Job trends 2026 | The 25 fastest-growing jobs in the US
Navigating today’s job market requires adapting faster than ever. AI is reshaping every stage of the employment journey — and many workers are trying to figure out how to stay ahead. More than half of professionals (56%) plan to job-hunt this year, yet 76% say they don’t feel prepared, according to recent LinkedIn research.
With so much in flux, identifying pockets of opportunity matters more than ever. Our annual Jobs on the Rise list does just that — highlighting the fastest-growing roles of the past three years.
This year’s list points to continued momentum in both technical and strategic AI roles, including AI engineers, AI consultants and data annotators. The rise in founders and independent consultants also points to a shift toward self-employment and gig work as professionals adapt to uncertainty.
And the ranking is only a starting point. Each role includes insights on key skills, hiring hotspots, and more — plus opportunities to explore open jobs or build skills through a related LinkedIn Learning course.
Check out the 25 fastest-growing jobs in the U.S. — and join the conversation using #JobsOnTheRise.
1.AI Engineer
What they do: Artificial intelligence engineers develop and implement AI models that perform complex tasks typically requiring human decision-making, like problem-solving and prediction.
Most common skills: LangChain, Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG), PyTorch
Most common industries: Technology and Internet, IT Services and IT Consulting, Business Consulting and Services
Where the most jobs are: San Francisco, New York City, Dallas
Current gender distribution: 23% female, 77% male
Median years of prior experience: 3.7
Top roles transitioned from: Software Engineer, Data Scientist, Full Stack Engineer
Flexible work availability: 26.2% remote, 27.1% hybrid
See related open jobs | Read more about the role
2.AI Consultants & Strategists
What they do: Artificial intelligence consultants and strategists help organizations plan and implement AI technologies to improve operations and reach their goals.
Most common skills: Large Language Models (LLM), MLOps, Computer Vision
Most common industries: Technology and Internet, IT Services and IT Consulting, Business Consulting and Services
Where the most jobs are: San Francisco, New York City, Boston
Current gender distribution: 18% female, 82% male
Median years of prior experience: 8.2
Top roles transitioned from: Founder, Software Engineer, Product Manager
Flex work availability: 30.3% remote, 32.8% hybrid
See related open jobs | Read more about the role
3.New Home Sales Specialists
What they do: New home sales specialists guide buyers through the purchasing process for newly constructed homes, from conducting property tours to managing sales transactions.
Most common skills: Residential Real Estate, Real Estate Transactions, Buyer Representation
Most common industries: Real Estate, Building Construction, Staffing and Recruiting
Where the most jobs are: Houston, Dallas, Orlando, Fla.
Current gender distribution: 57% female, 43% male
Median years of prior experience: 6.5
Top roles transitioned from: Real Estate Agent, Sales Manager, Property Advisor
See related open jobs | Read more about the role
4.Data Annotators
What they do: Data annotators label and review data using detailed guidelines and quality checks to ensure accurate datasets for training AI and machine learning models — often on a per-project basis.
Most common skills: SEO Copywriting, Content Marketing, Content Production
Most common industries: Technology and Internet, Staffing and Recruiting, Higher Education
Where the most jobs are: Austin, Texas, New York City, San Francisco
Current gender distribution: 62% female, 38% male
Median years of prior experience: 3.5
Top roles transitioned from: Content Manager, Editor, Data Analyst
Flex work availability: 27.5% remote, 29.4% hybrid
See related open jobs | Read more about the role
5.AI/ML Researchers
What they do: Artificial intelligence/machine learning researchers design and test new models and algorithms, using the results to improve AI systems.
Most common skills: PyTorch, Deep Learning, Computer Vision
Most common industries: Technology and Internet, Higher Education, Research Services
Where the most jobs are: San Francisco, New York City, Boston
Current gender distribution: 26% female, 74% male
Median years of prior experience: 3.0
Top roles transitioned from: Data Scientist, Software Engineer, Machine Learning Engineer
Flex work availability: 16% remote, 24.3% hybrid
See related open jobs | Read more about the role
6.Healthcare Reimbursement Specialists
What they do: Healthcare reimbursement specialists oversee billing and claims-submission processes for healthcare services, ensuring providers receive correct and timely payment for services.
