Trending Careers for 2023
2023 is kicking off with a tight job market, despite recent headlines of layoffs and hiring freezes.
In December, the unemployment rate edged to 3.5%, the lowest it’s been in 50 years, while demand for labor remains high — which means that candidates have a better selection of opportunities.
And keep in mind, job security is more critical now than ever as the US economy could enter a recession with slowed job growth, higher inflation, and rising interest rates.
US News and World Report analyzed the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data to rank jobs by hiring demand, growth, median salary, employment rate, future job prospects, stress level, and work-life balance.
According to the data, the following are the top 10 best U.S. jobs in 2023.
Software Developer
Projected jobs: 370,600
Median salary: $120,730
Education needed: Bachelor’s
Software developers create computer applications that allow users to do specific tasks and the underlying systems that run the devices or control networks. Software quality assurance analysts and testers design and execute software tests to identify problems and learn how the software works.
Software developers will be trending this year as more consumers move online in record numbers and companies increase digital channels and products to accommodate skyrocketing demand.
Nurse Practitioner (NP)
Projected jobs: 112,700
Median salary: $120,680
Education needed: Master’s
According to the American Association of Nurse Practitioners, an NP is a trained, licensed, and independent healthcare clinician who manages patients' health conditions by treating injuries and illnesses and supporting injury and disease prevention.
Nursing jobs are trending to help hospitals and clinics boost care access as the national shortage of primary care physicians continues to increase.
Medical and Health Services Manager
Projected jobs: 136,200
Median salary: $101,340
Education needed: Bachelor’s
Medical and health services managers, also called healthcare executives or healthcare administrators, plan, direct, and coordinate medical and health services. They may manage an entire facility, a specific clinical area or department, or a medical practice for a group of physicians.
Notably, medical and health services managers have one of the highest job security this year, with a 28.3% growth in jobs from 2021 to 2031.
The high demand for more medical and health services managers is primarily driven by the baby boomer population needing more health care in hospitals, group practices, and nursing homes as they age.
Physician Assistant (PA)
Projected jobs: 38,400
Median salary: $121,530
Education needed: Master’s
A PA is a licensed medical professional with an advanced degree and can provide direct patient care. They work with patients of all ages in virtually all specialties and primary care areas, diagnosing and treating common illnesses and working with minor procedures.
The BLS noted that, similar to NPs, PA demand is growing due to a rising shortage of fully-fledged physicians and will continue to grow to fulfill the ever-increasing needs of new patients.
Information Security Analyst
Projected jobs: 56,500
Median salary: $102,600
Education needed: Bachelor’s
Information security analysts install software, such as firewalls, to protect computer networks. Information security analysts plan and carry out security measures to protect an organization's computer networks and systems.
Many available information security analyst positions are because of the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force.
Physical Therapist
Projected jobs: 40,400
Median salary: $95,620
Education needed: Doctorate
Physical therapists help injured or ill patients improve movement, manage pain, and evaluate and record that progress. They are essential to preventive care, rehabilitation, and treatment for patients with chronic conditions, illnesses, or injuries.
One major reason physical therapy is a rapidly growing profession is that it's time for the baby boomer generation workforce to begin phasing out in numbers never seen before.
Therefore, about 41 million individuals are leaving the workforce and transitioning into retirement. The BLS projects high job security this year and overall employment to grow 17% in this field from 2021 to 2031.
Financial Manager
Projected jobs: 123,100
Median salary: $131,710
Education needed: Bachelor’s
Financial managers perform data analysis and advise senior managers on profit-maximizing ideas. Financial managers are responsible for the financial health of an organization and create financial reports, direct investment activities, and develop plans for the long-term financial goals of their organization.
The BLS notes that services provided by financial managers, such as planning, directing, and coordinating investments, will likely stay in demand as the economy grows.
IT Manager
Projected jobs: 82,400
Median salary: $159,010
Education needed: Bachelor’s
IT managers must lead and motivate IT teams or departments so that workers are practical and efficient. An IT manager oversees all computer-related tasks, problems, and solutions within a business. Depending on the sector they work in and their organization, they may also be referred to as IT directors or computer and information systems managers.
Demand for computer and information systems managers will grow as organizations increasingly rely on IT services and require these workers to plan and oversee computer hardware and software needs.
Web Developer
Projected jobs: 28,900
Median salary: $77,030
Education needed: Bachelor’s
A web developer creates websites. While their primary role is ensuring the website is visually appealing and easy to navigate, many web developers are responsible for its performance and capacity.
The BLS also expects web developers to have some of the highest job security this year, with projected employment growth at 30% from 2021 to 2031. As technology expands and e-commerce grows, businesses will boost their online offerings, and demand for web developers will grow.
Dentist
Projected Jobs: 7,700
Median salary: $160,370
Education needed: Doctorate
Dentists help keep teeth and gums healthy with regular dental check-ups and cleanings. They can also perform a variety of oral health treatments, including dental fillings, crowns, and bridges.
The BLS stated that it expects demand for dentists to increase as larger numbers of older people require dental services. Because each generation is more likely to keep their teeth than the previous generation, they will need more dental care in the years to come.
