This year, the pandemic has presented new challenges for the job market.
If you’re looking to find a job, you’ll have to get used to a few changes that will be a change from what you’ve done in the past.
On the bright side, the new normal has created many new job openings to consider.
With social distancing, more roles in health services, delivery, and technology are in demand.
Below, we’ll look at some careers with high growth rates this year.
The Most In-Demand Jobs in 2021
1. Nursing Assistant
Role Overview
Certified nursing assistants (CNAs) give primary care to patients.
Daily tasks include taking patient’s vital signs, and helping them get dressed, bathe, and eat.
CNAs can work in nursing homes, hospitals, or even schools.
Why they are in High Demand
The Bureau of Labor Statistics says that demand for CNAs will increase by 8% by 2029.
Baby boomers are aging, and they’re one of the largest generations alive.
Plus, the pandemic needs more skilled labor in hospitals.
Requirements to Get Started
You should have a high school diploma or GED.
Then, look for community colleges, trade schools, or health centers that provide nursing assistant training.
After these steps, you need to see what your state certification process is.
Suggested Skills
- Physical Stamina.
- Patience.
- Interpersonal Skills.
- Recordkeeping.
National Average Salary: $14.25 / hour
2. Home Health Aide
Role Overview
Home health aides (HHAs) provide personal care to patients from their homes.
Tasks include doing laundry, cleaning, running errands, and taking vital signs.
Why they are in High Demand
Like nursing, the aging population demands more home health aides.
Many patients want to recover in isolation at home to protect themselves from the pandemic, too.
Requirements to Get Started
You usually will not need a high school nor Bachelor’s degree to become a home health aide.
Instead, look for training and approval requirements in your state.
Suggested Skills
- Physical stamina.
- Time management.
- Flexibility.
- Compassion.
National Average Salary: $12.15 / hour
3. Nurse Practitioner
Role Overview
Nurse practitioners (NPs) examine patients and diagnose and treat illnesses.
Unlike other registered nurses (RNs), they can prescribe medications and see patients without physician supervision.
They can also specialize in fields like pediatrics, mental health, or geriatrics.
Why they are in High Demand
Healthcare facilities are emphasizing a teamwork style of providing patient care.
They need the communication and personability skills nurse practitioners can provide.
Requirements to Get Started
At a minimum, you will need a Master’s Degree of Science in Nursing (MSN) to qualify as an NP.
You can also advance your career path by obtaining a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree.
Then, you need to receive state licensing and pass a national certification exam.
Suggested Skills
- Patience under pressure.
- Leadership.
- Analytical Skills.
- Quick thinking.
National Average Salary: $55.67
4. Occupational Therapy Assistant
Role Overview
Occupational therapy assistants (OTAs) help patients gain and develop skills for daily living.
This role is different from physical therapy assistants (PTAs) because it focuses more on mental health than only physical injuries.
Why they are in High Demand
The BLS projects that demand for OTAs will rise by 32% by 2029.
As issues like child development disorders, diabetes, and obesity rise, OTA services are becoming one of the most high demand jobs.
Requirements to Get Started
Look for accredited associate’s degree programs to apply to.
These programs typically last two years and teach you courses in biology and psychology.
Then, you will need to do fieldwork and pass the NBCOT exam to become certified.
Suggested Skills
- Teamwork.
- Medical technology knowledge.
- Documentation.
- Scheduling.
National Average Salary: $28.46 / hour
5. Web Developer
Role Overview
Web developers code, develop, and maintain websites or applications.
Do not confuse this role with software engineering.
Software engineers build new programs for your desktop, phone, or computer.
A web developer focuses on making web-only applications.
Why they are in High Demand
By 2029, demand for web developers may grow by 8%.
Ecommerce is becoming more popular, which means more job opportunities for web developers.
Requirements to Get Started
Most companies require you to have a Bachelor’s Degree in a related field, like Computer Science or Programming.
Otherwise, you will need to learn languages like HTML and Javascript.
Suggested Skills
- Programming.
- Graphic design.
- Creativity.
- Concentration.
National Average Salary: $35.46
6. Construction Worker
Role Overview
Construction workers do hands-on labor to erect buildings.
They may erect scaffolding, operate heavy machinery, lay bricks, remove debris, or dig tunnels to support construction.