Most common skills: Medicare/Medicaid Reimbursement, Prior Authorization, Managed Care
Most common industries: Chemical Manufacturing, Research Services, IT Services and IT Consulting
Where the most jobs are: New York City, Chicago, Los Angeles
Current gender distribution: 68% female, 32% male
Median years of prior experience: 8.0
Top roles transitioned from: Account Manager, Medical Biller, Sales Specialist
Flex work availability: 41.5% remote, 11.3% hybrid
See related open jobs | Read more about the role
7.Strategic Advisors & Independent Consultants
What they do: Strategic advisors and independent consultants bring specialized expertise to help organizations solve complex problems and drive results.
Most common skills: Executive Advisory, Go-to-Market Strategy, Strategic Partnerships
Most common industries: Technology and Internet, Business Consulting and Services, IT Services and IT Consulting
Where the most jobs are: New York City, San Francisco, Washington, D.C.
Current gender distribution: 30% female, 70% male
Median years of prior experience: 8.1
Top roles transitioned from: Chief Executive Officer, Founder, Chief Operating Officer
Flex work availability: 15.2% remote, 25.9% hybrid
See related open jobs | Read more about the role
8.Advertising Sales Specialists
What they do: Advertising sales specialists sell advertising space across channels, matching client needs with the right media placements.
Most common skills: Media Planning, Social Media Optimization (SMO), Paid Social Media Advertising
Most common industries: Media and Telecommunications, Advertising Services, Technology and Internet
Where the most jobs are: New York City, Detroit, Atlanta
Current gender distribution: 50% female, 50% male
Median years of prior experience: 5.6
Top roles transitioned from: Account Executive, Sales Director, Advertising Manager
Flex work availability: 24.5% remote, 28.6% hybrid
9.Founders
What they do: Founders turn ideas into viable businesses by setting strategy, securing resources and leading early execution.
Most common skills: Start-up Leadership, Brand Development, Software Development
Most common industries: Technology and Internet, Business Consulting and Services, IT Services and IT Consulting
Where the most jobs are: New York City, San Francisco, Los Angeles
Current gender distribution: 35% female, 65% male
Median years of prior experience: 5.9
Top roles transitioned from: Software Engineer, Product Manager, Managing Director
Flex work availability: 51.1% remote, 30.1% hybrid
10.Sales executives
What they do: Sales executives lead an organization’s sales activities, including setting revenue goals, maintaining and developing client relationships and overseeing teams to drive sales growth.
Most common skills: C-Level Management, International Sales, Sales Strategy
Most common industries: Technology and Internet, Business Consulting and Services, IT Services and IT Consulting
Where the most jobs are: Los Angeles, New York City, Dallas
Current gender distribution: 19% female, 81% male
Median years of prior experience: 8.0
Top roles transitioned from: Vice President of Global Sales, Chief Operating Officer, Vice President of Business Development
Flex work availability: 2.1% remote, 3.3% hybrid
See related open jobs | Read more about the role
11.Commissioning Managers
What they do: Commissioning managers lead the testing and validation of complex construction and engineering projects — such as data centers — to ensure they operate safely and functionally.
Most common skills: Electrical Testing, Piping and Instrumentation Drawing, Equipment Testing
Most common industries: Engineering Services, IT Services and IT Consulting, Machinery Manufacturing
Where the most jobs are: Houston, Washington, D.C., Dallas
Current gender distribution: 7% female, 93% male
Median years of prior experience: 5.3
Top roles transitioned from: Project Manager, Construction Management Specialist, Automation Engineer
Flex work availability: 17.9% remote, 14.9% hybrid
See related open jobs | Read more about the role
12.Venture Partners
What they do: Venture partners support firms by sourcing opportunities and offering strategic guidance across investments.
Most common skills: Early Stage Investment, Corporate Venture Capital, Deal Sourcing
Most common industries: Capital Markets, Technology and Internet, Business Consulting and Services
Where the most jobs are: San Francisco, New York City, Los Angeles
Current gender distribution: 23% female, 77% male
Median years of prior experience: 6.3
Top roles transitioned from: Founder, Chief Executive Officer, Managing Director
Flex work availability: 8% remote, 80% hybrid
See related open jobs | Read more about the role
13.Field Marketing Representatives
What they do: Field marketing representatives promote products or services directly to customers via in-person events, retail sites or other channels to drive awareness and generate leads.
