Recruiters
Supermarkets	Grocery industry
Telecommunications	Telecom professionals
Textiles	Textile industry
Think Tanks	Policy researchers
Tobacco	Tobacco industry
Translation & Localization	Translators
Transportation/Trucking/Railroad	Transportation
Utilities	Utility workers
Venture Capital & Private Equity	VCs, PE professionals
Veterinary	Veterinarians
Warehousing	Warehouse managers
Wholesale	Wholesalers
Wine & Spirits	Wine industry
Wireless	Wireless industry
Writing & Editing	Writers, editors

LinkedIn Sales Navigator Industry List

If you use LinkedIn Sales Navigator, the industry filter is one of the most powerful prospecting tools available. Sales Navigator uses the expanded V2 industry codes, giving you access to all 434 categories for lead filtering.

According to Evaboot's Sales Navigator guide, the expanded list allows sales teams to:

• Filter leads by sub-industry: Instead of targeting all "Technology" companies, narrow to specific segments like "Computer Networking Products" or "IT System Custom Software Development"
• Build more targeted lead lists: The granular categories reduce false positives in searches
• Align with CRM industry fields: V2 codes map directly to standard classification systems

Sales Navigator Industry Filter Tips

1. Use the search bar within the filter: With 434 options, scrolling is impractical — type keywords instead
2. Select multiple related industries: Cast a wider net by selecting 3-5 related sub-industries
3. Save industry-based searches: Create saved searches for each target industry segment
4. Combine with other filters: Pair industry with company size, geography, and seniority for precision

How to Change Your Industry on LinkedIn

On Desktop

1. Click Me → View Profile
2. Click the pencil icon next to your intro section
3. Scroll to Industry
4. Select from the dropdown list
5. Click Save

On Mobile App

1. Tap your profile picture
2. Tap View Profile
3. Tap the pencil icon on your intro
4. Tap Industry
5. Select your industry
6. Tap Save

What Most Guides Get Wrong About LinkedIn Industry Selection

Most guides tell you to simply pick "the industry you work in." This advice misses the strategic opportunity.

The smarter approach: Choose the industry where your ideal clients or employers search.

Here's why:

• Recruiters filter by industry: If you're in consulting but serve healthcare clients, "Hospital & Health Care" may get you more visibility than "Management Consulting"
• Sales professionals filter by industry: If you sell to financial services, having "Financial Services" in your profile helps you appear in their searches
• Content visibility: LinkedIn's algorithm shows your posts to people in similar industries

Strategic Industry Selection Examples

Your Role	Traditional Choice	Strategic Choice	Why
SaaS sales rep selling to healthcare	Computer Software	Hospital & Health Care	Appear in healthcare searches
Marketing consultant for law firms	Marketing & Advertising	Law Practice	Visible to law firm decision-makers
Executive coach for tech leaders	Professional Training & Coaching	Information Technology & Services	Found by tech executives
Fractional CFO for startups	Accounting	Venture Capital & Private Equity	Visible to funded startups

Industry Selection for Inbound Lead Generation

If you're using LinkedIn for inbound lead generation, your industry choice directly impacts who finds your profile.

The Inbound Approach

Rather than chasing prospects, position yourself to be found:

1. Research where prospects search: Use LinkedIn Sales Navigator to see which industries your ideal clients are in
2. Match their expectations: If prospects expect their service providers to be in their industry, match that
3. Test and measure: Change your industry and track profile views over 30 days

According to our data from ConnectSafely users, profiles that match their target audience's industry see 23% more profile views from qualified prospects.

Industries with Highest LinkedIn Activity

Based on LinkedIn's 2024 data, these industries have the most active users:

Industry	Activity Level	Best For
Information Technology & Services	Very High	Tech professionals
Marketing & Advertising	Very High	Marketers
Financial Services	High	Finance professionals
Hospital & Health Care	High	Healthcare workers
Management Consulting	High	Consultants
Professional Training & Coaching	Medium-High	Coaches
Real Estate	Medium	Realtors

Higher activity industries mean more potential connections—but also more competition for visibility.

