A recent analysis by the Indeed Hiring Lab highlights the best job opportunities for 2026, with a significant emphasis on health care positions. The report ranks jobs based on various factors, including the frequency of job listings on Indeed’s platform, median salaries, and projected wage growth from 2022 to 2025.
Health care jobs dominate the top of the list, comprising a remarkable 40% of the top 50 roles identified. This surge aligns with recent government labor data showing strong growth within the health care sector. The leading position is held by the role of cardiac medical technician, which has witnessed a remarkable 34% increase in job listings since 2022. Professionals in this field can expect a median salary of nearly $134,000.
Following closely is the nurse practitioner role, ranked third with a median salary of $143,183. In second place is the high-demand position of truck driver, specifically owner-operator truck drivers, who earn a median salary of $160,000.
Technology and Skilled Trades Offer Opportunities
The only technology job to make it into the top ten is data scientist, which reflects the growing intersection of technology and employment opportunities. Other notable tech positions in the top 50 include SAP consultant, software engineer, and business intelligence developer. According to Laura Ullrich, director of economic research at Indeed, these roles engage directly with artificial intelligence but remain essential in the evolving job landscape.
Moreover, several top-ranked jobs are found within skilled trades, where the influence of AI is less significant. The position of HVAC technician ranks as No. 16, illustrating a resurgence in interest for hands-on jobs that are less susceptible to automation. Ullrich noted the increased demand for electricians and other skilled trades, pointing out that community colleges are now seeing wait lists for programs that teach these professions.
“Hands-on jobs are less at risk,” Ullrich stated in an interview with CBS News. She emphasized that roles such as HVAC technicians and electricians, once considered less popular, are experiencing renewed interest among younger generations.
As technology continues to shape the job market, the findings from Indeed underscore the necessity for job seekers to align their skills with emerging trends. The analysis offers a glimpse into a future where health care and skilled trades are not only resilient but thriving in a changing labor landscape.
For those looking to kickstart their careers, focusing on these sectors could provide a significant advantage in the competitive job market of 2026.
