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You have the best chance of getting hired if you are pursuing any one of these 12 careers in 2026. These are the highest-paying jobs hiring the greatest number of people. Several of them pay over $100,000 a year, some are recession-resistant, some do not require a degree, and some allow you to work from home.
Pursuing one of these careers will significantly increase your chances of getting hired sooner. So, make your steps (or should I say interviews) count. Let’s look at the highest-paying careers growing fast and expected to hire the most in 2026.
1. Home Health and Personal Care Aides
765,000+ new hires projected
As high as $44,000+ annually
NO Degree Required
This career has to be on the top list for 2026 because of the high number of hires that are happening. It still has the highest projected hiring volume, twice as many as any of the other careers. This career is projected to hire around 765,000 new Home Health and Personal Care Aides in 2026.
If you are driven to do meaningful work helping others, Home Health or Personal Care Aide might be your perfect career. However, (quick side thought/advice) don't invest in any career until you know for sure it's a good match. This career assessment test can help you compare your natural work personality characteristics and preferences to a job or career.
For this purposeful job, you will travel to people’s homes, group homes, and other settings to provide daily care to patients. You will administer medication and check the patient's pulse rates, temperature, and blood pressure readings.
The higher end of pay is over $44,000 a year. Just think about how your work will be helping people, saving lives, and joining the ranks of medical heroes.
These are some online classes to start your journey as a Home Health Aide.
One of the best reasons to get started in this career is - No student loan money is required! But, if you work for a certified home health or hospice agency, you might need to complete some training and sharpen your pencil for a standardized test.
If you dream of earning more per year, use this career as a stepping stone while you earn a degree and eventually make over $100,000 a year working as a nurse practitioner or a traveling nurse.
2. General and Operations Managers
308,000 new jobs projected
Up to $239,000 per year
The high volume of new hires for General Managers and Operations Managers is what puts this career in the top. You will look like a strong candidate to hire if you show them you have leadership skills as well as Dependability, Attention to Detail, Excellent Communication, Decision-making, Problem-solving, and time management.
You will play a crucial role in overseeing daily operations and ensuring that businesses run smoothly. You'll be responsible for managing part or all of a company’s operations, which may include formulating policies, planning the use of materials, and dealing with employees (also known as human resources).
Key aspects of the role include:
- Developing and executing business strategies to achieve short and long-term goals.
- Directing and managing budget activities to fund operations, maximize investments, and increase efficiency.
- Coordinating, managing, and monitoring the workings of various departments in the organization.
- Improving processes and policies in support of organizational goals. Formulating and implementing departmental and organizational policies and procedures to maximize output.
This is definitely an office job with mandatory computer skills. You will be putting out internal "fires," and spending a lot of time trying to make those unnecessary office meetings as productive as possible.
If you are up for enduring the daily stresses and pressures of upper management and $101,280 a year is enough to ease your pain, then this could be your perfect career. But you can't just step into this gig. You are going to need at least a Bachelor's degree.
The American Management Association and National Management Association also have some educational program information.
Take a look at this video about what it's like to work in this career:
3. Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers
Jobs: 237,000+
As High As: $78,000 per year
If you've got a love for the open road and the idea of cruising the highways alone while earning a decent paycheck sounds appealing, then a career as a heavy and tractor-trailer truck driver might just be your ticket to freedom and financial stability.
Truck drivers are part of the backbone of transporting everything society needs to keep functioning as you transport goods and materials across the country. It’s not just about being a good, safe driver who can navigate and parallel park 18 wheels; it's also about ensuring you deliver your load on time. And with an average salary of $54,320 a year, you can keep your finances trucking along, too!
Some truck drivers go on to purchase their own trucks and become their own bosses as contract drivers. There is even more money to be made if you do that, but you are taking on the added stress of maintenance, insurance, and watching the gas price a lot more. But you're getting paid to travel, and almost everything on your trip becomes a tax deduction!
Check if these fit you:
- Enjoy long hours on the road with plenty of solitude.
- Are good at managing your schedule and deadlines.
- Can handle the responsibility of safely operating large vehicles.
To start your career in truck driving, you’ll typically need to complete a professional truck driving school program and obtain a Commercial Driver's License (CDL). It's a straightforward path that requires NO DEGREE and could quickly put you in the driver's seat of your career, both literally and figuratively.
For top-notch training and certification, check out programs like those offered by the American Trucking Association. There may also be local vocational schools in your area that can provide the necessary training and help you meet the licensing requirements.
