Yahoo Finance 25 Careers with the Most Job Security in the US
In this article, we will look at the 25 careers with the most job security in the US. We have also talked about growing concerns about job insecurity due to AI. If you want to skip our detailed analysis, head straight to the 10 Careers with the Most Job Security in the US.
According to a study conducted by Authority Hacker, with a sample of 1200 full-time workers, job insecurity looms large over the American workforce as over half of full-time employees express growing concerns. Strikingly, the tech industry which is largely believed to be synonymous with innovation, is witnessing an increase in anxiety, attributed to recurrent mass layoffs and the specter of AI replacing human roles. According to the survey, men exhibit a higher propensity for job insecurity compared to women, with those earning $150,000 or more exhibiting the highest concern. Moreover, professions most vulnerable to AI disruption such as IT, software development, and advertising, report the most severe cases of anxieties.
It is also interesting to note that one of the most vulnerable jobs to AI are that of customer service representatives which are also known to have the most oversaturated jobs.
Apart from concerns of job insecurity due to AI, job insecurity has been a persistent concern, especially during economic downturns in the US. Despite claims that recessions have become less common over time, skepticism remains due to historical data discrepancies. According to Business Insider, between 1990 and 2023, the US experienced 36 months of recession, compared to 59 months between 1960 and 1989. However, the reliability of recession data before 1950 is questionable which potentially skewes perceptions of historical recession frequency.
Speaking of economic downturns, in April 2024, the US observed a major slowdown in job growth as employers only added 175,000 positions. This trend was accompanied by a rise in the unemployment rate from 3.8% to 3.9%, according to the Labor Department.
The Federal Reserve's decision to increase interest rates since 2022 also aimed to temper economic expansion and alleviate inflationary pressures. However, with inflation remaining above the bank's 2% target at 3.5% in March, there were doubts about the timing of further rate cuts. Nonetheless, the unexpected slowdown in job growth in April raised expectations for potential rate adjustments later in the year. Despite the tempered job growth, some sectors like healthcare, continued to drive employment gains. Average hourly earnings rose by 3.9% over the 12 months to April, albeit at a slower pace compared to the previous month.
Now that we are talking about job gains, it is worth highlighting that Meta Platforms Inc (NASDAQ:META) is set to construct an $800 million data center spanning 715,000 square feet in Montgomery, Alabama. This data center is anticipated to generate 100 job opportunities. Located near the Interstate 65 and Hyundai's automotive assembly plant, the site was announced by Governor Kay Ivey at Montgomery Whitewater and is slated for completion by 2026. Over 1,000 construction workers are expected to be engaged at the peak of its construction.
This is one of the most significant investments by Meta Platforms Inc (NASDAQ:META) in Alabama, following the establishment of its first data center campus in Huntsville in 2021, which currently employs approximately 300 individuals. Meta Platforms Inc (NASDAQ:META)’s total investment in the state amounts to $1.5 billion.
Montgomery will become home to Meta Platforms Inc (NASDAQ:META)’s 24th data hub and its 20th in the United States. The city was selected owing to its accessibility to infrastructure, renewable energy availability, and a rich pool of talent. Once operational, the facility is slated to achieve LEED Gold certification, utilize 100% renewable energy, and attain net-zero emissions.
On the other hand, Amazon.com, Inc (NASDAQ:AMZN) Web Services (AWS) has announced a monumental investment of $11 billion in Indiana which is expected to generate a minimum of 1,000 job opportunities. With the backing of Governor Eric Holcomb and the Indiana Economic Development Corporation (IEDC), Amazon.com, Inc (NASDAQ:AMZN) will establish new data centers in St. Joseph County to fortify infrastructure and economic growth in the region. Since 2010, Amazon.com, Inc (NASDAQ:AMZN) has invested $21.5 billion in Indiana and hence, has contributed largely to the state's gross domestic product and created over 26,000 full- and part-time positions.
An executive MBA student working late in a study carrel, gaining job-ready skills.
Our Methodology
To list the careers with the most job security in the US, we relied on the growth rates of jobs in the US between 2022 and 2032. The idea is that fastest growing jobs often stem from industries with high demand, innovation, and adaptability. These sectors tend to evolve rapidly that create a plethora of opportunities for skilled workers. This influx of job opportunities contributes to the security of fastest-growing professions by providing a broader range of employment options. For job growth rates, we relied on data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, USA.
In case of similar growth rates for any two jobs, the job with a higher number of projected job openings is ranked higher.
Please note that the data points covering median/average salaries, job growth percentages, and numbers of job openings for each role have been also primarily obtained from the Bureau of Labor Statistics for the year 2023.
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25. Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors
Growth Rate: 18%
According to a 2022 survey by the Kaiser Family Foundation and CNN, 90% of the public perceives a mental health crisis in the United States as a mjaor portion of the population reports frequent anxiety. Shockingly, one-third of respondents couldn't access the mental health services they needed due to barriers like cost and stigma. The shortage of mental health providers worsens the issue as 60% of psychologists report no openings for new patients, as per the APA's 2022 COVID-19 Practitioner Impact Survey.