Why they are in High Demand
After the 2008 recession, many construction workers left the industry.
Today, many millennials are more interested in gig economy careers.
Finally, many construction workers are nearing retirement age.
This factor leaves a big job market gap for people to fill.
Requirements to Get Started
You do not need a high school diploma to become a construction worker.
You will often receive training on the job to begin.
However, some skills can improve your chances, like learning wood shopping or welding.
Some employers may also want certifications like the Silica in Construction Certificate.
Suggested Skills
- Physical endurance and strength.
- Great memory.
- Construction technology knowledge.
- Teamwork.
National Average Salary: $17.31
7. Information Security Analyst
Role Overview
An information security analyst plans and implements security measures for an organization’s computer systems and networks.
They are oftentimes IT consultants and may work at firms, businesses, or financial centers.
Their goal is to ensure hackers or other malware don’t disrupt business.
Why they are in High Demand
Computer technologies are growing, and so are cyberattacks.
Moreover, privacy is crucial to ensure happy customers and safety.
So, information security analysts protect computer networks from hackers that could leak sensitive information or money.
Requirements to Get Started
Get a Bachelor’s Degree in a related field like Information Technology or Information Systems.
Then, develop work experience in the area.
Although it’s not necessary, a Master’s Degree in Cybersecurity can improve your pay in the area.
Suggested Skills
- IT knowledge.
- Operations research.
- Problem-solving.
- Communication of complex ideas.
National Average Salary: $47.95
8. Truck Driver
Role Overview
Truck drivers transport goods, such as for ecommerce, from one location to the next.
Long-haul truck drivers may need to travel cross-country for delivery.
This role may need you to be away from home for days or weeks at a time to travel.
Why they are in High Demand
After the pandemic, people want to order their goods online more than ever.
The demand means pay rates for truck drivers are getting high.
Still, many aren’t becoming truck drivers because they’re often away from home.
Despite those roles, you might like this career path if you want a nomadic lifestyle.
Requirements to Get Started
Many companies recommend but don’t require you to have a high school diploma.
To become a truck driver, look for an accredited truck driving school in your location.
They should give you a Commercial Driving License (CDL).
Then, companies may need you to get more specialized training after hiring.
Suggested Skills
- Focus.
- Safe driving.
- Scheduling.
- People skills.
National Average Salary: $21.76
See also: How to find and land delivery driver jobs
9. Physician Assistant
Role Overview
A physician assistant (PA) diagnoses illnesses, develops treatment plans, prescribes medications, and more.
The difference between PAs and RNs is that PAs focus more on diagnostics and treatment plans than daily patient care.
Why they are in High Demand
As more people reach over 65 years old, many physician assistants are also retiring.
According to one study, more than two out of five PAs will be 65 or older within the next decade.
Requirements to Get Started
First, receive a Bachelor’s Degree in a field like biology or chemistry.
Then, acquire about four years of working experience to help you apply to an accredited Master’s or program.
Finally, you can take the PANCE exam to become a certified PA.
Suggested Skills
- Stress management.
- Adaptability.
- Interpersonal skills.
- Compassion.
National Average Salary: $53.97 / hour
10. Financial Advisor
Role Overview
Financial advisors work with individual clients and investors to plan and manage their finances.
They have the option to be self-employed or to work within the industry.
This role is a great stepping stone to become a financial management analyst (FMA), too.
As an FMA, you would work with businesses instead of individuals.
Why they are in High Demand
A baby boomer population needs the help of financial advisors to plan for retirement.
There are also simply not enough people studying it now compared to then.
Although computer apps might interfere with demand, many people still seek actual humans to help them make tricky financial decisions.
Requirements to Get Started
Generally, financial advisors should have an Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in finance or accounting.
They may also need to get a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) credential.
However, some employers will help you gain that after hiring you.
Suggested Skills
- Computer skills.
- Organization.
- Customer service.
- Communication.
National Average Salary: $42.24 / hour
Outro
Overall, the industries that need people the most are finance, construction, computer science, and especially healthcare.
These are by no means the only careers in demand for this decade.
However, they are venues for you to consider if you are struggling during the pandemic.
Want to know what jobs are in demand near you?
Look through this list of jobs, and get free interview advice to launch your career here.
