In this article, we will look at the 30 most in-demand jobs in the US. We have also discussed the growing unemployment claims in the US. If you want to skip our detailed analysis, head straight to the 10 Most In-Demand Jobs in the US.
In the latest data release, weekly jobless claims in the US increased by 22,000 to reach 231,000 which is the highest level seen in over eight months. This uptick suggests a gradual cooling of the labor market, following reports of sluggish job growth in April and a decline in job openings to a three-year low in March. This trend has prompted discussions about potential interest rate cuts by the Federal Reserve, with two cuts this year now back on the table.
The rise in jobless claims has been attributed to the end of school spring breaks which has complicated the process of seasonal adjustment in the data. Moreover, unadjusted claims increased by 19,690, with major spikes observed in states like New York, California, Illinois, Indiana, and Texas. To read more about joblessness, see 15 States With the Worst Unemployment Benefits in 2024.
In line with the claims of joblessness, Tesla Inc (NASDAQ:TSLA) has dramatically reduced its job postings in North America by slashing over 3,400 positions down to just three. This drastic cut has come in the wake of a challenging first quarter. The reduced job listings have primarily affected roles in California, Texas, and Nevada, where Tesla Inc (NASDAQ:TSLA) has the most important operations. The decision hints at a strategic reassessment of the company's hiring needs and operational focus.
Beyond North America, Tesla Inc (NASDAQ:TSLA) is also intensifying job cuts in China. However, The impact on Tesla Inc (NASDAQ:TSLA’s Chinese operations remains uncertain, with the company yet to comment on the scale of the cuts.
On the other hand, Alphabet Inc (NASDAQ:GOOG) has announced layoffs affecting at least 200 employees from its "Core" team based in California. These positions are being shifted overseas to offices in India and Mexico. The Core Systems & Experience division is responsible for Alphabet Inc (NASDAQ:GOOG)’s flagship products and global IT infrastructure.
Alphabet Inc (NASDAQ:GOOG) has also announced major layoffs within its global recruitment team. While Alphabet Inc (NASDAQ:GOOG) assures that the layoffs are not part of a large-scale reduction and that the majority of the team will be retained for hiring essential positions, it's still an important development in the tech employment landscape. Reports indicate that Alphabet had already made substantial job cuts earlier in the year, slashing about 12,000 positions in January which constituted a 6% reduction in its workforce.
These persistent layoffs also explain why 15% of US workers currently harbor feelings of job insecurity, despite unemployment rates hitting record lows. This phenomenon isn't accidental; it's a deliberate strategy in many workplaces aimed at motivating employees and cutting costs. Companies like Meta Platforms Inc and General Electric Co have openly admitted to leveraging the fear of job loss to spur performance, despite ample evidence of its detrimental effects on employees' well-being. While this tactic may suppress demands for raises and benefits, it comes at the cost of workers' social connections, identity, and overall health.
Research indicates that job insecurity breeds a toxic work environment that comes with stress, resentment, and exhaustion. While 15% may indeed strive to enhance their performance and comply rigorously with company policies, the cognitive load imposed by insecurity undermines these efforts.
30 Most In-Demand Jobs in the US
A medical professional in scrubs typing on an electronic medical record, depicting the value of the company's medical services.
Our Methodology
To list the most in-demand jobs in the US, we relied on data from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics on projected change in employment from 2022 to 2032. While we identified 40 jobs with a high projected change, we only shortlisted and eventually selected jobs that had an average salary of atleast $50,000, which is a bit lower than the average salary per year in the US. The idea was a salary lower than that may affect the demand of the profession negatively. The list has been presented in ascending order.
Please note that the data points under list items covering median salaries, mean annual wages, job growth rates, and statewise salaries have been primarily sourced from the Bureau of Labor Statistics for the years 2022 and 2023.
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30. Sales Managers
Projected change in employment from 2022 to 2032: 22,500
As of 2023, sales managers have a median salary of $135,160 annually. They typically hold a bachelor's degree and possess less than five years of related work experience in the US. With a projected job growth of 4% between 2022 and 2032, it is one of the best careers to pursue in the US.
29. Marketing Managers
Projected change in employment from 2022 to 2032: 23,700
In the US, marketing managers have an annual mean wage of $166,410. California and New York are the highest paying states for marketing managers.
28. Physical Therapists
Projected change in employment from 2022 to 2032: 37,300
Physical therapists, with a 2023 median pay of $99,710 annually, typically hold doctoral or professional degrees with no prior work experience required. As of 2022, there were 246,800 jobs in this field that are projected to grow by 15% from 2022 to 2032, according to the BLS.
27. Logisticians
Projected change in employment from 2022 to 2032: 38,300
With 208,700 jobs in 2022 and an expected 18% job growth from 2022-2032, an additional 38,300 logistician jobs are projected. Hence, they have one of the fastest growing professions in the US.