Most common skills: Pharmaceutical Sales, Market Planning, Market Analysis
Most common industries: Services for Renewable Energy, Food and Beverage Manufacturing, Food and Beverage Services
Where the most jobs are: New York City, Dallas, Los Angeles
Current gender distribution: 34% female, 66% male
Median years of prior experience: 2.1
Top roles transitioned from: Event Marketing Specialist, Sales Specialist, Account Manager
See related open jobs | Read more about the role
14.Fundraising Officers
What they do: Fundraising officers develop and implement strategies to secure financial support for business projects or nonprofit activities, acting as a bridge between an organization’s needs and potential donors.
Most common skills: Major Gift Development, Philanthropy, Donor Engagement
Most common industries: Non-profit Organizations, Higher Education, Museums and Historical Sites
Where the most jobs are: New York City, Boston, Washington, D.C.
Current gender distribution: 66% female, 34% male
Median years of prior experience: 6.3
Top roles transitioned from: Director of Development, Chief Business Development Officer, Philanthropy Officer
Flex work availability: 14.3% remote, 34.8% hybrid
See related open jobs | Read more about the role
15.Background Investigators
What they do: Background investigators verify personal, professional and legal information to ensure individuals meet eligibility requirements for employment, security or other compliance purposes.
Most common skills: Background Checks, Private Investigations, General Investigations
Most common industries: IT Services and IT Consulting, Technology and Internet, Security and Investigations
Where the most jobs are: Washington, D.C., Miami, Boston
Current gender distribution: 51% female, 49% male | Median years of prior experience: 4.5
Top roles transitioned from: Law Enforcement Officer, Security Guard, Legal Assistant
Flex work availability: 13.3% remote, 80.8% hybrid
16.Business Development Executives
What they do: Business development executives identify growth opportunities, build strategic partnerships and drive revenue growth through new clients and revenue streams.
Most common skills: Sales Management, Customer Relationship Management, Inbound Lead Generation
Most common industries: Non-profit Organizations, Technology and Internet, Research Services
Where the most jobs are: New York City, Washington, D.C., San Francisco
Current gender distribution: 39% female, 61% male
Median years of prior experience: 7.4
Top roles transitioned from: Director of Development, Director of Fundraising, Chief Operating Officer
Flex work availability: 18.8% remote, 29.2% hybrid
See related open jobs | Read more about the role
17.Datacenter Technicians
What they do: Datacenter technicians install, maintain and troubleshoot computer servers, storage systems and other hardware to ensure reliable data center operations.
Most common skills: Data Center Infrastructure, Data Center Operations, Cabling
Most common industries: IT Services and IT Consulting, Technology and Internet, Staffing and Recruiting
Where the most jobs are: Washington, D.C., Atlanta, Columbus, Ohio
Current gender distribution: 16% female, 84% male
Median years of prior experience: 3.8
Top roles transitioned from: Information Technology Technician, Technical Support Technician, Datacenter Operations Specialist
Flex work availability: 3.6% remote, 32% hybrid
See related open jobs | Read more about the role
18.Travel Advisors
What they do: Travel advisors help clients plan and book travel experiences, coordinating logistics and providing tailored recommendations to fit their preferences and budgets.
Most common skills: Travel Planning, Travel Management, Business Travel
Most common industries: Travel Arrangements, Hospitality, Technology and Internet
Where the most jobs are: New York City, Miami, Los Angeles
Current gender distribution: 82% female, 18% male | Median years of prior experience: 5.3
Top roles transitioned from: Administrative Assistant, Salesperson, Customer Service Representative
Flex work availability: 15.4% remote, 3.7% hybrid
See related open jobs | Read more about the role
19.Psychiatric Nurse Practitioners
What they do: Psychiatric nurse practitioners assess and diagnose mental health conditions, manage treatment plans and provide ongoing therapeutic care for patients.
