LinkedIn Industry List 2026: All 434 Industries (V2)

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 North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) — Microsoft (LinkedIn's parent) even publishes a dedicated NAICS-to-LinkedIn V2 mapping table — making it easier to integrate with CRM systems and marketing tools. (LinkedIn's codes are NAICS-aligned but not identical, since they were adapted for LinkedIn's global member base.) 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

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

D-I Industries

J-O Industries

P-Z Industries

Complete LinkedIn Industry List by V2 Sector (All 20 Sectors)

The table-based lists above cover common industries alphabetically. Below is the authoritative breakdown of all LinkedIn V2 industries organized by their 20 official top-level sectors — the same structure you see in Microsoft Learn's Industry Codes V2 reference. Use this to navigate from a sector down to the exact sub-industry that fits your work.

Note: LinkedIn only allows one industry per profile. Choose the single option that best matches your role and target audience, since you cannot select multiple industries on a personal profile (though Sales Navigator allows multi-select when searching).

Sector 1: Accommodation and Food Services

Food and Beverage Services — Bars, Taverns, and Nightclubs · Caterers · Mobile Food Services · Restaurants
Hospitality — Bed-and-Breakfasts, Hostels, Homestays · Hotels and Motels

Sector 2: Administrative and Support Services

Collection Agencies · Events Services · Facilities Services · Fundraising · Office Administration · Security and Investigations · Staffing and Recruiting · Telephone Call Centers · Translation and Localization · Travel Arrangements · Writing and Editing

Sector 3: Construction

Building Construction · Civil Engineering · Specialty Trade Contractors

Sector 4: Consumer Services

Civic and Social Organizations · Household Services · Non-profit Organizations · Personal and Laundry Services · Philanthropic Fundraising Services · Religious Institutions · Repair and Maintenance

Sector 5: Education

E-Learning Providers · Higher Education · Primary and Secondary Education · Professional Training and Coaching · Technical and Vocational Training

Sector 6: Entertainment Providers

Artists and Writers · Museums, Historical Sites, and Zoos (Historical Sites · Museums · Zoos and Botanical Gardens) · Musicians · Performing Arts and Spectator Sports (Circuses and Magic Shows · Dance Companies · Performing Arts · Theater Companies) · Recreational Facilities (Amusement Parks and Arcades · Gambling Facilities and Casinos · Golf Courses and Country Clubs · Skiing Facilities · Wellness and Fitness Services) · Spectator Sports (Racetracks · Sports Teams and Clubs)

Sector 7: Farming, Ranching, Forestry

Farming · Ranching and Fisheries · Forestry and Logging

Sector 8: Financial Services

Capital Markets — Investment Advice · Investment Banking · Investment Management · Securities and Commodity Exchanges · Venture Capital and Private Equity Principals
Credit Intermediation — Banking · International Trade and Development · Loan Brokers · Savings Institutions
Funds and Trusts — Insurance and Employee Benefit Funds · Pension Funds · Trusts and Estates
Insurance — Claims Adjusting, Actuarial Services · Insurance Agencies and Brokerages · Insurance Carriers

Sector 9: Government Administration

Administration of Justice — Correctional Institutions · Courts of Law · Fire Protection · Law Enforcement · Public Safety
Economic Programs — Transportation Programs · Utilities Administration
Environmental Quality Programs — Air, Water, and Waste Program Management · Conservation Programs
Health and Human Services — Education Administration Programs · Public Assistance Programs · Public Health
Housing and Community Development — Community Development and Urban Planning · Housing Programs
Military and International Affairs — Armed Forces · International Affairs
Public Policy — Executive Offices · Legislative Offices
Space Research and Technology

Sector 10: Holding Companies

Holding Companies

Sector 11: Hospitals and Health Care

Community Services · Hospitals, Individual and Family Services · Medical Practices · Nursing Homes and Residential Care Facilities