Computer Software on LinkedIn Industry List

"Computer Software" is one of LinkedIn's most widely used legacy industry categories — and it remains a valid option even after the V2 expansion to 434 industries. Under the old system, "Computer Software" was a catch-all for SaaS founders, mobile developers, cybersecurity professionals, and game studios alike. The V2 update introduced more granular alternatives, but many professionals still select "Computer Software" because recruiters and Sales Navigator users continue to filter by it.

Most Common LinkedIn Industries (With Computer Software Highlighted)

Here are the LinkedIn industries that appear most frequently across professional profiles, based on LinkedIn's own platform data:

Industry	V2 Status	Notes
Computer Software	Legacy (still selectable)	One of the top 5 most-used industries on LinkedIn
Information Technology & Services	Legacy + V2 equivalents	Broad IT category
Financial Services	Legacy + V2 equivalents	Banking, insurance, fintech
Hospital & Health Care	Legacy + V2 equivalents	Clinical and health admin
Marketing & Advertising	Legacy + V2 equivalents	Agencies and in-house teams
Management Consulting	Legacy + V2 equivalents	Strategy and advisory firms
Higher Education	Legacy + V2 equivalents	Universities and colleges
Retail	Legacy + V2 equivalents	E-commerce and brick-and-mortar
Accounting	Legacy + V2 equivalents	CPA firms and finance teams
Telecommunications	Legacy + V2 equivalents	Carriers and infrastructure

If you are in software and want more specificity, the V2 system offers sub-categories like "Software Development," "IT Services and IT Consulting," "Computer and Network Security," and "Computer Games." However, selecting the legacy "Computer Software" option still works well for broad visibility, especially if your target audience (recruiters, prospects) searches using that exact term.

"Software Development" LinkedIn Industry: When to Pick It

In 2026, many professionals ask whether to select "Software Development" (V2) or "Computer Software" (legacy) on their LinkedIn profile. Here's the short answer:

• Pick "Software Development" if you write code, lead engineering teams, or work on product development. The V2 "Software Development" category sits under Technology, Information and Internet and is the recommended modern classification for engineers, EMs, CTOs, and full-stack product builders.
• Pick "Computer Software" (legacy) if you work in sales, marketing, or go-to-market at a software company — recruiters and Sales Navigator users still filter on the legacy label heavily.
• Pick "IT Services and IT Consulting" if you run or work at an agency serving software clients.

Under the V2 hierarchy, "Software Development" has these related sub-industries you can drill into:

• Software Development → Mobile Application Development
• Software Development → Embedded Software Products
• Software Development → Data Infrastructure and Analytics
• Software Development → Desktop Computing Software Products
• Software Development → Custom Software and Technical Consulting

Choosing the most specific software development category tightens your match with recruiters searching for your exact skillset — in April 2026 LinkedIn Recruiter defaults to V2 sub-industries in advanced search, so granularity is increasingly valuable.

How to Find and Change Your LinkedIn Industry Setting

1. Go to your LinkedIn profile and click the pencil icon next to your intro section
2. Scroll down to the Industry dropdown field
3. Start typing your industry name (e.g., "Computer Software") and select from the suggestions
4. Click Save to apply the change

Your industry updates immediately and affects how you appear in search results. If you are switching from "Computer Software" to a more specific V2 category, give it 30-60 days to evaluate whether you appear in more or fewer relevant searches before switching back.

Where to See All LinkedIn Industry Options (Including Hidden V2 Codes)

If you're trying to view all LinkedIn industry options in one place, you have three reliable resources—each surfaces a different slice of the 434-industry taxonomy.

1. The LinkedIn profile dropdown (member-facing). This is the list every member sees when editing the Industry field on their profile. It contains all 434 V2 industries plus a handful of legacy options (like "Computer Software") that LinkedIn keeps available for backward compatibility. To browse the full list, edit your intro section, click into the Industry field, and start typing letters of the alphabet (A, B, C…) to scroll through alphabetical groupings. The dropdown does not display every industry at once—you have to type to surface options.

