The global pandemic negatively affected the economy and led to many job losses across entire industries. Luckily, as the economy stabilizes, many in-demand careers for 2022 have been made available to job seekers.
If you’re hoping to find a career path that aligns with your qualifications, skills, and interests, and which offers career stability, this article is for you. In it, you will discover the best in-demand careers for degree holders and non-degree holders. It also covers top tips to help you identify an in-demand career to help you succeed in your search in 2022.
What Makes a Career In Demand?
High employment rates and steady job growth characterize an in-demand career. If an industry employs thousands or millions annually, that can qualify as an in-demand career. For example, the healthcare industry has a 16% job growth rate and will employ over 2 million professionals over the next decade. The high numbers show that pursuing a career in this field is likely to be rewarding.
Additionally, in-demand careers offer great benefits that encourage skilled candidates to apply for open job postings. Most positions include employee discounts, paid vacations & leave days, gym memberships, insurance, and other enticing perks. This can make in-demand jobs highly competitive, but worth your trouble in the long run.
Top 10 In-Demand Careers You Should Consider in 2022
Before sending out your applications, it is vital to identify the best in-demand jobs that suit your skills and career goals. Most in-demand career opportunities also have strict skills and education requirements to help attract the most suitable candidates. Here are the top 10 in-demand careers for degree holders.
Dentist
- Salary: $164,010
- Job Outlook: 8%
- Education Needed: Doctor of Dental Surgery, Doctor of Medicine in Dentistry, or Doctor of Dental Medicine
Oral health contributes largely to the overall health of an individual. Dentists know this and are trained to diagnose and treat ailments of the teeth, gums, and mouth in general. A dentist will fix tooth decay, remove damaged teeth, prescribe medication, teach patients about proper care, and much more.
Dentistry is an in-demand career where professionals receive extensive benefits, including full medical coverage, paid vacations & leave days, retirement plans, and employee discounts.
Advertising or Marketing Manager
Advertising, promotions, and marketing are key factors for the success of businesses. As social media and online advertising become more popular, competition intensifies as businesses seek out new ways to reach clients and consumers. This is where a marketing manager comes in.
Marketing managers work with department heads to make budgets, select advertising outlets (TV, social media, magazines), and plan promotional campaigns for brands or clients. In this job, you will also conduct market research, work on brand development, and set pricing strategies. Marketing manager jobs are in high demand for their lucrative salaries, networking opportunities, and the continuous growth of organizations that require their expertise.
Financial Manager
A financial manager handles the financial aspects of an organization. In this role, you will be in charge of preparing financial statements and reports, supervising the financial department, reviewing financial records, observing patterns, and giving financial advice.
This is a demanding career that requires a skilled professional with knowledge of financial markets and financial management. Many professionals gravitate towards this career path because it provides lucrative opportunities and exciting benefits that contribute to a comfortable lifestyle.
Software Developer
- Salary: $110,140
- Job Growth: 22%
- Education Needed: Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science or Software Development
Software development is one of the most successful industries of the 21st century. More people are inventing software applications for work, health, entertainment, fitness, reading, and other tech tools, increasing the demand for software developers. Software development is a fun, creative, and well-paying career that allows a lot of flexibility.
As a software developer, your duties include analyzing user needs, designing software to meet those needs, recommending upgrades, and working with a programmer to bring your design to life. A degree is not necessarily required for this job, meaning you can learn software development by enrolling in a coding bootcamp or pursuing an online course.
Medical and Health Services Manager
- Salary: $104,280
- Job Growth: 32%
- Education Needed: Bachelor’s Degree in Healthcare or Health Administration
Medical and health services managers include clinical managers, nursing home administrators, and health information managers. These professionals coordinate the smooth running of medical and health services. They also work with registered nurses, physicians, and doctors to ensure high-quality patient care.
The job’s administrative duties include creating schedules, developing departmental goals, preparing and managing budgets, organizing company records, and representing the health facility. The increase in demand for medical managers is largely due to the high number of medical facilities requiring these services. In addition, more health care organizations are implementing the use of electronic health records, which requires employees to have a background in IT.
Information Security Analyst
- Salary: $103,590
- Job Growth: 33%
- Education Needed: Bachelor’s Degree in Cyber Security, Computer Science, or an IT-related field
As more people adopt cloud storage and other computer networks and systems practices, cyber security has become a key component in data protection. Information security analysts plan and implement tight security measures to help protect data for individuals and organizations. They monitor an organization’s security system, identify loopholes, and install software protecting sensitive data.
Analysts also perform tests to identify breaches, recommend security enhancements, and guide users on the importance of adopting information security measures. The main reason for the increase in demand for information security analysts is the rising risk of cyber security threats as organizations migrate to cloud storage.
Database Administrator
Database administrators are in high demand as organizations seek ways to collect and store data effectively. Furthermore, more cloud-computing firms are adopting the database-as-a-service system, allowing other parties to perform online database administration.
