In today’s competitive job market, it can be difficult to find the perfect job. There are a variety of different positions that are in-demand and have the potential for great career growth, but it can be hard to know what to look for and how to get those jobs.
If you’re looking to land one of the most in-demand jobs in the U.S., then you’re in the right place. This article will list the top 15 in-demand jobs and provide tips on how to get them.
We’ll also provide a brief overview of the job market in the United States, so you can understand why certain positions are in high demand. With the right information and preparation, you can land one of these jobs and start building a successful career.
Overview of US Job Market
The job market in the United States is in good shape, with a low unemployment rate of 3.8% in June 2019. This means that competition is fierce and employers will have a lot of people to choose from when filling open positions.
While this can be intimidating, it also means that employers are looking for the best candidates, and these people are in high demand. Due to this high demand, candidates in these roles are often able to negotiate higher salaries, receive better benefits, and have more job satisfaction than those in lower-skilled positions.
In the United States, job market growth is expected to remain strong in the coming years, although job growth varies by industry and occupation. Job growth is expected to be strongest in healthcare and construction, while job growth in manufacturing and mining is forecast to remain relatively slow.
As the population ages, the demand for healthcare workers is expected to grow, as are jobs in other industries related to an aging population, such as caregiving services, assisted living, and adult day care. Industries related to construction, such as building materials, landscaping, and flooring installation, are also expected to see strong job growth.
Research the Job and Industry
One of the first things you can do to increase your chances of landing an in-demand job is to do thorough research about the job and industry. This can help you both understand the needs of the job and what skills you’ll need to succeed.
It can also help you figure out if the industry is a good one to work in and if you feel like you could see yourself thriving in it long-term. You can start this research by doing a job analysis.
A job analysis is a process of examining what skills are needed for specific jobs and understanding what differentiates one job from another. It can help you figure out what skills you’ll need to have and what you’ll need to focus on in your job search so you can make sure you’re targeting the right jobs for you.
This can help make sure you’re focusing your search on jobs that are actually in demand and will give you an edge over other candidates.
Tips for Landing an In-Demand Job
Besides researching your desired job and finding out which industries are in high demand, there are some other key things you can do to increase your chances of landing one of these jobs. Make sure you network with people in your industry and get your name out there so hiring managers can find you.
You can also try to create a resume that stands out and really highlights your qualifications and skills, so you can make sure hiring managers see them, too.
You can also consider taking courses or getting additional certifications to make sure you have the necessary skills to do the job well. With the right preparation and approach, there’s no reason why you can’t land one of these in-demand jobs.
Networking
Another great way to get your name out there and find the job you want is through networking. Networking is basically building connections with people in your industry or field and letting them know you’re looking for a job.
It can be helpful for a few reasons, including: letting prospective employers know you’re interested in working for them, letting them know what skills you have, and helping you find jobs you might not be able to find on your own.
There are a few ways you can go about networking, but many experts advise using a targeted approach. Instead of just networking with anyone and everyone in your industry, try to find a few people who work in the type of job you’re seeking or work at the companies that hire people for that job. This can make it easier to get in touch with them and see if they can help you.
Create a Stand-Out Resume
Creating an excellent resume is an essential part of the job search process and can make a big difference in whether or not you get an interview, so it’s important to put time and effort into it.
When creating your resume, it’s important to make sure it includes all the relevant skills and experience you have. It’s also a good idea to tailor your resume for each job you’re applying for.
This can help make your resume stand out from others and show hiring managers you’re serious about the job and want to make sure you’re a good fit for the position.
It’s also important for you to make sure you’re listing the right information on your resume. If you’re applying for a job in a specific industry, make sure you spell the acronyms and jargon correctly, so hiring managers know exactly what you have experience with.
Learn the Necessary Skills
If the job you’re applying for requires certain skills, then it’s important to make sure you have them. If you don’t, you may want to consider taking courses or getting additional certifications to learn those skills.
You don’t necessarily need to go back to school for this, and in fact, many employers will respect somebody who is self-directed and motivated enough to get the necessary skills on their own. In some cases, you may also be able to learn the skills on the job, depending on the position.
Top 15 In-Demand Jobs
In order to determine the most in-demand jobs, we looked at data from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics and employment website Zippia. We focused our research on occupations that have high demand and low unemployment rates.
By doing this, we narrowed our list down to 15 of the most in-demand jobs in the United States, including: Actuaries, Actuarial Analysts, Aircraft Mechanics and Engineers, Air Traffic Controllers, Biomedical Engineers, Chiropractors, Data Scientists, Dentists, Dental Hygienists, Dental Assistants, Dental Hygienists, Dietitians, Electrical Engineers.
