Top Jobs of 2022

The ideal job varies from person to person, but most can agree the best jobs pay well and are in demand. Whether you’re planning a career change or entering the job market for the first time, consider checking out Indeed’s list of the best jobs of 2022. 

These top jobs were ranked from 1 to 20 based on employer demand, salary (using a baseline annual salary of $75,000) and consistent growth in the number of job postings from 2019 to 2022. You can also explore the top 100 remote companies of 2022, and workforce trends job seekers can expect in 2022. Scroll down if you want to jump straight to the detailed list of the top jobs.

Rise in health care jobs

The best jobs of 2022 span a range of industries, from health care and tech, to finance and marketing. Four out of the top 10 jobs are in the health care industry, including registered nurse (1), optometrist (2), pharmacist (5) and nurse practitioner (8). This indicates that demand for health care workers remains strong as job posting trends for nearly every medical category are above the overall labor market trend (53.7% above the pre-pandemic level). As of July 1, 2022, Indeed postings for nursing jobs have increased by 62.4% since Feb. 1, 2020, postings for physicians and surgeons have risen 80.5% and pharmacy job postings have increased by 79.3%.

The strong employer demand for medical professionals seems to be outpacing the supply of workers. According to a report released by the Bureau of Labor Statistics on June 3, 2022, employment in health care rose by 28,000 in May 2022, while employment in the industry overall is 223,000, or 1.3% lower than in February 2020.

Related: 25 Best Health Care Jobs

Tech jobs are moving down the list

While 25% of the jobs on this list could be considered tech jobs, they’ve moved down the list compared to Indeed’s 2020 list of best jobs. This could be due to mass layoffs and hiring freeze announcements within the tech sector. According to aggregator layoffs.fyi, almost just over 33,000 tech workers lost their jobs in May and June 2022. 

While software development job postings fell 13% from June to July 2022, they did remain 107.3% above their pre-pandemic baseline. Indeed economists AnnElizabeth Konkel and Nick Bunker say that while “employer demand for software development workers is moderating, it is still incredibly strong.” 

As of July 1, 2022, postings for software development jobs have increased by 107.3% since Feb. 1, 2020, postings for information design and documentation jobs have risen 76.4% and information technology (IT) operations and help desk job postings have increased by 50.4%.

Related: The Top 25 Highest-Paying Technology Jobs and Their Duties

When accounting for salary, tech leads the list

We were curious to see what would happen if we only ranked the jobs on this list by their highest average base salary.

Three out of the five jobs on this list are tech jobs, with site reliability engineer placing first, and software engineer and back-end web developer placing third and fifth, respectively. Nurse practitioners earn on average $128,105 per year, but require a master’s degree, which takes more time and money to earn. 

It was interesting to note that when ranked this way, most of the jobs don’t require an advanced degree, but instead only require an associate or bachelor’s degree. Solar consultants, which placed fourth on this list, earn on average $121,329 per year, and require an associate or bachelor’s degree. For this reason, the solar consultant profession might be a good pick for those who want job stability and to earn six figures, but also want to save money on their education.

Related: 100 High-Paying Careers To Consider (With Average Salaries)

Various roles see highest growth in job postings

We also wanted to see which jobs would rank highest if we only looked at their percentage growth in job postings from 2019 to 2022. This could give us insight into how the pandemic has affected the job market and what to expect in the future.

When we rank the list this way, over-the-road truck driver comes in first, with 242% percent growth in the number of job postings over the last three years. The American Trucking Association corroborates this data, saying that there’s been a very high demand for truck drivers in 2022, a fact exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic and supply chain issues. Companies are paying truckers more than ever before and also offering five-figure sign-on bonuses and full benefits as they compete to attract more drivers. Since 72.5% of domestic freight in the United States is moved by trucks, it’s highly likely there will always be demand for drivers.

Other jobs that rank highly in this list include the tech jobs of IT consultant and site reliability engineer, plus the professions of growth marketer and solar consultant. While the tech industry is currently seeing layoffs and hiring freezes, IT consultants and site reliability engineers are still in demand, showing that companies value workers who can help manage their overall computer operations. Plus, a 131% growth in the number of job postings for solar consultants on Indeed reflects data that shows that the solar industry in the United States is booming.

Growth marketing is a relatively new subsect of the marketing industry, but its ranking at No. 4 in this list shows that companies are prioritizing this technical and consumer-centric type of marketing. Growth marketing strategies typically involve gathering data via search engine optimization (SEO), A/B testing and key performance indicators, so technical know-how is important in this career.

Read more: 15 Fastest-Growing Careers Through 2030

Most top jobs don’t require advanced degrees

A large number of jobs on the 2022 list only require a bachelor’s degree compared to the 2020 list, which had more specialty roles. In fact, only three jobs out of the top 20 jobs require a post-graduate degree–optometrist (2), pharmacist (5) and nurse practitioner (8). These medical careers require a doctoral or master’s degree. 

While many of the jobs on this list technically recommend a bachelor’s degree in a related field, it’s important to note that it’s very possible to get a tech job with just an associate degree, or with related experience and certifications.