Sector 12: Manufacturing

Apparel Manufacturing — Fashion Accessories Manufacturing
Appliances, Electrical, and Electronics Manufacturing — Electric Lighting Equipment Manufacturing · Electrical Equipment Manufacturing · Household Appliance Manufacturing
Chemical Manufacturing — Agricultural Chemical Manufacturing · Artificial Rubber and Synthetic Fiber Manufacturing · Chemical Raw Materials Manufacturing · Paint, Coating, and Adhesive Manufacturing · Personal Care Product Manufacturing · Pharmaceutical Manufacturing · Soap and Cleaning Product Manufacturing
Computers and Electronics Manufacturing — Audio and Video Equipment Manufacturing · Communications Equipment Manufacturing · Computer Hardware Manufacturing · Magnetic and Optical Media Manufacturing · Measuring and Control Instrument Manufacturing · Semiconductor Manufacturing
Fabricated Metal Products — Architectural and Structural Metal Manufacturing · Boilers, Tanks, and Shipping Container Manufacturing · Construction Hardware Manufacturing · Cutlery and Handtool Manufacturing · Metal Treatments · Metal Valve, Ball, and Roller Manufacturing · Spring and Wire Product Manufacturing · Turned Products and Fastener Manufacturing
Food and Beverage Manufacturing — Animal Feed Manufacturing · Baked Goods Manufacturing · Beverage Manufacturing · Dairy Product Manufacturing · Fruit and Vegetable Preserves Manufacturing · Meat Products Manufacturing · Seafood Product Manufacturing · Sugar and Confectionery Product Manufacturing
Furniture and Home Furnishings Manufacturing — Household and Institutional Furniture Manufacturing · Mattress and Blinds Manufacturing · Office Furniture and Fixtures Manufacturing
Glass, Ceramics and Concrete Manufacturing — Abrasives and Nonmetallic Minerals Manufacturing · Clay and Refractory Products Manufacturing · Glass Product Manufacturing · Lime and Gypsum Products Manufacturing
Leather Product Manufacturing — Footwear Manufacturing · Women's Handbag Manufacturing
Machinery Manufacturing — Agriculture, Construction, Mining Machinery Manufacturing · Automation Machinery Manufacturing · Commercial and Service Industry Machinery Manufacturing · Engines and Power Transmission Equipment Manufacturing · HVAC and Refrigeration Equipment Manufacturing · Industrial Machinery Manufacturing · Metalworking Machinery Manufacturing
Medical Equipment Manufacturing · Oil and Coal Product Manufacturing · Paper and Forest Product Manufacturing
Plastics and Rubber Product Manufacturing — Packaging and Containers Manufacturing · Plastics Manufacturing · Rubber Products Manufacturing
Primary Metal Manufacturing · Printing Services · Sporting Goods Manufacturing · Textile Manufacturing · Tobacco Manufacturing
Transportation Equipment Manufacturing — Aviation and Aerospace Component Manufacturing · Defense and Space Manufacturing · Motor Vehicle Manufacturing · Motor Vehicle Parts Manufacturing · Railroad Equipment Manufacturing · Shipbuilding
Wood Product Manufacturing

Sector 13: Oil, Gas, and Mining

Mining · Oil and Gas

Sector 14: Professional Services

Accounting · Advertising Services — Government Relations Services · Market Research · Photography · Public Relations and Communications Services
Architecture and Planning
Business Consulting and Services — Environmental Services · Human Resources Services · Marketing Services · Operations Consulting · Outsourcing and Offshoring Consulting · Strategic Management Services
Design Services — Graphic Design · Interior Design
Engineering Services
IT Services and IT Consulting — Computer and Network Security · IT System Custom Software Development · IT System Data Services · IT System Design Services · IT System Installation and Disposal · IT System Operations and Maintenance · IT System Testing and Evaluation · IT System Training and Support
Legal Services — Alternative Dispute Resolution · Law Practice
Research Services — Biotechnology Research · Nanotechnology Research · Think Tanks
Services for Renewable Energy · Veterinary Services

