It’s no secret that COVID-19 has unleashed havoc across the world. Aside from the devastating health effects, the coronavirus has thrust the United States into a significant economic crisis, which creates new challenges for recent graduates entering the workforce.
Graduates may find that the field they intended on pursuing is not currently hiring. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, “The number of unemployed persons rose by 15.9 million to 23.1 million in April [2020].” But while the need for some jobs have been reduced, others have risen in demand.
To help you along in your career search we’ve compiled a list of 20 high-demand careers for 2020 categorized by required education, with data provided by the U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics.
High school diploma or equivalent
Home Health and Personal Care Aide
2018 Median pay: $24,060 per year ($11.57 per hour)
Number of jobs in 2018: 3,253,000
Projected job growth, 2018-2028: 1,185,800 additional jobs
Education required: High School diploma or equivalent
Primary duties: Assist clients with daily tasks such as bathing, dressing, and light housekeeping. Help administer medications and keep medical appointments on schedule.
Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters
2019 Median pay: $55,160 per year ($26.52 per hour)
Number of jobs in 2018: 500,300
Projected job growth, 2018-2028: 68,200 additional jobs
Education required: High School diploma or equivalent
Primary duties: Installation and repair of pipes and plumbing fixtures that carry water, gas or steam.
Postsecondary nondegree award
Phlebotomist
2019 Median pay: $35,510 per year ($17.07 per hour)
Number of jobs in 2018: 128,300
Projected job growth, 2018-2028: 29,500 additional jobs
Education required: Postsecondary nondegree award (Phlebotomy Certificate)
Primary duties: Collect and prepare blood for medical purposes through venipuncture, finger pricks, and heel pricks.
EMT and Paramedic
2019 Median pay: $35,400 per year ($17.02 per hour)
Number of jobs in 2018: 262,100
Projected job growth, 2018-2028: 18,700 additional jobs
Education required: Postsecondary nondegree award (EMT-Basic Certificate)
Primary duties: Respond to emergency calls and provide medical assistance, including CPR and First Aid. Transport patients to hospital.
Associate’s degree
Web Developer
2019 Median pay: $73,760 per year ($35.46 per hour)
Number of jobs in 2018: 160,500
Projected job growth, 2018-2028: 20,900 additional jobs
Education required: Associate’s degree
Primary duties: Create and implement front-end website functions including site design, layout, and content.
Dental Hygienist
2019 Median pay: $76,220 per year ($36.65 per hour)
Number of jobs in 2018: 219,800
Projected job growth, 2018-2028: 23,700 additional jobs
Education required: Associate’s degree
Primary duties: Clean patients’ teeth and examine dental hygiene for signs of tooth decay, gingivitis and gum disease. Administer dental x-rays and provide recommendations for oral care.
Paralegal/Legal Assistant
2019 Median pay: $51,740 per year ($24.87 per hour)
Number of jobs in 2018: 325,700
Projected job growth, 2018-2028: 39,000 additional jobs
Education required: Associate’s Degree
Primary duties: Assist in the preparation of legal cases. Prepare legal documents such as contracts, wills, and affidavits, in addition to maintaining electronic filing systems and performing case-related research.
Bachelor’s Degree
Registered Nurse
2019 Median pay: $73,300 per year ($35.24 per hour)
Number of jobs in 2018: 3,059,800
Projected job growth, 2018-2028: 371,500 additional jobs
Education required: Bachelor’s Degree
Primary duties: Assist physicians with patient care and treatment. Administer medications, monitor patients, and provide patient education and counseling.
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Software Developer
2019 Median pay: $105,590 per year ($50.77 per hour)
Number of jobs in 2019: 1,365,500
Projected job growth, 2018-2028: 284,100 additional positions
Education required: Bachelor’s degree
Primary duties: Analyze user needs and recommend solutions through the design and implementation of software applications.