1. Operations research analysts
Operations research analysts are highly skilled individuals who utilize cutting-edge strategies, including optimization, data mining, statistical investigation, and mathematical modeling, to build solutions that assist companies and organizations to run more cost-effectively and productively.
- Total change in employment (2020-2030): +25,600
- Percentage change in employment (2020-2030): +24.6%
- Median annual wage: $82,360
- Typical education needed: Bachelor’s degree
2. Nurse practitioners
The job prospects for nurse practitioners are the greatest of any job in the medical field. It has been noted that the rate of growth for this type of career is forecasted to increase by over 50% during the next ten years.
The next fastest-growing healthcare job is a physician assistant, with a projected growth of nearly 31% in the decade to come.
- Employment fluctuation (2020-2030): +114,900
- % Change in employment (2020-2030): +52.2%
- Median annual salary: $120,680
- Qualification: Master’s degree
4. Physical therapist assistants
Becoming a physical therapist assistant is a great career path for those looking to work in the medical field, but don’t want to commit to the years of schooling and study required for a full physical therapist degree.
Physiotherapy assistants are an important part of the healthcare team, providing support to physical therapists in the form of administrative and clinical duties.
This career path offers job opportunities in a wide range of settings, from hospitals and rehabilitation centers to private practices and research institutions.
Physical therapy assistants have the potential to gain valuable experience and make a difference in the lives of their patients while earning a good salary. With the right education and training, physical therapist assistants can experience a rewarding and fulfilling career.
- Employment fluctuations (2020-2030): +33,200
- % Change in employment (2020-2030): +35.4%
- Median annual salary: $61,180
- Qualification: Associate’s degree
5. Physician assistants
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the number of physician assistant positions is projected to increase by 31% between 2019 and 2029, far outpacing the growth of other jobs in the same period.
In 2019, there were an estimated 125,500 physician assistants employed in the U.S., and this figure is expected to rise to 164,800 by 2029. This will lead to excellent job opportunities for those considering this profession.
Physicians Assistants (PAs) are an integral part of the medical profession, working in cooperation with physicians and surgeons to diagnose and treat patients.
PAs carry out their duties in the same manner as other healthcare professionals, such as taking a patient’s medical history, conducting examinations, administering immunizations, and providing follow-up medical advice.
In addition, they are able to diagnose illnesses and injuries as well as set broken bones and prescribe medications after making a medical diagnosis. It is important to note that PAs are often mistaken for medical assistants, however, they have a much higher level of authority in medical care.
- Employment fluctuations (2020-2030): +40,100
- % change in employment (2020-2030): +31.0%
- Median annual salary: $121,530
- Qualification: Master’s degree
6. Speech-language pathologists
It is predicted that the demand for audiologists will rise by 13% from 2019 to 2029, which is much higher than the regular increase of occupations. Even though it is a small job market, the quick increase is expected to cause 1,800 fresh job opportunities over the 10-year period.
According to the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA), there are 13,610 accredited audiologists and 785 individuals that have a dual certification as both audiologists and speech-language pathologists out of the 211,000 workers they represent.
- Employment fluctuation (2020-2030): +45,400
- % change in employment (2020-2030): +28.7%
- Median annual salary: $79,060
- Qualification: Master’s degree
7. Information security analysts
The number of information security analysts employed is expected to jump 35% between 2021 and 2031, which is much more than the average rate of occupation growth.
On average, around 19,500 vacancies for information security analysts will be available every year throughout the decade.
A large portion of these roles are expected to be created due to people changing occupations or leaving the workforce, such as when they retire.
- Employment fluctuations (2020-2030): +47,100
- % Change in employment (2020-2030): +33.3%
- Median annual salary: $102,600
- Qualification: Bachelor’s degree
8. Logisticians
The job market for logisticians is expected to experience a surge of 28% between 2021 and 2031, which is much greater than the regular rate for all other occupations.
Employment opportunities in logistics and supply chain are increasing rapidly, making it a good time for those who possess the required abilities to join the sector.
As with other professions, some careers in logistics and supply chain management are more sought after or lucrative than others.
- Employment fluctuations (2020-2030): +56,400
- % Change in employment (2020-2030): +29.5%
- Median annual salary: $77,030
- Qualification: Bachelor’s degree
9. Health specialties teachers, postsecondary
Job opportunities for postsecondary teachers should rise by 12 percent from 2020 to 2030, which is more quickly than the general occupation rate.
On average, approximately 139,600 open positions for postsecondary teachers are projected annually throughout the decade.