Wondering what life on the road looks like? Here’s a glimpse of what to expect:
4. Registered Nurses
Over 189,000 new hires in 2026
Average salary: $86,070 per year
This career joined the ones being called "hero careers" during the pandemic. If you are willing to commit to some education and training, you'll be on your way to having a recession-resistant career with excellent pay. Before becoming a registered nurse, you will need to be credentialed by the American Nurses Association.
If you are going to invest in this occupation, you should have some natural ability to be compassionate. Your days will be filled with helping people who are often scared and looking to you for help and answers. Also, you'll need stamina because the shifts can be long and demanding, and you'll need to be able to stay organized and competent filling out paperwork and charts even when you are exhausted.
Observation of a patient and the skills to follow meticulous details regarding medication will be part of your lifesaving super-hero power. Each year, there are a staggering number of people who die due to medical mistakes from giving the wrong medication or wrong diagnosis. Often, you are the eyes and ears of the doctors when they are not with the patient.
On a lighter note, if you have wanderlust and don’t like to stay in one town too long, you might eventually consider getting paid to move around by becoming a travel nurse. Or, you may decide to become one of these other nurse specialists:
- Nurse Practitioners
- Critical Care Nurses
- Acute Care Nurses
- Advanced Practice Psychiatric Nurses
- Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses
- Nurse Midwives
If your heart wants to be this kind of a hero, but your challenge is where to begin and how to pay for nursing school, check out the American Association of Colleges of Nursing.
This video shows you a peak into the daily life of a registered nurse:
5. Construction Laborers
149,000 New Hires
As High As: $78,000 per year
NO Degree Required
If you're ready to roll up your sleeves and dive into physical work that leaves a visible mark on the world, consider a career as a Construction Laborer. With an average salary of $45,300 a year, this job not only offers a decent paycheck but also the satisfaction of building structures that last for generations.
Construction laborers are vital to the building industry, handling essential tasks from the ground up. You might find yourself on various sites, from residential renovations to large-scale commercial constructions, performing activities such as:
- Laying foundations
- Building scaffolding
- Assisting skilled tradespeople
- Handling construction materials
- Clearing sites and preparing them for new construction projects
This role is perfect for you if:
- You enjoy physical work and are in good physical condition.
- You can follow instructions quickly and accurately.
- You’re willing to work outdoors in all kinds of weather.
- You have always thought you look good in a construction hat.
To get started in this field, you generally need no formal education, but having a high school diploma can be beneficial. Many laborers learn their skills on the job, but some choose to enhance their skills through various vocational training programs available in trade schools or community colleges.
For those interested in advancement, gaining specialized skills through further training can lead to positions such as foreman or site supervisor. Certifications in specific machinery or safety protocols can also enhance career prospects.
Take a look at this video to see a day in the life of a construction laborer:
6. Accountants and Auditors
124,000 new hires projected
Average salary: $79,880 per year
Skip this one if you don’t love math. However, if you are good with numbers, you like the idea of explaining complex financial transactions and evaluating financial data and information that impacts an organization, and you consider yourself honest and ethical, get ready to earn as much as $79,880 per year.
With an average salary of almost $80K a year, this career is not just about balancing someone else's books but also buffering your bank account pretty nicely!
Being an Accountant or Auditor isn’t for everyone, though. You need to be naturally meticulous, able to dig into details like a numbers detective, and have a solid sense of integrity—because, let's face it, everyone trusts you with their financial secrets.
Here’s what sets you apart if you’re eyeing this role:
- You’re a wizard with numbers and complex data.
- Being detail-oriented isn’t just a phrase for you; it’s a way of life.
- You’re super organized, managing deadlines and accounts without breaking a sweat.
- You carry a high ethical standard, keeping all that sensitive info safe and sound.
As an Accountant or Auditor, you will be responsible for the financial health of the company you work for. You will be creating financial reports, directing investment activities, and putting together the plan to help execute the financial goals of your company.
If you want to get ahead of your hiring competition or climb the ladder faster and earn more money, obtaining certifications such as Certified Public Accountant (CPA) or Certified Management Accountant (CMA) can greatly enhance your career prospects. Check out these resources:
- American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) - CPA Examination
- Institute of Management Accountants - CMA Certification
This video follows a day in the life of an Accountant:
7. Software Developers
303,700 new jobs projected
Average salary: $132,270 annually
AI has actually boosted this a bit. The software industry's revenue is valued in the hundreds of billions of dollars a year and although experts may not agree on the exact dollar value, they all do agree that this industry is still booming. So, if your eyes were designed to look at a laptop screen for most of the day and you prefer to work alone with the organized efficiency of computing code, a high-paying gig as a software developer promises to fulfill your dreams.
