There are plenty of industries in the U.S. that are desperately looking for workers to fill crucial hiring gaps. These jobs don't require advanced degrees or extensive experience. One of the best ways to get ahead financially is to land a job with a competitive salary in a growing industry.
If you've been looking to change jobs, it has never been a better time to get into one of these growing professions.
Here are 10 jobs that pay over $65,000 a year, for which employers are struggling to find workers.
All salary data sourced from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
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Construction project manager
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Median salary: $106,980
10-year growth rate: 6%
America is building properties at a strong rate, and there is a severe shortage of project managers who can handle the growing number of new building developments.
You don't need a background in construction to get started, though getting certified through the Project Management Institute, along with a specialization in construction management, is a good starting point. That, along with learning the ins and outs of construction software, will make you ready to make the jump.
Registered nurse (RN)
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Median salary: $93,600
10-year growth rate: 6%
Healthcare is a booming field, with a massive need for nurses as the population skews older. With the Baby Boomer generation now entering retirement, hospitals and care facilities need more workers. You'll need to complete an approved nursing education program, pass the national licensure exam, and apply for licensure in your state.
Data scientist
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Median salary: $112,590
10-year growth rate: 36%
Big data is big business now, and many companies need qualified data scientists and analysts to make informed decisions. To make the jump, you'll need a mastery of data visualization tools and programming languages such as SQL to access databases. From there, you'll need to build out a portfolio of projects that use real-world data that you can post on GitHub and LinkedIn.
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Logistics coordinator
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Median salary: $80,880
10-year growth rate: 19%
With the explosion in e-commerce and messy global supply chain delays, logistics experts are in high demand for all sorts of companies that sell physical goods. Getting a certification in logistics and supply chain management can help you get a leg up when it comes to landing a position, but it's also good to have some experience working in the industry already.
Industrial engineer
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Median salary: $101,140
10-year growth rate: 12%
Manufacturers are ramping up efforts to improve efficiency and optimize operations, so industrial engineers are in high demand. Having a bachelor's degree in industrial engineering or a related field is a good starting point, but it also helps to have a background in quality control, operations, or manufacturing.
Respiratory therapist
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Median salary: $80,450
10-year growth rate: 13%
The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the need for more respiratory care professionals, and demand remains high as the population of the United States continues to age. You'll need to get a two-year associate's degree in respiratory therapy from an accredited program and pass the national board exam. From there, you'll potentially need to pass another test to become licensed in your state.
Radiologic technologist
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Median salary: $78,980
10-year growth rate: 6%
Another growing occupation, radiological technicians are needed more and more with the aging of the population. Older Americans require more diagnostic imaging, especially in rural areas where there are few qualified professionals. You'll need an associate's degree in radiologic technology and pass the ARRT (American Registry of Radiologic Technologists) exam to attain state licensure.
Mental health counselor, therapist
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Median salary: $68,730
10-year growth rate: 16%
The growing mental health crisis in America is causing a massive increase in demand for licensed counselors and therapists. To become a counselor, you'll need to complete a master's degree in counseling psychology, but there are many online or part-time programs that you can enroll in while working your current job.
From there, you'll need to complete anywhere from 2,000–4,000 clinical hours and then pass your state licensure exam. There are many different fields that you can move into, from marriage and family therapy to substance abuse counseling.
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Occupational health and safety specialists and technicians
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Median salary: $78,900
10-year growth rate: 14%
In this role, you'll ensure workplace environments are safe by inspecting conditions, enforcing regulations, and supporting health compliance programs. You'll work in industries like manufacturing, construction, and healthcare, often collecting data and conducting safety audits.
You can become one by completing a certificate or associate degree in occupational safety or a related field, and many community colleges offer qualifying programs. No prior experience is required, and certifications like the ASP or CST can boost your job prospects.
Bottom line
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While some industries are experiencing cutbacks and layoffs, there are plenty of other areas that are looking for workers right now. These roles pay very well for entry-level positions, and there is a pathway for continued career development. Having a steady income of $65,000 or more a year can be a great sign of financial success and a great starting point for your career journey in one of these industries.
Despite what you hear in the media, according to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, there are .92 available workers for every one job, which highlights a pretty large labor shortage. That comes out to a whopping 8.1 million unfilled jobs in the country. That means it has never been a better time to make that career switch.
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