Job Forecast : 2021 Employment Outlook & Tips

The coronavirus has had a major effect on employment in nearly every industry over the past few months. However, the impact of the pandemic is also expected to influence what jobs are in-demand throughout the next year – and possibly the next decade. Let’s take a look at what you need to know:
 
As the need for healthcare booms, employers want more
 
Almost half of the nation's top 100 jobs for 2021 are in health care – no surprise amid a worldwide pandemic.. The pandemic has created new roles or increased the need for previously underutilized ones. In 2021, we’ll see new openings for jobs in:
 

• Home health care. Coupled with an increasingly aging population, the need for socially distant care and keeping patients out of hospitals and nursing homes will increase demand for in-home care. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts up to 1,159,500 new jobs by 2029.

• Physician assistant. Among the many reasons to become a PA: excellent pay and employment prospects top the list. The median salary is more than $112,000, and the unemployment rate is below 1%, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The field is expected to grow and create more than 39,000 new jobs over ten years.
• Medical assistant. As physicians, clinics, and hospitals see an increase of patients – especially in those offices that provide COVID-19 testing --medical assistants will be a vital part of keeping order and safety in mind. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 139,200 new jobs by 2029.
• Nurse practitioner. Besides the demands the pandemic is putting on our healthcare system, other factors are adding strain. Baby boomers are living further into their senior years than previous generations, requiring healthcare services as they age. It’s no wonder that between 2019-2029, employment for nurse practitioners will rise 52%, according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics. That means about 24,000 new nurse practitioner jobs every year!
• Contact tracing. Contact tracing is now in high demand as states work to effectively trace potential new outbreaks and quarantine those exposed to the coronavirus. That means job openings for  up to 300,000 new contact tracers in the upcoming year.

 
Skilled trades workers are in-demand
 
Besides healthcare, skilled trades industries like manufacturing expect an increased need for dedicated, trained workers to fill vital roles.
In-demand roles include:
 

• Manufacturing and warehouse roles. Increased production means an increased need for workers in a variety of manufacturing roles. along with a growing need for industrial workers and maintenance technicians. Warehouse roles can be expected to add from 100,000 to 300,000 new positions.
• Electricians. The need for talented electricians is rising. These professionals usually have a high school diploma or equivalent and earn a median annual salary of $56,180.
• Transportation and maintenance. As more people rely on online ordering and contactless delivery, drivers are in demand. By 2029, it’s expected the industry will add at least 163,100 new jobs for truck drivers and diesel maintenance technicians.
• Construction managers. The recent building boom puts qualified construction managers in the spotlight. A construction manager must make sure everything meets design specifications while ensuring a project is completed on time and on budget. Construction managers earn a median annual salary of $95,260 and may be required to hold a bachelor's degree.
• Tech-centric roles. With more and more companies shifting to a work-from-home model, trained and knowledgeable tech and computer maintenance workers will be in high demand. From analysts to help desk staff, companies and workers will rely on these team members to troubleshoot and repair connectivity issues and more – all from a distance.

 
The world is going back to work and so are you! If your plans include a new career, check out our Job Center for essential jobs hiring right now. Apply for Utility Technician, Patient Services Specialist, Assembly Operator jobs and more!
 
Sources
 
Southern, M. (2021). 'LinkedIn: Top 15 In-Demand Jobs in 2021', Search Engine Journal, 4 March. Available at: https://www.searchenginejournal.com/linkedin-top-15-in-demand-jobs-in-2021/392479/#close (Accessed: 3 March 2021).
 
George, D. (2020). '10 Jobs That Will Be in Demand in 2021', Nasdaq, 5 December. Available at: https://www.nasdaq.com/articles/10-jobs-that-will-be-in-demand-in-2021-2020-12-05 (Accessed: 3 March 2021).
 
Lui, J. (2021). 'Hiring for these jobs is on the rise in 2021, according to LinkedIn', CNBC, 12 January. Available at: https://www.cnbc.com/2021/01/12/hiring-for-these-jobs-is-on-the-rise-in-2021-according-to-linkedin.html (Accessed: 3 March 2021).
 
Omoth, T. (2021). 'The Top 13 Jobs Skills Employers Want in 2021', Top Resume. Available at: https://www.topresume.com/career-advice/top-professional-skills-for-resume (Accessed: 11 March 2021).
 
Boogard, Kat. (2021). '8 Skills That Employers Are Looking for in 2021', Go Skills. Available at: https://www.goskills.com/Soft-Skills/Resources/Best-skills-to-learn-for-jobs (Accessed: 11 March 2021).