A lot of those vacancies are expected to come from the need to substitute personnel who switch to different professions or leave the labor market, for instance, due to retirement.
- Employment fluctuations (2020-2030): +58,900
- % Change in employment (2020-2030): +24.3%
- Median annual salary: $102,720
- Qualification: Doctoral or professional degree
11. Substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors
The employment of counselors who specialize in substance abuse, behavioral disorders, and mental health is estimated to expand by 22 percent from 2021 to 2031, which is significantly faster than other occupations.
It is expected that an average of 43,600 new positions will open up each year during the next decade. A substantial portion of these job opportunities are expected to come from the need to replace workers who switch to a different job or leave the workforce, such as those who retire.
- Employment fluctuations (2020-2030): +75,100
- % Change in employment (2020-2030): +22.9%
- Median annual salary: $48,520
- Qualification: Bachelor’s degree
12. Phlebotomists
The job outlook for phlebotomists is expected to increase significantly over the next decade, with a projected 24% rise in employment opportunities between 2016 and 2026. This is far higher than the general rate of job growth. Healthcare institutions such as hospitals, laboratories and blood donation centers will require phlebotomists to carry out blood tests.
- Employment Fluctuations (2020-2030): +28,800
- % Change in employment (2020-2030): +22.2%
- Median annual Salary: $37,380
13. Respiratory therapists
The job market for respiratory therapists is anticipated to expand 23% from 2020 to 2030, soaring far beyond the average rate for other professions. This will be caused by a growing middle-aged and older population, which will bring an augmented occurrence of respiratory maladies such as pneumonia, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), and other issues that can harm the lungs or limit their functioning.
This will consequently increase the need for respiratory therapy services and treatments, primarily in medical centers.
- Employment Fluctuations (2020-2030): +31,100
- % Change in employment (2020-2030): +23.0%
- Median annual Salary: $61,830
- Qualification: Associate’s degree
14. Medical and health services managers
The number of jobs available for medical and health services managers is expected to increase dramatically by 28% from 2021 to 2031, which is much faster than the average for other occupations.
It is estimated that there will be an average of 56,600 new openings for medical and health services managers each year during the next decade.
This is largely due to the fact that many existing workers in this field will be transferring to different occupations or leaving the workforce, such as those who retire.
- Employment fluctuation (2020-2030): +139,600
- % Change in employment (2020-2030): +32.5%
- Median annual salary: $101,340
- Qualification: Bachelor’s degree
15. Software developers and software quality assurance analysts and testers
According to May 2021 statistics, the average yearly salary for software assurance specialists and examiners was $98,220.
The amount of people employed in the fields of software development, quality assurance analysis, and testing is estimated to grow by 25 percent between 2021 and 2031, which is a much quicker rate than the average for all occupations.
On an annual basis, about 162,900 openings for these positions are expected to become available over the next decade.
These openings are likely to be created by the necessity to replace employees who have moved to different jobs or have left the workforce, such as those who have retired.
- Employment fluctuation (2020-2030): +409,500
- % Change in employment (2020-2030): +22.2%
- Median annual salary: $102,930
- Qualification: Bachelor’s degree
16. Home health and personal care aides
The rate of hiring home health and personal care aides is estimated to increase by 25 percent from 2021 to 2031, which is much higher than the average amount of jobs created. An average of 711,700 jobs openings for these aides are expected to appear annually during this period, largely due to the need to replace those who choose to move to different jobs or leave the work force, such as to retire.
- Employment fluctuation (2020-2030): +1,129,900
- % Change in employment (2020-2030): +32.6%
- Median annual salary: $29,430
- Qualification: High school diploma or equivalent
Methodology
The data used in this analysis is from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Employment Projections. To determine the most in-demand jobs in the U.S., researchers ordered occupations by the projected total change in employment from 2020 to 2030.
In the event of a tie, the job with the higher projected percentage change in employment from 2020 to 2030 was ranked higher. To improve relevance, only the top 30 occupations with the greatest percentage change in employment that were not subject to large pandemic-related employment changes were included.
Conclusion
The job market in the United States is in good shape, with a low unemployment rate of 3.8% in June 2019.
This means that competition is fierce and employers will have a lot of people to choose from when filling open positions. While this can be intimidating, it also means that employers are looking for the best candidates, and these people are in high demand.
Due to this high demand, candidates in these roles are often able to negotiate higher salaries, receive better benefits, and have more job satisfaction than those in lower-skilled positions.
In order to increase your chances of getting one of these jobs, it’s important to do research into the industry and the specific job you want and make sure your resume, skills, and experience are up to par.
