Certain occupations are experiencing a significant increase in demand, but finding qualified candidates still poses a challenge in the current economy. In 2022, over 50 million employees quit their jobs, following the 47.8 million who had resigned in 2021.
This trend has gradually decreased, with 30.5 million workers resigning in 2023 as of August. Still, in today’s economy, many jobs are simultaneously in high demand and facing a shortage of professionals.
1. Electricians and Plumbers
The next decade is expected to have about 80,000 jobs per year available for electricians, per the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). A need for more qualified workers in skilled trades, such as electricians and plumbers, is being observed due to the retirement of older professionals and the reduced entry of younger individuals into these fields. The integrity of plumbing systems and infrastructure is ensured by plumbers.
2. Data Scientists
Today’s Industries rely heavily on data-driven decision-making, which has led to an upswing in demand for data scientists. These professionals are responsible for analyzing complex datasets, identifying patterns, and extracting valuable insights to drive business strategies. However, there is a significant gap in the market due to the need for more individuals with the required skills in predictive modeling, supervised machine learning, and neural networks.
3. Logistics and Supply Chain Managers
Supply chain issues were customer-centric in 2023. According to Gartner, 62% of leading supply chain companies invest more in improving customer experience than cost-cutting. Rapidly growing e-commerce and global trade have fueled demand for logistics and supply chain professionals who can effectively manage the movement of goods and materials from production to consumption.
These professionals oversee inventory management, transportation logistics, and distribution operations to ensure the efficient flow of goods across supply chains.
4. Cybersecurity Experts
There is an ever-growing market for cyber security, which is expected to grow by 11% in 2024 and 20% in 2025. The role of cybersecurity experts is critical in protecting sensitive information, detecting and mitigating cyberattacks, and implementing strong security measures.
As per CyberSeek’s report, about 1.1 million individuals are employed in the cybersecurity industry in the United States. However, the report also states that there are currently over 500,000 vacant positions available in this field.
5. Healthcare Professionals
Demand for adept healthcare professionals is at an all-time high due to an aging population, expanded access to healthcare services, and the COVID-19 pandemic. These factors have resulted in a shortage of qualified healthcare workers, including nurses, physicians, and allied healthcare workers. As a consequence, healthcare organizations need help to cope with staffing shortages and the need to attract and maintain talent in a highly competitive market.
6. Software Engineers
The software engineering industry is expected to face an unprecedented shortage of professionals in 2024. As a result, an astonishing one million tech job vacancies will need to be filled. According to reports, U.S. job vacancies will reach 85.2 million by 2030 due to a need for more talent. Software engineers are responsible for creating, designing, and maintaining the software systems and applications that drive innovation and power businesses.
7. Renewable Energy Technicians
Clean energy investment has risen by 40% over the past two years, leading to a high demand for workers in clean energy sectors. However, the need for more qualified technicians is a barrier to the widespread adoption of clean energy solutions.
Skilled professionals are needed to install, repair, and maintain wind turbines, solar panels, and other clean energy technologies. Addressing this shortage is crucial for accelerating the transition to a sustainable energy future.
8. Healthcare IT Specialists
As healthcare records are increasingly digitized and electronic health record (EHR) systems are widely adopted, there is a flourishing demand for IT professionals who can maintain and support healthcare IT infrastructure.
The responsibilities of healthcare IT specialists include managing and implementing EHR systems, ensuring regulatory compliance and data security, and providing clinical staff with technical support to enhance patient care. The shortage of professionals in this field can be attributed to the rapidly changing technology landscape, which has created a skills gap.
9. Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning Specialists
The median salary for an AI or ML role is now $158,000, up from $145,000 two years ago. Early-career pros with experience in AI or ML can earn over $300,000 annually. There is an expanding demand for professionals who can develop and deploy AI-driven solutions. However, the need for more experts in these fields poses challenges for organizations seeking to leverage AI and ML technologies.
10. Construction Managers
The building sector is currently experiencing a strong surge in growth driven by a rise in infrastructure projects, residential property development, and commercial construction. Construction managers supervise building projects from beginning to end, ensuring they are completed within budget, on time, and to specification.
However, according to a comprehensive report jointly published by the USG Corporation and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, as many as 95% of contractors struggle to find qualified and skilled workers for their projects.
11. Data Analysts
In an era of big data and analytics, organizations increasingly rely on data analysts to interpret data, generate insights, and inform strategic decision-making. By 2025, it’s expected that the big data market will be worth $229.4 billion.
Data analysts are skilled in collecting, cleaning, and analyzing data to identify opportunities, patterns, and trends for optimization. However, the shortage of qualified data analysts seasoned in data visualization, statistical analysis, and data mining poses challenges for companies seeking to leverage data as a strategic asset.
12. Mental Health Professionals
Amidst the prevailing scarcity of mental health professionals, digital therapy has emerged as a vital tool for providing much-needed support to underserved communities. Mental health professionals who offer virtual services are instrumental in offering counseling, therapy, and support services to those who need them.
However, the lack of mental health professionals, especially in specialized fields, such as child and adolescent psychiatry, poses a significant challenge for those seeking access to mental healthcare and support.