As a database administrator, you will administer and maintain database systems, backup and restore data, design new databases, and test these modifications. Benefits of becoming a database administrator include great annual median salaries, opportunities for growth, career spontaneity, and job security.
Operations Research Analyst
- Salary: $86,200
- Job Growth: 25%
- Education Needed: Bachelor’s Degree in Operations Research, Computer Science, or Engineering
Operations research analysts play a major role in helping organizations make informed decisions on various issues. They collect information from different sources, analyze it, and use statistical analysis and predictive modeling to derive solutions to problems. They then use the results to advise company executives and managers on different outcomes.
As an operations research analyst, you must also be attention-oriented, a problem-solver, and possess excellent analytical and mathematical skills. The job growth rate for this career path is a clear indication that operations research analysts will be in high demand next year.
Logistician
- Salary: $76,270
- Job Growth: 30%
- Education Needed: Bachelor’s Degree in Mathematics, Logistics, or Supply Chain Management
Logisticians handle an organization’s supply chain system, which is the movement of products from the supplier to the consumer. Their primary responsibilities include managing a product’s lifecycle, developing business relationships with customers and other manufacturers, reviewing logistical functions, and proposing new strategies.
Logisticians are in high demand because of the increasing number of companies that require supply chain experts. Ecommerce is expanding, and more employers are responding to the increasing demand of logisticians by offering enticing annual salaries and great insurance plans.
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Counselor
- Salary: $47,660
- Job Growth: 23%
- Education Needed: Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology, Mental Health Counseling, or a related field
Mental health and behavioral disorders have been on the rise, increasing the demand for mental health professionals. Mental health and substance abuse counselors help people suffering from alcoholism, drug addiction, eating disorders, and other mental health issues.
These professionals evaluate patients, conduct outreach programs, recommend treatment solutions, help clients identify their triggers, and refer them to rehab facilities or support groups. Counselors are also integral in helping families understand mental health issues and provide strategies to manage them.
10 In-Demand Careers that Don’t Require a Degree
It is easy to become frustrated when your qualifications don’t match the job description, or when you keep running into opportunities that list a college degree as a minimum requirement. Luckily, many in-demand careers are available that don’t require a degree. We’ve compiled some of the best options below.
Operations Technician
Although some employers require an associate degree for operations technicians, most employers hire candidates with a high school diploma or certificate. The job growth rate for operations technicians is steadily increasing, heightening the demand for these professionals. Moreover, the annual salary for operations technicians is impressive for an entry-level job.
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Typically, operations technicians facilitate test procedures on equipment, calibrate computer systems, record data, and ensure the overall safety of the equipment. You must also showcase skills in areas like warehousing, building construction, order picking, manual handling, and instrumentation. Having a forklift license will give you an advantage over other applicants.
Flight Attendant
The airline industry was among the most affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. However, as the industry stabilizes, more job openings are expected to be available in 2022, including positions for flight attendants. These professionals serve, reassure, and cater to passenger needs on flights, administer emergency and medical care, direct passengers, and demonstrate how to use safety equipment.
It is an exciting career that allows you to travel the world, network, receive amazing benefits, and open doors to new career opportunities. You don’t need a degree, but you must undergo in-depth training from a program certified by the Federal Aviation Administration in order to land this role.
Funeral Service Worker
Funeral service workers play a key role in helping families say goodbye to their loved ones. Whether you are a mortician, funeral arranger, or funeral home manager, you will assist clients in preparing the deceased’s remains for the funeral, comfort family & friends, file death certificates, and sometimes organize funeral arrangements.
Most funeral service workers don’t need a degree, but an Associate Degree in Mortuary Science can give you an edge over your competition. High school students can also focus on biology, chemistry, business, and public speaking to prepare for this role.
Wind Turbine Technician
The job growth rate for wind turbine technicians is the highest and fastest compared to other occupations. The demand is largely attributed to the installation of more wind turbines to generate electric power. These technicians, also known as wind techs, climb up turbine towers, perform routine inspections, service underground transmission systems, test and troubleshoot electrical and hydraulic systems, collect data, and perform regular maintenance.
Wind techs attend a community college or trade school to learn the fundamentals of handling wind turbines, including rescue and safety, maintenance, and braking systems. You will also receive on-the-job training for over a year, take licensing exams, and pursue certifications to solidify your expertise.
Insurance Sales Agent
Insurance sales agents help insurance companies expand their reach and gain more clients. Agents perform various duties, including contacting potential clients and explaining the benefits of acquiring an insurance policy, advising clients on investment strategies, and maintaining electronic and paper records.
You can become an insurance sales agent for different types of insurance without a college degree. But even with a high school diploma, you can pursue post-secondary coursework in psychology and communication to perfect your sales techniques. You can also attend a sales bootcamp where you will gain hands-on experience and receive career support.