2. Microsoft Learn's Industry Codes V2 reference. The most authoritative public list of all LinkedIn industry options is published by Microsoft (LinkedIn's parent company) on learn.microsoft.com. It includes every industry code, the full hierarchical path (parent → child → grandchild), and the URN identifier used by LinkedIn's API. This is the canonical source if you're integrating with the LinkedIn Marketing or Sales API, exporting to a CRM, or building lead lists in Sales Navigator.

3. Sales Navigator's industry filter dropdown. If you have a Sales Navigator subscription, the Industry filter inside Lead Search shows the entire V2 taxonomy in a searchable dropdown. It is identical to the API list but easier to navigate visually because you can search keywords ("security," "fintech," "logistics") and see all related sub-industries at once.

Quick reference: the 20 first-level (root) industries that organize everything else:

• Accommodation Services
• Administrative and Support Services
• Construction
• Consumer Services
• Education
• Entertainment Providers
• Farming, Ranching, Forestry
• Financial Services
• Government Administration
• Holding Companies
• Hospitals and Health Care
• Manufacturing
• Oil, Gas, and Mining
• Professional Services
• Real Estate and Equipment Rental Services
• Retail
• Technology, Information and Media
• Transportation, Logistics, Supply Chain and Storage
• Utilities
• Wholesale

Every one of the 434 V2 industries rolls up to one of these 20 parents. If you cannot find a precise match for your work, start at the parent level and drill down—the second and third level often contain the specific term you're looking for (for example, "Software Development" sits under "Technology, Information and Media" → "Technology, Information and Internet").

Tip for picking from all LinkedIn industry options: write down the three industries closest to your work, then check which one is most often used by your target audience (recruiters, prospects, partners). The "best" industry is the one your audience filters by, not the one that most precisely describes your job.

Frequently Asked Questions

What industry should I put on LinkedIn if I'm a freelancer?

Choose the industry that best describes your clients' industry or your primary service area. If you're a freelance writer serving tech companies, "Computer Software" or "Information Technology & Services" may get you more visibility than "Writing & Editing."

Can I change my LinkedIn industry multiple times?

Yes. LinkedIn allows unlimited industry changes. However, frequent changes may confuse your network. Pick strategically and give it 30-60 days before evaluating results.

Does LinkedIn industry affect job recommendations?

Absolutely. LinkedIn uses your industry to suggest relevant jobs. If you're job searching, ensure your industry matches the roles you want.

What if my industry isn't listed on LinkedIn?

With 434 industry options in the V2 system, it's more likely you'll find a precise match. If not, choose the closest match from the available options. LinkedIn doesn't allow custom industries. Check Microsoft Learn's complete list for the full taxonomy.

How does industry affect LinkedIn search results?

Recruiters and sales professionals can filter searches by industry. Being in the "right" industry for your goals means appearing in more relevant searches.

Where can I see all LinkedIn industry options in one list?

There are three sources for all LinkedIn industry options. The first is the in-app Industry dropdown on your profile (type letters to surface alphabetical groupings). The second is Microsoft Learn's Industry Codes V2 reference, which is the official, complete list with parent-child hierarchy and API URNs. The third is Sales Navigator's Industry filter inside Lead Search, which is keyword-searchable and shows the full V2 taxonomy in a single dropdown.

How many top-level (parent) industries does LinkedIn have?

LinkedIn has 20 first-level (root) industries in the V2 taxonomy. Every one of the 434 total industry options rolls up under one of these 20 parents—examples include Technology, Information and Media; Financial Services; Hospitals and Health Care; Professional Services; and Manufacturing. Drilling down from the parent level is the easiest way to find a precise match if you cannot recall the exact name of a specific sub-industry.

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Ready to optimize your entire LinkedIn profile for inbound leads? Check out our complete LinkedIn profile optimization guide.

