After the onslaught of the COVID pandemic, the American labor force witnessed a mass exodus from the workforce. The Great Resignation began from April 2021 to April 2022, when over 50 million Americans quit their jobs. According to Statista, on average, 4.5 million people quit their jobs monthly in search of better pay and better career opportunities elsewhere.
As the great resignation winds down, it might be time for you to consider a career change. Whether you are looking for a fresh start, higher pay, or a better work-life balance, various high-demand jobs can accommodate you. This article will introduce some of the highest-demand jobs in the United States that you can consider for your next career.
1. Doctor
The demand for doctors has steadily increased over the years and shows no signs of slowing down. The U.S. is already experiencing a shortage of physicians, which was significantly felt during the COVID-19 pandemic. Moreover, according to an AAMC publication, the United States could see a further shortage of up to 124,000 doctors across various specialties by 2034.
According to St. George University, the most significant reason for the shortage of physicians is the increased life expectancy. With people living longer than ever, their healthcare needs have also increased and become more complex. However, there are other reasons for the high demand for professionals in this sector. Certain healthcare services like hair transplant have also contributed to the increased demand. According to a report by Statista, the volume of surgical hair restoration has seen a surge, with over 700,000 procedures performed worldwide in 2020.
The median salary of a doctor in the United States is approximately $165,000 annually, according to Forbes Advisor. Moreover, the profession offers job stability and security, as healthcare will always be essential. To become a doctor in the U.S., you must first graduate high school with strong academic credentials. You will then have to attend college for four years, where you will complete prerequisite courses for medicine and take the Medical College Admission Test.
Afterward, apply and attend medical school for four years. After completion, you’ll take a residency training program for 3 – 7 years in the desired field. Finally, complete a fellowship program in a subspecialty field for 1–3 years
2. Locksmith
Locksmiths have been an essential part of society for centuries. They provide key and lock services to protect homes, businesses, and valuables. Their skills remain relevant in the modern world, where security is a top concern for individuals and organizations.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labour Statistics, there are over 15,240 locksmiths. While the industry was hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic, it has seen steady growth since. IBIS World reports that the locksmith industry has grown by an average of 1.0% annually between 2017 and 2022.
The increasing need for security has also led to technological advancements, creating new locksmith opportunities. These include electronic locks, keyless entry systems, and smart home security systems. Locksmiths are also needed to install and maintain these systems, providing job stability and continuous learning opportunities.
While residential locksmith services remain the most common, commercial and automotive locksmith services are also in demand. Forbes Home reports that over 16,000 house and car lockouts happen daily in the United States. Such occurrences create a steady stream of work for locksmiths, providing them with job security and income.
According to Federal Pay, the average salary for a locksmith in the United States is $63,007.35, making it a viable career path. To become a locksmith, you only need to complete training and an apprenticeship program. Upon completion, apply for your licenses applicable in your state.
3. Mover
Moving is among the high-demand jobs that have steadily grown in recent years. According to IBIS World, the moving service industry saw a market size increase of 11.4% in 2022. They also report that the industry has seen an average growth of 3.4% annually between 2017 and 2022. With such growth, movers are constantly needed in residential and commercial settings.
Moreover, IBIS World reports the United States only has 17,251 registered moving companies. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, these serve the over 25 million Americans who move annually. This number shows the tremendous opportunity for growth in the industry, making it a promising career choice.
You only need the right licenses and permits to enter the moving profession. If your company aims to provide local moving service, you will only need state permits and licenses. These will allow you to operate within the bounds of the state.
However, to help with an interstate move, you must register with the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT). You will obtain a USDOT number that you will use for your interstate moving business. You must also get an operating authority number from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) to operate legally in other states.
4. Veterinarian
The field of veterinary medicine is a rapidly growing industry that offers numerous career opportunities for people interested in animal care and working in an animal hospital. In 2023, Grand View Research valued the industry at $11.92 billion. They also projected a compound annual growth rate of 8.7% from 2023 to 2030. These projections reflect the high demand for veterinary services in the United States.
According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, the number of animal hospitals in the U.S. is between 28,000 to 32,000. While it’s a significant number, it does not meet the demands considering the number of pets in the U.S. According to a survey by the American Pet Products Association, over 70% of U.S. households own at least one pet as of 2019. Deconstructed these figures amount to about 90.5 million households.
Besides job stability and high service demand, veterinary professionals enjoy competitive salaries. According to U.S. News & World Report, the average salary for a veterinarian in the United States is about $100,000 annually. Emergency veterinarians are the most highly paid in the veterinary field, averaging about $136,871 annually.
Becoming a licensed veterinarian requires extensive education. Typically, it involves four years of studying for a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree at a recognized college of veterinary medicine. Depending on your practice, you must acquire the necessary permits and licenses.