Most common skills: Psychiatric Care, Behavioral Health Nursing, Medication Management
Most common industries: Medical Practices, Recreational Facilities, Individual and Family Services
Where the most jobs are: New York City, Los Angeles, Boston
Current gender distribution: 79% female, 21% male
Median years of prior experience: 6.3
Top roles transitioned from: Registered Nurse, Family Nurse Practitioner, Intensive Care Nurse
Flex work availability: 57.7% remote, 19.1% hybrid
See related open jobs | Read more about the role
20.Quantitative Researchers & Analysts
What they do: Quantitative researchers and analysts build and test mathematical and statistical models to support investment, trading and risk decisions.
Most common skills: Algorithmic Trading, Statistical Research, Backtesting
Most common industries: Capital Markets, Technology and Internet, Research Services
Where the most jobs are: New York City, Chicago, Boston
Current gender distribution: 24% female, 76% male
Median years of prior experience: 3.2
Top roles transitioned from: Software Engineer, Statistician, Data Scientist
Flex work availability: 6.8% remote, 35% hybrid
See related open jobs | Read more about the role
21.Financial Advisors & Planners
What they do: Financial advisors and planners help individuals or organizations manage their finances and achieve financial goals by providing recommendations on saving, investing and budgeting.
Most common skills: Retirement Planning, Wealth Management Services, Estate Planning
Most common industries: Capital Markets, Insurance, Credit Intermediation
Where the most jobs are: New York City, Los Angeles, Dallas
Current gender distribution: 27% female, 73% male
Median years of prior experience: 5.3
Top roles transitioned from: Banker, Wealth Manager, Business Development Officer
Flex work availability: 5.1% remote, 33.6% hybrid
See related open jobs | Read more about the role
22.Construction Project Leads
What they do: Construction project leads oversee the end-to-end of building projects — coordinating tasks, guiding teams and managing resources.
Most common skills: Value Engineering, Construction Estimating, Subcontracting
Most common industries: Real Estate, IT Services and IT Consulting, Technology and Internet
Where the most jobs are: Dallas, Denver, Atlanta
Current gender distribution: 14% female, 86% male
Median years of prior experience: 6.0
Top roles transitioned from: Construction Management Specialist, Project Estimator, Business Operations Manager
Flex work availability: 9.9% hybrid
See related open jobs | Read more about the role
23.Legal Researchers
What they do: Legal researchers gather and analyze legal information — such as statutes, regulations and cases — to support litigation, policy and advisory work for legal teams.
Most common skills: Legal Writing, Litigation, Corporate Law
Most common industries: Legal Services, Higher Education, Non-profit Organizations
Where the most jobs are: Washington, D.C., New York City, Los Angeles
Current gender distribution: 64% female, 36% male
Median years of prior experience: 2.8
Top roles transitioned from: Law Clerk, Legal Assistant, Teaching Assistant
Flex work availability: 42.1% remote, 17.1% hybrid
See related open jobs | Read more about the role
24.Public Affairs Specialists
What they do: Public affairs specialists manage an organization’s communication with the public by developing external messaging, responding to public inquiries and supporting community and media relations.
Most common skills: Crisis Communications, Media Relations, Press Liaison
Most common industries: Military and International Affairs, Advertising Services, Research Services
Where the most jobs are: Washington, D.C., Los Angeles, Hampton Roads, Va.
Current gender distribution: 53% female, 47% male
Median years of prior experience: 5.5
Top roles transitioned from: Communications Associate, Outreach Manager, Journalist
Flex work availability: 17.6% hybrid
See related open jobs | Read more about the role
25.Benefits Advisors
What they do: Benefits advisors help individuals and organizations manage employee benefit programs, from enrollment decisions to program design and administration.
Most common skills: Employee Benefits Design, Benefits Administration, Health & Welfare Benefits
Most common industries: Insurance, Business Consulting and Services, Technology and Internet
Where the most jobs are: Chicago, Dallas, New York City
Current gender distribution: 54% female, 46% male
Median years of prior experience: 4.4
Top roles transitioned from: Insurance Agent, Customer Service Representative, Account Manager
Flex work availability: 7.9% hybrid, 55.4% remote
See related open jobs | Read more about the role
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News Courtesy : LinkedIn
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