Also, being that your product is digital, many companies hiring have flexible work-from-anywhere policies. It’s sometimes a hybrid job that requires you to be both a creative problem solver and highly structured. Your work companions will be organized files and unforgiving code.
So, if you love working on your laptop with your toes in the sand and you can handle bringing in over $132,270 a year, this one is for you.
As a developer, you will be expected to handle the following:
- Analyze information to plan a new system installation or modify an existing one
- Analyze the needs of users and assess software requirements to determine the design timeframe and cost estimates
- Discuss and coordinate information and limitations of a project with project managers
To get started, you may want a bachelor's degree in computer and information technology or a related field, such as engineering or mathematics. However, if you are self taught or attended the school of "real experience", companies who hire these experts are sometimes more interested in what you can do than your degree framed on a wall.
Regarding career growth, as a software developer, you may choose to move up the chain of command, become the boss, and earn over $200K per year as a computer and information systems manager.
This video shows what it’s like to be a software developer:
8. Medical Assistants
112,000 New Jobs
As High As: $57,000+ per year
Are you interested in a healthcare career that offers a blend of administrative and clinical duties? As a Medical Assistant, you play a crucial role in the functioning of healthcare facilities, supporting doctors and nurses by handling a mix of patient care and office management tasks.
With an average salary of about $42,000 annually, being a Medical Assistant can be a rewarding entry into the healthcare industry. You’ll be on the front lines, often serving as the first point of contact for patients, and your duties will vary from taking patient histories and vital signs to scheduling appointments and managing medical records.
This career could be a great fit if you:
- Have strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
- Can handle a fast-paced work environment.
- Are empathetic and have good interpersonal skills to deal with patients of all ages and backgrounds.
To become a Medical Assistant, you typically need to complete a postsecondary education program. Many community colleges, vocational schools, and universities offer programs in medical assisting. These programs usually last from one year for a certificate to two years for an associate degree. Additionally, certification, while not always required, can enhance job prospects and is offered by several organizations like the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA) or the American Medical Technologists (AMT).
Curious about what a Medical Assistant does? Watch this video to get a feel for the role:
9. Management Analysts
98,100 new jobs projected
Average salary: $99,410 per year
If you love making things efficient and the thought of writing a manual to streamline and standardize procedures brings a smile to your face, a career as a Management Analyst might be perfect for you!
Your typical day could start with a problem brought to your attention regarding procedures and protocol, and by using your problem-solving and organizing skills, you will help management operate more efficiently.
Your daily tasks as a Management Analyst will involve:
- Gathering and organizing information about the problem to be solved or the procedure to be improved.
- Conducting interviews with personnel and onsite observations to ascertain unit functions, work performed, and methods, equipment, and personnel used.
- Analyzing financial and other data, including revenue, expenditure, and employment reports.
- Developing solutions or alternative practices and proposing changes to systems or organizational structures.
This career not only demands analytical skills but also exceptional communication abilities, as you'll need to articulate complex concepts clearly and persuasively to stakeholders. Are you ready to take on the challenge of streamlining business operations and boosting efficiency? If so, this career offers not only a competitive salary of $99,410 annually but also the opportunity to make significant impacts in various industries.
Your best hiring advantage is going to be joining the ranks of the 24% of hires with Master's degrees and completing certification at the Institute of Management Consultants USA.
For more detailed information about becoming a Management Analyst and to find out if it's the right fit for you, take a look at this comprehensive video:
10. Electricians
Number of hires: 81,000
Average salary: $62,000+ per year
Got a spark for fixing things and making sure the lights stay on? (Pun intended) As an electrician, you're a critical part of keeping homes and businesses not only connected to the electric grid but distributing that electricity safely within the building or around the property. This is not a desk job. You are going to be doing a lot of physical moving around in your daily work.
Whether you’re installing new systems, troubleshooting problems, or making sure old wiring is up to code, these skills are in demand. And with an average salary of around $62 K, you can ensure your bank account also stays as charged. But the sky is the limit with this one because you could always learn the ropes and branch out to start your own company.
There is more to this gig than just pulling wires and twisting them together; it's about:
- Having a love and desire for electricity and how it flows within electrical systems.