More good news–25% of Indeed’s top jobs of 2022 require only a high school diploma or an associate degree, so these professions could be a good option for you if you’ve been considering a career change in your immediate future. The jobs of real estate agent (4) and OTR driver (6) require a high school diploma or equivalent, and the positions of registered nurse (1), software engineer (7) solar consultant (10) require an associate or bachelor’s degree.

Related: 30 Six-figure Jobs You Can Pursue With a Bachelor's Degree

Top 20 jobs of 2022

Here’s Indeed’s comprehensive list of the top 20 jobs of 2022, with salary information, data on employer demand, education requirements and a description of job duties listed for each:

1. Registered nurse

National average salary from June 2021-May 2022: $84,074 per year

Number of job postings per 1 million total jobs: 619.3

Percent of growth in number of job postings, 2019-2022: 34%

Education requirements: Associate or bachelor’s degree in nursing, pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses

A registered nurse is a health care professional who has obtained a nursing qualification and has passed the National Council Licensure Exam. The daily duties of a registered nurse may include conducting and interpreting medical tests, counseling patients and their families, maintaining patient records and developing and implementing treatment plans.

Read more: How Long Does It Take To Become an RN?

2. Optometrist

National average salary: $118,389 per year

Number of job postings per 1 million total jobs: 541.4

Percent of growth from 2019-2022: 121%

Education requirements: Bachelor’s degree, pass the Optometry Admission Test, Doctor of Optometry degree, pass National Board of Examiners in Optometry exam

Optometrists perform eye exams and vision tests, diagnose eye-related issues and diseases, treat eye injuries and prescribe correctional lenses. They usually work in private practices and may refer patients to general care doctors or local hospitals for advanced procedures.

Read more: How to Become an Optometrist

3. Site reliability engineer

National average salary: $137,324

Number of job postings per 1 million total jobs: 446.1

Percent of growth from 2019-2022: 175%

Education requirements: Bachelor’s degree, optional certifications

Site reliability engineers (SREs) work in software to manage and automate company operations. Some common responsibilities for site reliability engineers include building software to facilitate daily operations, implementing and documenting IT support services and collaborating with software developers.

Read more: What Is a Site Reliability Engineer (And Should You Become One)?

4. Real estate agent

National average salary: $82,015 per year

Number of job postings per 1 million total jobs: 443.4

Percent of growth from 2019-2022: 23%

Education requirements: High school diploma, pass real estate exam

Real estate agents, or realtors, guide clients through the process of buying, selling or renting residential or commercial real estate. They also host open houses, perform market research and cultivate client networks.

Related: How To Become a Realtor in 8 Simple Steps

5. Pharmacist

National average salary: $101,589 per year

Number of job postings per 1 million total jobs: 397.5

Percent of growth from 2019-2022: 83%

Education requirements: Bachelor’s degree, Doctor of Pharmacy degree, pass North American Pharmacist Licensure Exam

Pharmacists dispense prescriptions issued by physicians and educate customers about how to take medications safely. Their duties can also include providing vaccinations, processing customer insurance claims and suggesting over-the-counter remedies.

Read more: How To Become a Pharmacist: Education and Training

6. Over-the-road truck driver

National average salary: $102,678 per year

Number of job postings per 1 million total jobs: 325.2

Percent of growth from 2019-2022: 242%

Education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent (not always required), commercial learner’s permit (CLP), commercial driver’s license (CDL)

Over-the-road (OTR) truck drivers handle and deliver large amounts of goods in bigger trucks. OTR drivers often have unique routes they travel regularly as they transport goods long distances.

Related: FAQ: What Are Some Types of Truck Driving Jobs?

7. Software engineer

National average salary: $126,127 per year

Number of job postings per 1 million total jobs: 194.2

Percent of growth from 2019-2022: 87%

Education requirements: Associate degree or bachelor’s degree, optional certifications

A software engineer computer science professional who uses code to develop software components and applications for computer systems. Some of their duties include performing needs assessments for clients, creating software validation methods, eliminating bugs from code and coordinating system updates.

Read more: How To Become a Software Engineer

8. Nurse practitioner

National average salary: $128,105 per year

Number of job postings per 1 million total jobs: 170.2

Percent of growth from 2019-2022: 100%

Education requirements: Associate or bachelor’s degree in nursing, pass the NCLEX-RN exam, Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), pass a national NP board certification exam

A nurse practitioner (NP) is a type of advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) who can provide primary and specialty health care services to patients. Their duties can include performing physical examinations, diagnosing various health conditions, prescribing and administering medications and conducting research.

Read more: 6 Steps To Becoming a Nurse Practitioner

9. Product designer

National average salary: $113,722 per year

Number of job postings per 1 million total jobs: 149.3

Percent of growth from 2019-2022: 128%

Education requirements: Bachelor’s degree recommended

A product designer is responsible for creating a marketable design for users that's also attractive to the end user, easy to operate and helps fill a need. They may do anything from design the front end of a website or app to create a packaging design for a product sold in a grocery store.