5. Roofer
Roofing is one of the most high-demand jobs in the construction industry. While the COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted its growth, the industry is expected to continue its growth trajectory. Currently standing at $130 billion in 2022, the U.S. roofing market is expected to grow to about $193.35 billion by 2032, according to Precedence Research.
The high demand for roofing services is also due to the increasing number of residential and commercial constructions. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, 1.47 million new residential construction permits were granted by October 2023. This figure is expected to increase further as the population continues to grow.
With such growth, roofing is a viable career path, with roofers earning an average salary of about $39,009, according to Salary.com. However, there are other ways to enter this industry. For example, you can register with a roofing company and employ other roofers. If you follow this route, you will need a contractor’s license, roofing bonds, and insurance cover, depending on the state you operate from.
According to a 2022 IBIS World report, about 79,356 registered roofing companies exist. Additionally, there are about 131,980 licensed roofers in the U.S. With such numbers, it is clear that the roofing industry has room for growth. This measure presents opportunities for individuals interested in pursuing a career as a roofer. Roofers have no academic qualifications, so most people learn on the job. However, most experts recommend taking an apprenticeship program.
6. Plumber
Plumbing is a great option for individuals seeking a versatile and rewarding career in the construction industry. It is among the few high-demand jobs that require minimal education and training. You only need a high school diploma, vocational training, and an apprenticeship program.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the plumbing industry is expected to grow by 2% between 2022 and 2032. This growth rate is higher than the average for other occupations, making plumbing a promising career choice. According to the same source, projections indicate an average of 42,600 job openings will emerge annually over the decade.
To become a plumber in the U.S., you must attend a local trade school or college for a plumber certification program. This program will give you in-class and hands-on training. Upon completion, take an apprenticeship program, after which you can apply for your license to become a fully licensed plumber.
7. Registered Nurse
Registered nurses (RNs) are healthcare professionals who play a critical role in the healthcare industry. They provide and coordinate patient care while educating individuals on managing their health. They also offer emotional support to patients and their families.
Registered nursing is among the numerous high-demand jobs in the healthcare industry. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment for registered nurses is expected to grow by 6% between 2022 and 2032. This growth rate is much faster than other occupations and amounts to about 193,100 new jobs annually over the decade.
The high demand for registered nurses is due to several factors, including the aging population and advances in medical technology. R.N.s are also employed in various settings, such as hospitals and long-term care facilities, making it a versatile career path. Additionally, registered nurses enjoy competitive salaries, with an average annual wage of $77,600, according to U.S. News & World Report.
Becoming a registered nurse requires a nursing degree, which takes about four years to complete. You must also obtain a license from the state you intend to practice in. This career path offers numerous opportunities for growth and specialization through further education and training.
8. Software Developer
The tech industry has been a key driver of employment growth in recent years. In this industry, software developers are among the most sought-after professionals. Businesses continuously invest in technology to streamline operations and reach more customers, creating opportunities for individuals skilled in software development.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of software developers is projected to grow by a whopping 25% between 2022 and 2032. This growth rate is unparalleled even among other high-demand jobs. On average, it translates to about 153,900 new jobs annually over the decade.
Besides high demand, software development also offers competitive salaries. On average, a software developer can earn an annual wage of $127,260 as of May 2022. However, according to Microverse, the starting salary in 2023 is set at $47,060. This figure is likely to increase as the industry continues to grow.
To become a software developer, you will need a computer science or software engineering degree. However, various boot camps and online courses provide alternative paths for individuals interested in entering these high-demand jobs. Continuous learning and keeping up with technological advancements are essential in this field.
9. Project Manager
Project management is critical in any organization, regardless of the industry. It involves planning, organizing, and overseeing various projects to ensure they are completed on time and within budget. With the demand for project managers growing faster, an emerging talent gap makes it an attractive career option.
According to the Project Management Institute, the demand for project managers is expected to grow by 33% all through 2027. This growth will result in about 22 million new jobs globally. Additionally, it will create a demand for about 87.7 million employees in project management-related roles globally by 2027.
According to Glassdoor, project management offers a high earning potential, with an average annual salary of $92,130. This amount can increase significantly depending on the industry and level of experience. You will need strong organizational and leadership skills to become a project manager. A degree in business management or a related field is also beneficial. Project managers must continuously update their knowledge and skills through certifications such as PMP (Project Management Professional) for career growth.
The job market is continuously evolving, and certain jobs will always be in high demand. Pursuing a career in any of the industries above presents numerous opportunities for growth and success. Whether you prefer hands-on work or are more inclined towards technology, numerous high-demand jobs exist to suit your interests and skills. Before deciding, research and understanding each industry’s specific requirements and career paths is essential. With hard work, determination, and luck, you can secure a promising future in any of these high-demand jobs.