- Risk takers - do NOT apply. Being sloppy could get you or someone killed. Your job includes ensuring safety standards and regulations are met.
- You should love working with your hands and using tools.
- Be able to solve problems and diagnose electrical issues.
You’ll need to start with an apprenticeship or a vocational training program, and getting licensed is a must in most places, which can really amp up your professional credibility. Some companies are so desperate for these types of professionals they offer on the job, paid training.
Ready to light up your career? Check out this day-in-the-life video to see if you can see yourself in their work boots:
11. Financial Managers
74,600 new jobs projected
Average salary: $156,100 annually
Skip this one if you don't love math. However, if you are good with numbers, you like the idea of explaining complex financial transactions and evaluating financial data and information that impacts an organization, and you consider yourself honest and ethical, get ready to earn as much as $200,000 per year (on the upper salary end).
Financial Managers are key to any organization, tasked with overseeing the financial health of a company as well as generating financial reports, directing investment activities, and strategy for long-term economic goals.
- Superb analytical and strategic thinking abilities
- Keen attention to detail
- Strong communication skills to articulate financial concepts effectively
- Leadership qualities to direct and motivate financial teams
If you're drawn to financial stewardship and are capable of making decisions that affect a company's financial direction, this career may suit you well. A Bachelor's degree in finance, business administration, economics, or a related field is typically necessary to enter the field. Real-world experience is also crucial, and prospective financial managers are often expected to have accumulated 5+ years of experience in related roles, such as an accountant, securities sales agent, or financial analyst.
Advanced qualifications such as a Master's degree in business administration (MBA) or certifications like Certified Public Accountant (CPA) or Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) are also highly valued.
For more insights into this role, consider the following resources provided by the American Management Association and the National Management Association that offer information on educational programs and certifications.
Watch this video to gain a deeper understanding of what a Financial Manager does:
12. Medical and Health Services Managers
62,100 new jobs projected
As High As: $219,000 per year
If you love the money and security of medical careers but would rather work a desk job around healthy people, you might consider a career as a Medical and Health Services Manager. Your day-to-day activities behind the desk will be to plan, direct, and coordinate the business activities of healthcare providers.
Key aspects of the role include:
- Developing and implementing policies and procedures to ensure efficient operation and high-quality patient care
- Managing budgets and financial plans, and monitoring spending
- Communicating with medical staff, department heads, and administrative staff
- Staying up-to-date with healthcare laws, regulations, and technology
Start by taking a career assessment test to help you determine if you have the right work personality for this profession.
If you do, you will be helping medical professionals manage the business side of their practice and keep them organized. Sure, you will be busy pushing papers in the medical office and having meetings with doctors but not too busy to get to the bank and cash your hefty salary checks totaling over $117,000 (average) per year!
However, to be a Medical and Health Services Manager, you are going to need at least a bachelor’s degree. Master’s degrees are common and sometimes preferred by employers.
Take a look at this video about what it's like to work in this career:
BONUS CAREER
BONUS #1: Light Truck Drivers
142,000 New Jobs
Average salary: $42,470+ per year
NO Degree Required
If you need to be closer to home but enjoy the freedom of the road, a career as a Light Truck Driver might be a better choice for you. It pays a little less, with an average salary of $42,470 a year but it is an in-demand career that keeps you moving and still lets you sleep in your bed every night, missing fewer local events or family activities.
Light Truck Drivers are essential to the local flow of goods and services. You might find yourself delivering everything from packages to homes to refrigerated foods, which means every day can give you variety.
To get started, you'll still need a commercial driving license (CDL), and while the requirements can vary by state, most positions will require some form of professional driving training. Community colleges and private driving schools offer courses that can get you road-ready quickly.
Check out the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) for guidelines on licensing and regulations that ensure you’re up to speed with the necessary qualifications.
Curious about a day in the life of a Light Truck Driver? Take a look at this video:
How do you know which of these is the best career for you?
Don’t just choose one of these careers because it pays well or your parents think it’s a good fit for you. There is a way you can find out if your personality fits one of these careers. Take a career test for your work personality, learn about your personality strengths in a working environment, and see the list of careers that fit you best. This will help guide you to the best career for you.
This is your life and the career you will be investing in for many years. Making the right career choice will bring you joy, energy, and passion for what you do. After all, if you enjoy your work, you will never work a day in your life.
Learn more about CareerFitter.com. Take the career test or learn more about the career test.