Read more: How To Become a Product Designer (With FAQs)

10. Solar consultant

National average salary: $121,329 per year

Number of job postings per 1 million total jobs: 138.5

Percent of growth from 2019-2022: 131%

Education requirements: Associate or bachelor’s degree

A solar consultant surveys properties to determine the best system design for that unique location. Their duties can include educating the public about solar power, advising companies on the ability to implement solar power and maintaining a working knowledge of current safety standards.

Related: 11 Jobs in the Solar Power Industry

11. Growth marketer

National average salary: $85,928 per year

Number of job postings per 1 million total jobs: 104.7

Percent of growth from 2019-2022: 134%

Education requirements: Bachelor’s degree recommended

Growth marketers utilize various marketing fields and concepts, such as content marketing, search engine optimization (SEO), social media marketing and user experience. Their duties can include optimizing conversion rates, monitoring key performance indicators and scaling paid advertising campaigns.

Related: What Is Marketing Growth? Definition, Components and Campaigns

12. Banking associate

National average salary: $78,222 per year

Number of job postings per 1 million total jobs: 82.0

Percent of growth from 2019-2022: 25%

Education requirements: Bachelor’s degree recommended, optional Master of Business Administration, pass Financial Industry Regulatory Authority exam(s), optional certifications

Banking associates are client-facing financial professionals who research and sell financial products. They serve as a link between financial analysts and executives, and their duties can include researching and analyzing current market trends, advising clients on products and investments and conducting risk assessments.

Read more: How To Become a Banking Associate in 7 Steps

13. C++ developer

National average salary: $112,996 per year

Number of job postings per 1 million total jobs: 77.8

Percent of growth from 2019-2022: 12%

Education requirements: Bachelor’s degree recommended, optional certifications

C++, or "C with classes," is a coding language built on the foundations of the C programming language. C++ developers apply their expertise in this coding language to develop and maintain desktop and mobile software applications. 

Read more: C++ developer overview

14. IT consultant

National average salary: $110,029 per year

Number of job postings per 1 million total jobs: 61.8

Percent of growth from 2019-2022: 182%

Education requirements: Bachelor’s degree recommended, optional certifications

An IT consultant is a technology professional who supports clients during technological projects. They’re responsible for assessing elements of a company's computer systems like cybersecurity, software performance and data and analytics.

Read more: What Is an IT Consultant? (Plus How To Become One)

15. Operations engineer

National average salary: $105,191 per year

Number of job postings per 1 million total jobs: 59.0

Percent of growth from 2019-2022: 36%

Education requirements: High school diploma, bachelor’s degree recommended

An operations engineer is an engineer who specializes in industrial processes, systems and equipment. The primary duties of an operations engineer include designing, testing, maintaining and repairing the equipment and processes used in production and other industries.

Read more: What is Operations Engineering? (Plus Skills and How-To)

16. Land manager

National average salary: $75,152 per year

Number of job postings per 1 million total jobs: 51.0

Percent of growth from 2019-2022: 43%

Education requirements: Bachelor's degree, some states require licensing/certification

A land manager is responsible for maintaining and developing forests, rangelands and other natural sites for conservation or resource development. They make sure that lands are being used legally and may also submit development plans and come up with ways to protect the lands they manage from adverse weather conditions or unauthorized use.

Related: 9 Careers in Land Management (Including Salaries and Duties)

17. Back-end web developer

National average salary: $119,217 per year

Number of job postings per 1 million total jobs: 35.6

Percent of growth from 2019-2022: 64%

Education requirements: Bachelor’s degree recommended, optional certifications

Back-end development refers to creating and ensuring the well-running of a website's internal operations, which are hosted by a server. A back-end developer focuses on setting up and maintaining databases, scripts and the overall website architecture. They typically use programming and scripting languages like Ruby, Python, Perl, PHP and .Net.

Related: How To Become a Back-end Developer

18. Human resources business partner

National average salary: $88,260 per year

Number of job postings per 1 million total jobs: 30.9

Percent of growth from 2019-2022: 94%

Education requirements: Bachelor’s degree, optional Master of Business Administration

Human resources (HR) business partners support organizations by collaborating with other HR professionals and offering specialized business knowledge. Their duties can include coaching executives to develop their understanding of HR matters and designing talent acquisition and recruitment initiatives.

Related: What Is a Strategic HR Business Partner? (With Salary Info)

19. Communications manager

National average salary: $95,596 per year

Number of job postings per 1 million total jobs: 30.4

Percent of growth from 2019-2022: 54%

Education requirements: Bachelor’s degree, optional master’s degree and certifications

A communications manager ensures that all company messaging and communications align with the company mission statement and values. Specific duties may include writing press releases, reviewing marketing materials, meeting with shareholders and preparing communications reports.

Read more: What Does a Communications Manager Do? (Plus Skills and Salary)

20. Asset manager

National average salary: $93,120 per year

Number of job postings per 1 million total jobs: 26.9

Percent of growth from 2019-2022: 87%

Education requirements: Bachelor’s degree, optional master’s degree and certifications

An asset manager manages the money of other people, companies or organizations. Many work for investment banks, but they may also work for other types of financial institutions or independently as private professionals. 

Read more: What Does an Asset Manager Do? (Plus How To Become One)

Please note that none of the companies mentioned in this article are affiliated with Indeed.