The headlines may say that hiring is slowing down, but that’s not true across the board. If you’re thinking about a career move in the coming year, healthcare, tech, and skilled trades are the places to look, according to Indeed’s list of the Best Jobs in 2026. They base their rankings on pay, hiring demand, wage growth, and long-term security.
In 2026, healthcare continues to lead the way. Even though only about 11% of U.S. jobs are in the healthcare industry, the sector accounts for roughly 72% of recent job growth. Even in uncertain economic times, people still need medical care.
Other insights from the best jobs list:
- Many of the top jobs require specialized training and hands-on work with people.
- Roles like speech-language pathologist, occupational therapist, and sign language interpreter (#11) show the growing demand for human-centered skills that technology can’t easily replace.
- Not all of the top jobs require a four-year degree. Careers like radiologic technician (#18), massage therapist (#44), and HVAC technician (#16) often have lower barriers to entry and still offer strong job security.
- Tech roles like data scientist and solution architect (#20) are still in high demand, often paying six figures and offering remote work options.
- Skilled trades also made the list, reflecting growing interest in careers that offer stability without the cost of traditional college.
The Top 10 Best Jobs for 2026 and Their Estimated Median Annual Salary:
(Check out the full list here)
- Cardiac Medical Tech - $133,907
- Owner-Operator Truck Driver - $160,000
- Nurse Practitioner - $143,183
- Speech-Language Pathologist - $109,431
- Licensed Professional Counselor - $107,812
- Licensed Clinical Social Worker - $119,618
- Physical Therapist - $110,848
- Occupational Therapist - $105,580
- Radiation Therapist - $115,923
- Data Scientist - $115,079
Source: Indeed