Sector 15: Real Estate and Equipment Rental Services

Equipment Rental Services · Real Estate

Sector 16: Retail

Food and Beverage Retail · Online and Mail Order Retail · Retail Apparel and Fashion · Retail Appliances, Electrical, and Electronic Equipment · Retail Art Dealers · Retail Art Supplies · Retail Books and Printed News · Retail Building Materials and Garden Equipment · Retail Florists · Retail Furniture and Home Furnishings · Retail Gasoline · Retail Health and Personal Care Products · Retail Luxury Goods and Jewelry · Retail Motor Vehicles · Retail Musical Instruments · Retail Office Equipment · Retail Office Supplies and Gifts · Retail Recyclable Materials and Used Merchandise

Sector 17: Technology, Information and Media

Book and Periodical Publishing · Broadcast Media Production and Distribution · Data Infrastructure and Analytics · Information Services · Internet Marketplace Platforms · Movies, Videos, and Sound · Social Networking Platforms · Software Development (Computer Games) · Telecommunications

Sector 18: Transportation, Logistics, Supply Chain and Storage

Airlines and Aviation · Freight and Package Transportation · Ground Passenger Transportation · Maritime Transportation · Pipeline Transportation · Postal Services · Rail Transportation · Truck Transportation · Warehousing and Storage

Sector 19: Utilities

Electric Power Generation · Electric Power Transmission, Control, and Distribution · Natural Gas Distribution · Water, Waste, Steam, and Air Conditioning Services

Sector 20: Wholesale

Wholesale Alcoholic Beverages · Wholesale Apparel and Sewing Supplies · Wholesale Appliances, Electrical, and Electronics · Wholesale Building Materials · Wholesale Chemical and Allied Products · Wholesale Computer Equipment · Wholesale Drugs and Sundries · Wholesale Food and Beverage · Wholesale Footwear · Wholesale Furniture and Home Furnishings · Wholesale Hardware, Plumbing, Heating Equipment · Wholesale Import and Export · Wholesale Luxury Goods and Jewelry · Wholesale Machinery · Wholesale Metals and Minerals · Wholesale Motor Vehicles and Parts · Wholesale Paper Products · Wholesale Petroleum and Petroleum Products · Wholesale Photography Equipment and Supplies · Wholesale Raw Farm Products · Wholesale Recyclable Materials

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Industries on LinkedIn by Member Count

Understanding which sectors have the most LinkedIn members helps you gauge both opportunity and competition. According to available LinkedIn platform data, the approximate member distribution across major sectors is:

The 7 most represented industries by company count on LinkedIn (as of LinkedIn's own platform data) are:

1. Information Technology & Services
2. Hospitals & Health Care
3. Construction
4. Retail Trade
5. Education Management
6. Financial Services
7. Accounting

Higher member counts mean more potential connections and content reach — but also more competition for search visibility. Smaller or more niche industries often allow faster ranking gains precisely because fewer profiles compete on those terms.

Company Page Industry vs. Profile Industry: Key Differences

LinkedIn treats company page industries and personal profile industries differently, and the distinction matters for both targeting and visibility.

Personal profile industry:

• You select a single industry — LinkedIn allows only one
• Affects which recruiter and Sales Navigator searches you appear in
• Influences the LinkedIn algorithm's content distribution (posts reach people in related industries first)
• Visible on your profile intro below your headline and location
• Can be changed unlimited times with no lock-in period

Company page industry:

• Set under "Edit Page" → "Company Details" → Industry
• Uses the same taxonomy as personal profiles
• Determines how your company appears in Sales Navigator account searches
• Affects which company-level searches and recommendations your page surfaces in
• Companies can carry multiple industry tags in LinkedIn's backend (which is why a health-tech startup can appear in both "Computer Software" and "Hospital & Health Care" searches in Sales Navigator)

Practical implication: If you are a sales professional trying to appear in your prospects' searches, your personal profile industry is what matters — that is what recruiters and buyers see. If you manage a company page, the company's industry classification determines which account-level searches in Sales Navigator pull up your organization.