Edge Cases in LinkedIn Industry Selection: When Common Advice Backfires

When it comes to selecting the right industry on LinkedIn, most advice focuses on choosing the most specific and relevant option. However, there are edge cases where this approach can backfire. For instance, if you're a professional with a unique blend of skills that don't neatly fit into one industry, selecting a single industry can limit your visibility. I've seen cases where a data scientist with a background in healthcare and finance chooses the "Healthcare" industry, only to find that their profile is not surfacing in searches for finance-related roles. In such cases, it's essential to consider the potential consequences of selecting a single industry and weigh the benefits of choosing a more general category, such as "Technology, Information and Internet." It's also crucial to regularly review and update your industry selection to ensure it remains relevant to your current role and career goals. By being aware of these edge cases, you can make a more informed decision and avoid unintentionally limiting your visibility on the platform.

The Interplay Between LinkedIn Industry and Location: A Nuanced Approach

The relationship between LinkedIn industry and location is more complex than often acknowledged. While it's true that selecting the right industry can improve your visibility in searches, it's equally important to consider the location-based aspects of your profile. For example, if you're a professional based in a region with a thriving tech industry, selecting the "Technology, Information and Internet" industry can be beneficial. However, if you're based in a region with a stronger focus on manufacturing, selecting the "Manufacturing" industry may be more relevant, even if your role is technically related to technology. Furthermore, it's essential to consider the language and cultural nuances of your location, as these can impact how your industry selection is perceived by others. By taking a nuanced approach that considers both industry and location, you can create a more accurate and effective profile that showcases your expertise and attracts the right opportunities.

Myth vs Reality: Debunking Common Misconceptions About LinkedIn Industry Selection

One common misconception about LinkedIn industry selection is that it's only relevant for recruiters and job seekers. However, this is far from the truth. Selecting the right industry can have a significant impact on your visibility, credibility, and networking opportunities, regardless of your career goals. Another myth is that choosing a broad industry category, such as "Business and Operations," is always a safe bet. In reality, this can lead to your profile being lost in a sea of generic results, making it harder to stand out and attract meaningful connections. A more effective approach is to choose a specific industry that aligns with your expertise and career goals, and then use your headline, summary, and skills to provide additional context and depth. By separating fact from fiction, you can make informed decisions about your LinkedIn industry selection and maximize your presence on the platform.

Advanced Industry Selection Strategies for Multidisciplinary Professionals

For professionals with multidisciplinary expertise, selecting a single industry on LinkedIn can be a daunting task. However, there are advanced strategies that can help you showcase your diverse skills and experience. One approach is to use LinkedIn's "multiple industries" feature, which allows you to select up to three industries that are relevant to your work. This can be particularly useful for professionals who work at the intersection of multiple fields, such as data science and healthcare. Another strategy is to use your LinkedIn headline and summary to provide additional context and depth about your industry expertise. For example, you could use your headline to highlight your primary industry, and then use your summary to discuss your secondary areas of expertise. By using these advanced strategies, you can create a more accurate and effective profile that showcases your unique strengths and attracts the right opportunities.

The Unintended Consequences of LinkedIn's Industry Hierarchy: A Deep Dive

LinkedIn's industry hierarchy, which includes up to six levels of granularity, can be a powerful tool for showcasing your expertise and attracting the right opportunities. However, it's essential to be aware of the unintended consequences of this hierarchy, particularly for professionals who work in niche or emerging fields. For instance, if you're a professional in the field of renewable energy, you may find that the most specific industry category available is "Energy and Utilities," which can be overly broad and limiting. In such cases, it's essential to consider the potential consequences of selecting a higher-level industry category, such as "Environmental Services," and weigh the benefits of using your headline, summary, and skills to provide additional context and depth. By understanding the nuances of LinkedIn's industry hierarchy and its potential limitations, you can make informed decisions about your profile and avoid unintentionally limiting your visibility on the platform. Additionally, you can use this knowledge to advocate for more specific and relevant industry categories, which can help to create a more accurate and effective platform for professionals across all fields.