Here are the top entry-level tech and non-tech jobs that are projected to grow in the new year
The COVID-19 pandemic has brought drastic changes to workforces across the globe – and one big change is a growing demand for entry-level jobs in specific industries.
Below, we look at some of well-paid entry-level jobs in US that are projected to see growth in 2022.
Growing job trends for 2022
According to a US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) report, total employment in the US is projected to grow from 153.5 million to 165.4 million – a total of 7.7% – over the 2020-2030 decade. And as pandemic restrictions ease, jobs in the leisure and hospitality sector are projected to experience the fastest growth, as more restaurants, salons, hotels, and other recreation-related shops reopen to the public following the pandemic.
The healthcare and social assistance sector is also predicted to add the more jobs, with about 3.3 million new jobs expected during in the decade. The rising demand for care from aging baby boomers, longer life expectancies, and consistent growth in the number of patients with chronic conditions are some factors that contribute to the employment projections in this industry.
Meanwhile, jobs in the technology industry – already trending upward over the past few years – and are projected to continue to rise. Additionally, technological advancements are expected to drive employment growth in many tech subsectors – including professional, business, and scientific services industries with job roles like computer systems design analysts, IT technical support officers, and computer hardware specialists.
On the other end of the spectrum, retail trade is expected to lose about 586,800 jobs over the decade as e-commerce continues to grow and demand for brick-and-mortar retail establishments slowly declines. However, the sector will see a rise in virtual jobs supporting online retail such as website and software developers, graphic designers, and digital marketing managers.
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Well-paying entry-level tech jobs in 2022
According to BLS, tech jobs are expected to grow 13% from 2020 to 2030, with about 667,600 new jobs to be added.
Here are four high-paying, entry-level tech jobs that will see a rise in demand in 2022, based on BLS’ data.
1. Software developer, quality assurance analyst, and tester
- Expected growth rate for 2020-2030: 22%
- Expected new jobs for 2020-2030: 409,500
- Average education needed: Bachelor’s degree in computer and information technology, engineering, or mathematics
- Median annual salary: $110,140
- Promotion track: Project management specialist, computer and information systems manager, or other positions where they oversee the software development process
Software developers typically design and develop software catering to users’ needs, recommends software upgrades for customers’ existing programs and systems, and create models and diagrams showing programmers the software code needed for an application.
Meanwhile, software quality assurance analysts and testers usually create test plans, scenarios, and procedures for new software. They identify and recommend how to minimize project risks and provide feedback to software developers and stakeholders on a project’s functionality.
Developers, quality assurance analysts, and testers will see new job opportunities because of our continued dependence on several products that use software such as cell phones, tablets, and appliances. Many sectors, such as healthcare, will also need innovative software to manage policy enrollments and administer existing policies digitally.
2. Information Security Analyst
- Expected growth rate for 2020-2030: 33%
- Expected new jobs for 2020-2030: 47,100
- Average education needed: Bachelor’s degree in computer science, information assurance, or programming
- Median annual salary: $103,590
- Promotion track: Chief security officer or another type of computer and information systems manager
Information security analysts plan and carry out security measures to protect an organization’s computer networks and systems. They install and use software like firewalls and data encryption programs to protect sensitive information.
The demand for information security analysts has risen as cloud services are being adopted by many businesses and cyberattacks continue to grow in frequency. Information security analysts will need to create innovative solutions to prevent hackers from stealing sensitive information or destroying computer networks. Large corporations such as banks and financial institutions will be needing information security analysts to continuously protect their data.
3. Database administrator or architect
- Expected growth rate for 2020-2030: 8%
- Expected new jobs for 2020-2030: 13,200
- Average education needed: Bachelor’s degree in computer and information technology
- Median annual salary: $98,860
- Promotion track: Computer and information systems manager
Database administrators ans architects create and organize systems to store and secure data, such as financial information or customer contact information. Additionally, they maintain and test modifications to the database structure when needed.
Employment growth for database administrators or architects will be due to the increased data needs of companies in almost all industries and sectors. The popularity of database-as-a-service, which allows third parties to offer database administration and organization, is expected to increase opportunities for this role.
4. Computer systems analyst or systems architect
- Expected growth rate for 2020-2030: 7%
- Expected new jobs for 2020-2030: 42,800
- Average education needed: Bachelor’s degree in computer and information technology
- Median annual salary: $93,730
- Promotion track: Project manager, IT director, or chief technology officer
Computer systems analysts and systems architects study an organization’s current computer systems and procedures and design solutions to help the organization operate better. They usually specialize in computer systems specific to an organization. For example, they specialize in financial computer systems or marketing computer systems. They also consult with managers to determine the roles the IT systems need to provide and prepare an analysis of the costs and benefits of the IT systems.