What Industry Is Sales on LinkedIn?

This is one of the most-searched questions about the LinkedIn industry list. The direct answer: there is no "Sales" industry on LinkedIn.

LinkedIn's industry taxonomy describes the sector a company or professional operates in, not a job function. Sales is a function, not an industry. Here is what to select depending on your situation:

The strategic reason: recruiters and Sales Navigator users filter by the industry their company operates in. A VP of Sales at a healthcare company searches for candidates in "Hospitals and Health Care," not "Sales." Positioning yourself in your buyer's or employer's industry — rather than a generic function — puts your profile in front of the right searches.

Emerging LinkedIn Industry Categories to Know in 2026

LinkedIn's V2 taxonomy has added and refined categories in recent years to reflect new economic sectors. Notable additions and growing categories include:

• Software Development (replacing "Computer Software" as the recommended V2 pick for engineers)
• Data Infrastructure and Analytics (formerly lumped under "Information Technology & Services")
• Internet Marketplace Platforms (covering marketplace businesses like gig economy platforms)
• IT System Custom Software Development (for bespoke software consultancies)
• Services for Renewable Energy (breaking out cleantech from general "Environmental Services")
• Biotechnology Research and Nanotechnology Research (under Professional Services → Research)
• Social Networking Platforms (for companies building community and social tools)

If your work falls in an emerging area that doesn't have a direct match yet, the best practice is to select the closest V2 parent category, then use your profile headline and About section to specify your niche. LinkedIn does not allow custom industries.

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

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:

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:

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.

What classification standard is the LinkedIn industry list based on?

The V2 industry list aligns with the North American Industry Classification System (NAICS), the standard statistical classification used across the US, Canada, and Mexico. LinkedIn's codes are NAICS-aligned but not identical — they were adapted for LinkedIn's global member base. Microsoft (LinkedIn's parent company) publishes both the Industry Codes V2 reference and a dedicated NAICS V2 mapping table so you can match LinkedIn industries to standard NAICS codes for CRM and reporting.

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.

Can I select multiple industries on LinkedIn?

No. LinkedIn personal profiles and company pages can only have one industry selected at a time. This is different from Sales Navigator, which lets you select unlimited industries simultaneously when filtering searches. Because you can only pick one, it pays to think strategically about which single industry best positions you for your target audience's searches.

What industry should I put on LinkedIn if I work in sales?

There is no "Sales" industry on LinkedIn — the taxonomy describes sectors, not job functions. Sales professionals should select the industry of the sector they sell into or serve. For example, if you sell SaaS to healthcare companies, "Hospitals and Health Care" or "Hospital & Health Care" will put your profile in front of healthcare decision-makers searching LinkedIn. If you sell financial technology, select "Financial Services" or the relevant sub-sector. See the "What Industry Is Sales on LinkedIn?" section above for a role-by-role guide.

What is the difference between company page industry and personal profile industry on LinkedIn?

Both use the same V2 taxonomy, but they serve different purposes. Your personal profile industry determines which recruiter and Sales Navigator searches surface your individual profile, and it is what LinkedIn uses for content distribution to relevant audiences. Your company page industry determines how your organization appears in account-level Sales Navigator searches. Companies can carry multiple industry tags in LinkedIn's back-end (making them searchable across related categories), while individuals can only select one.

Does LinkedIn industry affect my SSI (Social Selling Index) score?

Your LinkedIn industry selection determines which professionals you are benchmarked against in the Industry SSI Rank — one of two rank metrics shown on the SSI dashboard at linkedin.com/sales/ssi. LinkedIn compares your SSI score to others in the same industry you have selected on your profile. Choosing a less competitive industry can improve your industry rank percentile, but it won't help you reach the right buyers — always prioritize strategic industry placement over gaming your rank.

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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.