Massage Therapist
The high growth rate for massage therapists is mainly due to increased demand for massage services for pain treatment, mental wellness, and overall health. These therapists examine clients’ medical history, locate pain points, manipulate muscles, and advise clients on improving posture and taking care of their bodies.
Massage therapists handle each client differently and keep a detailed record of clients’ progress. You may not need a formal education to become a massage therapist, but you must enroll in a certified massage therapy program. You will gain hands-on and theoretical experience in human anatomy, physiology, and tissues. You must also become licensed and certified.
Construction Worker
Construction workers include carpenters, masons, roofers, electricians, plumbers, marble setters. They are responsible for preparing construction sites, maintaining them, handling equipment and building materials, and contributing to building a structure from start to completion.
You may not need a college degree, but you must undergo training in a trade school or relevant program. You must also be licensed and showcase skills in mathematics, color vision, equipment handling, physical stamina, strength, and time management.
Customer Service Representative
The job growth rate for customer service representatives may be low, but the demand is high. BLS projects over 300,000 job openings annually between 2020 and 2030, as more companies establish call centers for better customer service. Customer service representatives listen and address customer complaints, review customer accounts, take orders, record details, handle returns, and more.
To become a customer service representative, you will undergo on-the-job training for two to four weeks, even without a formal education. However, you may still need to pursue a postsecondary course to improve your interpersonal skills, customer service skills, communication skills, and phone etiquette.
Nursing Assistant
Nursing assistants are key health care professionals. They work under the supervision of registered nurses to provide basic patient care and contribute to the daily departmental activities. The BLS job listing projection states that 192,800 job openings will be available annually.
This demand is due to the rising number of healthcare facilities and the flexibility that allows non-degree holders to apply for these positions. Although you may not need a degree in nursing, you must complete coursework on the fundamentals of nursing and clinical work from a state-approved program. You can also pursue additional training to become a certified nursing assistant.
Home Health Aide
Home health aides play a significant role in the health industry. These dedicated professionals monitor and assist patients with chronic diseases or disabilities. Home health aides handle housekeeping tasks, assist patients with bathing, eating, or moving around, organize hospital visits, and make patients comfortable.
Many people pursue this career path because it is rewarding and allows them to help others. Moreover, home health aides are in demand, with over half a million openings annually. You only need a high school diploma and vocational school training to qualify.
How to Find In-Demand Careers
Although you may assume that in-demand careers are easily accessible, sometimes identifying these careers is challenging. As 2022 draws closer, Career Karma wants to equip you with the skills to identify these careers. Below are five tips you can use in your search.
Analyze the Job Growth Rate
In-demand careers have a high job growth rate and thousands of annual job openings. You can visit the BLS website to find detailed information on a wide range of careers. Keep in mind that a career might have a low job growth rate but still offer many annual job openings. This information is available in the job outlook section.
Explore Job Search Sites
Exploring job search sites is the fastest way to get an in-demand job. Sites such as ZipRecruiter, Glassdoor, and Indeed post various jobs from a multitude of industries, along with the projected pay and industry demand. By using these resources, you can find the best job to match your qualifications.
Advertise Yourself
If you can’t access in-demand careers, you can also help recruiters find you. Advertise your skills and expertise on popular platforms such as LinkedIn or GitHub. Hiring managers and employers find many of their employees through these profiles.
Assess the Benefits
Believe it or not, most in-demand jobs have very exciting benefits to attract the best in the industry. These jobs attract many applicants, which can be challenging for the recruiters. Therefore, the company will provide high-quality benefits and strict job requirements to help reduce the number of applicants.
Why Finding an In-Demand Career Is Important
Finding an in-demand career is important because it ensures job security. When a career field is always growing, the average salary increases over time, career opportunities arise, and career satisfaction is high.
In-Demand Careers FAQ
The most in-demand careers in 2022 are jobs in healthcare, healthcare support, construction, and personal care, according to BLS. Therefore, working as a nursing assistant, health aide, construction worker, or massage therapist can be a great option. The highest job growth rate at the time of writing goes to wind turbine technicians.
The best way to get an in-demand career is to research the industry, get the right education, and find a job that matches your qualifications. Luckily, not all in-demand jobs require a college degree or formal education. You can apply with your high school diploma and get on-the-job training or pursue postsecondary coursework.
The fastest-growing careers include wind turbine service technicians, customer service, nursing practitioners, sales agents, and physical health professionals. As the economy continues to recover from the global pandemic, these jobs stabilize at a faster rate.
You can find an in-demand career by exploring job search sites, analyzing job growth statistics, and creating a business profile showcasing your expertise to potential recruiters. You can also network and ask your peers to help you identify career opportunities.
About us: Career Karma is a platform designed to help job seekers find, research, and connect with job training programs to advance their careers. Learn about the CK publication.