Demand for this role will grow as more companies face requirements to design and install new computer systems to handle daily operations. For example, the healthcare industry will need computer systems analysts to accommodate the expected increase in the use of electronic health records, e-prescribing, and other virtual healthcare procedures.
Other well-paying entry-level jobs in 2022
Outside the tech industry, there are plenty of entry-level jobs that offer competitive.
Below are jobs across various industries that are projected to see growth in 2022, based on BLS data.
1. Nurse practitioner (NP) or advanced practice registered nurse (APRN)
- Industry: Healthcare
- Expected growth rate for 2020-2030: 52%
- Expected new jobs for 2020-2030: 114,900
- Average education needed: Must be a registered nurse (RN), Hold a master’s degree in an advanced practice nursing field, and pass a national NP board certification exam
- Median annual salary: $117,670
- Promotion track: Head nurse, managerial or administrative roles, academia, researcher in the medical field
NPs and APRNs coordinate patient care and provide primary and specialty healthcare. They work independently or in collaboration with physicians. In most states, they can prescribe medications, order medical tests, and diagnose health problems. In addition, NPs may specialize in care for certain groups such as children, pregnant women, the elderly, or patients with mental health disabilities.
The demand for NPs will mirror the need for more healthcare services in the country, such as preventive care and healthcare services for the elderly. More states are allowing NPs to perform more services, for example, more authority in team-based models of care in hospitals, offices of physicians, clinics, and ambulatory care settings.
2. Market research analyst
- Industry: Marketing and advertising
- Expected growth rate for 2020-2030: 22%
- Expected new jobs for 2020-2030: 163,600
- Average education needed: Bachelor’s degree in marketing or a related business, communications, or social science field
- Median annual salary: $65,810
- Promotion track: Market research manager or senior market research analyst
Market research analysts monitor and forecast marketing and sales trends that are relevant for companies. They help gather data on consumers, competitors, and market conditions as well as to measure the effectiveness of marketing programs.
The increasing use of data and market research in many industries will cause employment growth for market research analysts. For example, collecting and assessing big data such as social media comments or online product searches can help provide new information on consumer behaviors, which will mainly be the responsibility of market research analysts.
3. Elementary school teacher, except special education
- Industry: Education
- Expected growth rate for 2020-2030: 7%
- Expected new jobs for 2020-2030: 101,700
- Average education needed: Bachelor’s degree in elementary education. In some states, public schools require teachers to major in a content area, such as mathematics
- Median annual salary: $60,940
- Promotion track: May become mentors to new teachers, lead teacher, assistant principal, or principal
Elementary school teachers help students learn and develop essential concepts. They instruct students in basic subjects such as math, science, and other skills needed outside of school, such as social skills.
The number of students enrolling in public school kindergarten and elementary schools is expected to rise over the decade, and as a result, more teachers will be needed. However, the growth for elementary teachers will depend on state and local government budgets, which may lead to layoffs if there are not enough funds.
4. Heavy and tractor-trailer truck driver
- Industry: Transportation
- Expected growth rate for 2020-2030: 6%
- Expected new jobs for 2020-2030: 122,100
- Average education needed: high school diploma and passed a professional truck driving school
- Median annual salary: $47,130
Heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers drive tractor-trailer combination trucks in and between cities and long distances to deliver products, livestock, or materials. They also supervise freight loading and unloading.
The demand for the job role will increase over the decade as more households and businesses increase their spending and demand for goods. The recovery from the COVID-19 recession mainly drives the increase.
5. Film and video editor and camera operator
- Industry: Film
- Expected growth rate for 2020-2030: 33%
- Expected new jobs for 2020-2030: 11,000
- Average education needed: Bachelor’s degree in a field related to film or broadcasting
- Median annual salary: $57,200
- Promotion track: Project lead
Film and video editors and camera operators shoot and record television programs, films, music videos, documentaries, news, and other audio-visual media. They also edit the film footages to create a story for audiences. In addition, they usually collaborate with a director to determine the vision of the production.
The demand for film and video editors and camera operators is mainly driven by easing COVID-19 restrictions, as audiences look for new entertainment content as more venues reopen. Aside from this, online-only platforms like streaming services are likely to increase along with new shows produced for the platforms. This growth may lead to more work for editors and camera operators.
Many more industries are recovering from the effects of the pandemic and are now exploring innovative ways to stay relevant. Along with the increase of people looking for a career shift, HR leaders should stay updated on industry demands that would benefit the company and focus on attracting top, diverse talent to add to their organizations.