24. Speech-Language Pathologists
Growth Rate: 19%
Speech-language pathologists (SLPs) earn a median salary of $89,290 annually. A master’s degree is one of the typical entry requirements for this role. No prior work experience in related fields is necessary, but on-the-job training through internships or residencies is common. In 2022, there were 171,400 SLP jobs.
23. Financial Examiners
Growth Rate: 20%
The mean annual wage for financial examiners in the US is $98,140. District of Columbia and New York are the highest paying states for financial examiners with average salary of $170,530 and $128,270 respectively. Between 2022 and 2032, 12,800 new jobs for financial examiners are expected to be open.
22. Veterinarians
Growth Rate: 20%
With an average salary of $136,300 as of 2023 with a growth rate of 20%, it is one of the secure jobs that pay well. Massachusetts is the highest paying state for Veterinarians in America. Between 2022 and 2032, 17,700 new jobs for veterinarians are expected to be open.
To read more about veterinarians, see the highest paying countries for veterinarians.
21. Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers
Growth Rate: 20%
Veterinary assistants and lab animal caretakers do not need fancy degrees, just a high school diploma or equivalent for a job. No prior experience is required either, and they get trained on the job. They are paid a decent median salary of $36,440 per year in the US. The projected employment change for these roles is 23,500 between 2022 and 2032.
20. Veterinary Technologists and Technicians
Growth Rate: 21%
With a median salary of $43,740 annually, veterinary technologists and technicians usually hold an Associate's degree and need no prior work experience or on-the-job training. The field is booming, with a projected 21% job growth from 2022 to 2032 that will result in an estimated 25,200 new job opportunities by 2032.
19. Personal Care and Service Workers
Growth Rate: 21%
The personal care and service workers in the US make $37,190 annually on average in the US. It is worth noting that educational support services and special food services are the two top-paying industries for personal care and service workers in America. Almost 35,600 new jobs for personal care and service workers will be available between 2022 and 2032.
18. Taxi Drivers
Growth Rate: 21%
With a growth rate of 21%, taxi drivers have one of the most secure jobs in America. While the average salary of $35,120 in the US may not be so impressive, Texas pays the highest salaries for taxi drivers with an average of more than $50,000 annually. A growth of 21% will translate into 53,000 new jobs for taxi drivers in the US.
17. Solar Photovoltaic Installers
Growth Rate: 22%
Solar photovoltaic installers have a median salary of $48,800 annually. They typically enter the field with a high school diploma or equivalent. With no prior work experience required, they undergo moderate-term on-the-job training. The profession is expected to grow with a projected 22% job outlook from 2022 to 2032 and will translate into 6600 new job openings.
It is also one of the fastest growing green jobs in the world.
16. Home Health and Personal Care Aides
Growth Rate: 22%
With an anticipated job growth of 22% from 2022 to 2032, adding 804,600 new positions, the demand for these aides is exceptionally high. This increase is primarily driven by the ageing population in the United States that has led to an increased need for long-term care services.
15. Actuaries
Growth Rate: 23%
With a projected job outlook of 23% from 2022 to 2032, the field anticipates adding 7,000 jobs by 2032, making it one of the professions that has the highest demand in USA. In 2022, there were 30,000 positions for the role. Actuaries play a highly critical role in risk assessment and financial planning which makes their expertise highly demanded in different sectors such as insurance, finance, and consulting.
14. Computer and Information Research Scientists
Growth Rate: 23%
Computer science is one of the fields with the most job opportunities in the USA. Moreover, Data from the US Department of Labor indicates that computer science positions, especially those requiring a master's degree, are among the fastest-growing in the US. Those with just a bachelor's degree already command median salaries exceeding $97,000, but pursuing a master's degree can largely boost earnings. Between 2022 and 2032, 8300 new job openings are expected for computer and information research scientists in the US.
According to Craig Gotsman of NJIT, master's graduates can earn an average of $30,000 more annually than undergraduates in computing fields. For example, network and computer systems administrators with a master's degree earn up to 26% more than those with only a bachelor's. To read more about tech careers, see 10 Best States for Technology Careers in the US.
13. Operations Research Analysts
Growth Rate: 23%
Operations research analysts have stable jobs with a good salary as they are paid an average salary of $95,600 in the US. In 2022, there were 109,900 operations research analysts in the US. Between 2022 and 2032, 27,300 new job openings are expected for this field.
12. Occupational Therapy Assistants
Growth Rate: 24%
In 2022, there were about 122,900 jobs in occupational therapy, and the field is expected to grow about 24% from 2022 to 2032. That means around 25,200 more jobs could be added.
Occupational therapy assistants is also one of the careers with the best job security.
11. Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers
Growth Rate: 25%
In 2022, the typical yearly pay for software testers in the US was around $124,200. These testers usually need a bachelor's degree in computer science, IT, or a related field such as engineering or math. With a job growth of 25% between 2022 and 2032, it is one of the most secure jobs for the future.
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Disclosure: None. 25 Careers with the Most Job Security in the US is originally published on Insider Monkey.