Medical and Health Services Manager
2019 Median pay: $100,980 per year ($48.55 per hour)
Number of jobs in 2018: 406,100
Projected job growth, 2018-2028: 71,600 additional positions
Education required: Bachelor’s degree
Primary duties: Coordinate and manage health services for medical facilities, departments, or teams.
Computer and Information Systems Manager
2019 Median pay: $146,360 per year ($70.37 per hour)
Number of jobs in 2018: 414,400
Projected job growth, 2018-2028: 46,800 additional positions
Education required: Bachelor’s degree
Primary duties: Oversee computer systems within an organization. Install hardware and software. Perform maintenance on operating systems.
Financial Manager
2019 Median pay: $129,890 per year ($62.45 per hour)
Number of jobs in 2018: 653,600
Projected job growth, 2018-2028: 104,700 additional positions
Education required: Bachelor’s degree
Primary duties: Create and implement strategies for financial operations within an organization. Produce financial reports and set long-term financial goals.
Advertising, Promotions, and Marketing Managers
2019 Median pay: $135,900 per year ($65.34 per hour)
Number of jobs in 2018: 286,800
Projected job growth, 2018-2028: 21,800 additional positions
Education required: Bachelor’s degree
Primary duties: Plan and execute promotional campaigns to reach targeted consumers. Develop pricing strategies including discounts and giveaways on products and services.
Related post: Marketing, a Very Versatile Degree
Master’s degree
School and Career Counselors
2019 Median pay: $57,040 per year ($27.42 per hour)
Number of jobs in 2018: 324,500
Projected job growth, 2018-2028: 27,200 additional positions
Education required: Master’s degree
Primary duties: Assist students with academic, social, and career goals. Provide guidance on career options and academic pathways.
Speech-Language Pathologist
2019 Median pay: $79,120 per year ($38.04 per hour)
Number of jobs in 2018: 153,700
Projected job growth, 2018-2028: 41,900 additional positions
Education required: Master’s degree
Primary duties: Address communication and swallowing issues and disorders. Develop, implement and monitor treatment.
Mathematicians and Statisticians
2019 Median pay: $92,030 per year ($44.25 per hour)
Number of jobs in 2018: 47,300
Projected job growth, 2018-2028: 14,400 additional positions
Education required: Master’s degree
Primary duties: Analyze mathematical and statistical formulas and/or data to help produce solutions to problems.
Physician Assistant
2019 Median pay: $112,260 per year ($53.97 per hour)
Number of jobs in 2018: 118,800
Projected job growth, 2018-2028: 37,000 additional positions
Education required: Master’s degree
Primary duties: Perform physical exams, diagnose illnesses, and recommend treatment strategies. Perform medical procedures and assist doctors with surgery.
Related post: How to Become a Physician Assistant
Doctoral degree
Dentist
2019 Median pay: $159,200 per year ($76.54 per hour)
Number of jobs in 2018: 155,000
Projected job growth, 2018-2028: 11,600 additional positions
Education required: Doctoral degree
Primary duties: Diagnose and treat oral health issues involving the teeth, gums, and mouth. Educate patients on oral hygiene. Perform corrective procedures, including the removal of tooth decay, filling cavities, and fixing cracked or broken teeth.
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Veterinarian:
2019 Median pay: $95,460 per year ($45.90 per hour)
Number of jobs in 2018: 84,500
Projected job growth, 2018-2028: 15,600 additional positions
Education required: Doctoral degree
Primary duties: Diagnose and treat animal health issues. Conduct physical exams, perform surgeries, and recommend treatment strategies.
Lawyer
2019 Median pay: $122,960 per year ($59.11 per hour)
Number of jobs in 2018: 823,900
Projected job growth, 2018-2028: 50,100 additional positions
Education required: Doctoral or professional degree
Primary duties: Advise clients on legal matters and represent their interests in court and legal transactions. Inform clients of the law and explain their legal rights and obligations.
Looking for more career advice? Check out the Career Prep category of Peterson’s blog for tips on assembling your resume, recommendations for interviewing, and more.