26. Industrial Engineers
Projected change in employment from 2022 to 2032: 38,400
Industrial engineers in the US make $103,150 per year on average. Louisiana is the highest paying state for industrial engineers with an average salary of $126,520 whereas Michigan is the state with the highest employment levels for industrial engineers.
25. Physician Assistants
Projected change in employment from 2022 to 2032: 39,300
The average salary of physician assistants in the US in $130,490. New York and California are two of the states with the highest employment levels for physician assistants.
24. Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers
Projected change in employment from 2022 to 2032: 40,800
The average salary of software quality assurance analyst or tester in the US in $108,460. The industries with the highest concentration of employment in Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers are software publishers and computer systems designs and related services.
23. Personal Finance Advisors
Projected change in employment from 2022 to 2032: 42,000
Personal financial advisors are in demand with a 13% job outlook growth from 2022-32. They earn a median salary of $99,580 per year and typically require a bachelor's degree for entry. Interestingly, no prior work experience in a related occupation is necessary, but long-term on-the-job training is common. With a project change in employment of 42,000 jobs, it is one of the most in-demand jobs in 2024.
Projected change in employment from 2022 to 2032: 45,700
The mean annual wage for sales representatives of services in the US is $81,080 as of 2023. Computer and Peripheral Equipment Manufacturing is the highest paying industry for sales representatives with an average salary of $167,980.
21. Electricians
Projected change in employment from 2022 to 2032: 49,200
The shortage of electricians is reaching critical levels as the Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 49,200 new electrician jobs annually through 2032. This increase in demand is primarily driven by the country’s shift towards renewable energy and increased electricity usage. However, it is interesting to note that only 2% of electricians in the US are women.
It is one of the highly demand jobs in the next 10 years.
20. Postsecondary Health Specialties Teachers
Projected change in employment from 2022 to 2032: 50,200
They have a mean annual wage of $134,440. The two top-paying industries for this role in America are General Medical and Surgical Hospitals and Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools.
19. Computer System Analysts
Projected change in employment from 2022 to 2032: 51,100
With a median salary of $103,800 annually and a projected 10% job growth rate from 2022 to 2032, the field offers lucrative opportunities. Moreover, the entry-level requirement of a bachelor's degree without needing prior work experience or on-the-job training makes it accessible to many. Hence, It is one of the most desired jobs in America.
18. Human Resource Specialists
Projected change in employment from 2022 to 2032: 51,400
The average salary for human resource specialists in the US is $76,060 whereas the median salary for human resource specialists stands at $67,650 as of 2023. Human resource specialists have one of the most in-demand jobs for social science graduates.
17. Information Security Analysts
Projected change in employment from 2022 to 2032: 53,200
The market for cybersecurity serves is estimated at $91.1 billion in 2023 and is projected to reach $132.3 billion by 2030, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.5%. Given the high salary in the field along with a global demand, Information security analysts is also one of the high demand jobs in USA for foreigners.
16. Project Management Specialists
Projected change in employment from 2022 to 2032: 54,700
Project management specialist have an annual salary of $104,920 in the US. Moreover, with a project change of 54,700 job positions in the coming decade, this is one of the top 20 most in demand jobs in the US.
15. Data Scientists
Projected change in employment from 2022 to 2032: 59,400
With a projected growth rate of 35% between 2022 and 2023, data science is one of the top 3 fastest growing careers in the USA. To read more about data science, see the highest paying countries for data scientists.
14. Industrial Machinery Mechanics
Projected change in employment from 2022 to 2032: 59,900
Industrial machinery mechanics earn $63,690 annually on average in the US. The highest paying industries for industrial machinery mechanics in America are electrical power generation, transmission and distribution as well as pipeline transportation with an average salary of $95,200 and $94,210.
13. Lawyers
Projected change in employment from 2022 to 2032: 62,400
Lawyers have a median salary of $145,760 annually as of 2023. They typically hold doctoral or professional degrees with no prior work experience required. On-the-job training is also not mandatory. As of 2022, there were 826,300 lawyer positions, with an 8% job outlook from 2022 to 2032. With rigorous work schedules, lawyers have one of the most demanding jobs in the US.
Projected change in employment from 2022 to 2032: 67,400
Unlike some professions, there's no mandatory prior work experience or on-the-job training required for these roles. In 2022, there were 1,538,400 jobs in this field, with a projected job outlook of 4% from 2022-2032,
11. Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors
Projected change in employment from 2022 to 2032: 71,500
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, occupations such as substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors are anticipated to see an 18% increase in employment from 2022 to 2032. In 2022, these occupations collectively accounted for approximately 2.2 million jobs. Given the highly essential nature of this role, mental health counselors is also one of the most in-demand jobs in the world.
