The hiring landscape is always shifting. Some sectors face slowdowns. Others remain strong and offer opportunities. Knowing where to look can make all the difference.

Certain jobs show remarkable staying power. Roles needing hands-on skills and strong people skills are especially tough. These jobs seem to weather economic storms better than others.

Indeed’s 2026 Best Jobs list highlights these resilient careers. It pinpoints the roles where you’re most likely to land a job and thrive. Let’s dive into the top 10!

Top 10 Jobs in the U.S. for 2026

1. Cardiac Medical Tech

Cardiac Medical Techs are in high demand. They earned a median annual salary of $133,907. Job postings are up 34% over the past three years, and wages have also grown 34%.

Remote work is rare at only 2%. These professionals typically work on-site, directly with patients and equipment. If you like tech and helping people, this could be a great fit.

2. Truck Driver Owner-Operator

Truck Driver Owner-Operators also do well. The median annual salary hits $160,000. There are a lot of job postings—7,529 per million on Indeed.

Remote work isn’t an option at 1%. While wages dipped 5% over the last three years, job postings jumped 39%. This suggests continued strong demand for these drivers.

3. Nurse Practitioner

Nurse Practitioners (NPs) are vital in healthcare. They earn around $143,183 per year. There are 2,874 job postings per million on Indeed.

About 10% of NP positions offer remote options. Wages grew by 10% over the past three years. If you’re a registered nurse looking to advance, this is a solid path.

4. Speech Language Pathologist

Speech Language Pathologists help people communicate. They make about $109,431 annually. There are 191 job postings per million.

About 8% of these jobs are remote. Wage growth has been 14%, and job postings grew 11% in the last three years. A good choice if you want to make a direct impact.

5. Licensed Professional Counselor

Licensed Professional Counselors provide mental health support. They earn roughly $107,812 each year. There are 286 postings per million.

A notable 32% of these roles offer remote work. Wages rose 33% over the last three years, but job postings fell 17%. Still, the high remote availability is attractive.

6. Licensed Clinical Social Worker

Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSWs) assist individuals and families. They average $119,618 per year. Indeed shows 1,016 job postings per million.

Remote work sits at 32%. Wages went up 20% recently. However, job postings have decreased 32%. LCSWs remain valuable in various settings.

7. Physical Therapist

Physical Therapists aid patients in recovery and mobility. They earn around $110,848 yearly. There are 6,299 job postings per million.

Very few jobs, 2%, are remote. Wages grew 8% over the past three years. Job postings remained steady. If you enjoy hands-on care, consider this path.

8. Occupational Therapist

Occupational Therapists help people perform daily tasks. The median salary is $105,580. There are 4,147 listings per million.

Only 3% of these jobs are remote. Wages increased 6%, and postings grew 13%. OT is great if you want to improve someone’s quality of life.

9. Radiation Therapist

Radiation Therapists administer radiation treatment for cancer. They make about $115,923 per year. There are 239 postings per million.

Remote work is limited to 3%. Wages have jumped 26% in three years. Job postings also rose, up 8%. It’s a challenging, but rewarding career.

10. Data Scientist

Data Scientists analyze complex data to solve problems. They earn around $115,079 each year. There are 958 jobs listed per million on Indeed.

A large percentage, 35%, offer remote work. While wages dipped 3%, job postings grew 15%. If you love numbers and problem-solving, this is one to watch.

Healthcare’s Dominance in Job Growth

Healthcare roles appear frequently on the list. This isn’t by accident. Healthcare represents a large chunk of job growth.

While only 11% of jobs overall are in healthcare, it accounts for 72% of recent job growth. This shows the strength and rising demand within the medical sector. Consider this when planning your next career move.

Factors Driving Job Market Trends

Artificial intelligence (AI) and tech advancements change work. Some worry about job losses. But AI also creates new roles we can’t imagine yet.

Roles needing “human connection” are proving very durable. These jobs require empathy, communication, and hands-on expertise. Skills that are tough for machines to replicate. They will remain valuable even as technology evolves.

Conclusion: Navigating Your Career Path in 2026

Indeed’s report gives us insights. Healthcare is booming. Tech skills are still valuable. And “human connection” is crucial.

Job seekers should focus on in-demand skills. Consider roles with growth potential. And don’t underestimate the value of being human in an increasingly digital age. The future is what you make it.

FAQs

What skills are most important in the 2026 job market?

Skills in healthcare, technology, and those emphasizing human interaction are key. Adaptability and continuous learning are also valuable as industries evolve. Focus on building a mix of technical and soft skills to stay competitive.

How can I prepare for a career change into one of these top jobs?

Research the specific requirements for your desired role, including education, certifications, or licenses. Consider online courses, workshops, or volunteer experiences to gain relevant skills. Networking and informational interviews can also provide valuable insights.

Are these top jobs only located in specific regions of the U.S.?

While some areas might have higher concentrations of certain jobs, these roles are generally in demand nationwide. Check job boards and company websites to find opportunities in your preferred location. Consider regional cost of living when evaluating salary offers.

Will AI eventually replace all of these jobs?

It’s unlikely AI will replace all jobs. AI might automate some tasks, but roles requiring critical thinking, empathy, and complex problem-solving will still need humans. Focus on developing skills that complement AI rather than compete with it.

How often does Indeed update its “Best Jobs” list?

Indeed typically updates its “Best Jobs” list annually. This reflects changes in the job market, emerging trends, and shifts in employer demand. Keep an eye on their website for the latest rankings and insights.