Content Writer - Study Abroad | Updated On - Nov 5, 2024
From tech and finance to healthcare and renewable energy, US job market offers a wide range of opportunities. Being one of the largest and most diverse economies globally, USA attracts talent from around the world across various sectors. Agriculture, good producing, mining, healthcare and social services are among the major industries. As per US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), 167,849 thousands were employed in 2023 and the number is going to be 174,589 thousands by 2033, indicating a 4% rise.
Highlights from the third-quarter data published by the BLS shows
- Median weekly earnings of full-time workers were 1,165 USD in the third quarter of 2024.
- Women had median weekly earnings of 1,054 USD, or 83.4% of the 1,264 USD median for men.
- By age, usual weekly earnings were highest for men ages 45 to 64: median weekly earnings were 1,484 USD for men ages 45 to 54 and 1,490 USD for men ages 55 to 64
In this article, we are going to discuss the popular job sectors in USA that you should aim for.
Also read: High Paying Jobs in USA
Projected Employment by Major Industry Sectors
US is a vast country with various industries. It is important to know what are the most popular and prominent industries that you should aim for. Here, we have added some statistics on the employment by the major industries in USA.
| Industry | Employment in 2023 | Employment in 2033 | % of Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Agriculture, forestry, fishing, and hunting | 1,461.8k | 1,473k | 0.8% |
| Non-agriculture | 156,679.1k | 163,287.3k | 4.2% |
| Goods-producing, excluding agriculture and utilities | 21,552.7k | 22,042.9k | 2.3% |
| Mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction | 595.3k | 595.5k | 0.1% |
| Construction | 8,017.9k | 8,398k | 4.7% |
| Manufacturing | 12,939.5k | 13,049.5k | 0.8% |
| Service-providing, excluding special industries | 135,126.4k | 141,244.3k | 4.5% |
| Utilities | 575.5k | 612.8k | 6.5% |
| Wholesale trade | 6,116.3k | 6,286.6k | 2.8% |
| Retail trade | 15,590.1k | 15,225.3k | -2.3% |
| Transportation and warehousing | 6,565.3k | 6,952.3k | 5.9% |
| Information | 3,027.1k | 3,242.9k | 7.1% |
| Financial activities | 9,197.4k | 9,580.8k | 4.2% |
| Professional and business services | 22,840.1k | 24,482.3k | 7.2% |
| Educational services; private | 3,817.7k | 3,870.4k | 1.4% |
| Healthcare and social assistance; private | 21,524.5k | 23,768.3k | 10.4% |
| Leisure and hospitality | 16,592.8k | 17,415.5k | 5.0% |
| Other services (except public administration) | 6,497.9k | 6,779.9k | 4.3% |
| Federal government | 2,925.1k | 2,930.2k | 0.2% |
| State and local government | 19,856.6k | 20,097k | 1.2% |
Note: Above statistics are as per the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2024
Fastest Growing Occupations
In this fast developing era, nothing is permanent. Today’s demands are gone tomorrow. Currently, robotics, automation and AI is one of the most hotly debated industries in the developed countries like US, UK, Canada. Hence, we have listed down the top 20 fastest growing occupations in USA and their median annual salary.
| Occupation | Growth %, 2023-2033 | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Computer and information research scientists | 26% | 145,080 USD |
| Physician assistants | 28% | 130,020 USD |
| Nurse practitioners | 46% | 126,260 USD |
| Information security analysts | 33% | 120,360 USD |
| Actuaries | 22% | 120,000 USD |
| Veterinarians | 19% | 119,100 USD |
| Medical and health services managers | 29% | 110,680 USD |
| Data scientists | 36% | 108,020 USD |
| Financial examiners | 21% | 84,300 USD |
| Operations research analysts | 23% | 83,640 USD |
| Epidemiologists | 19% | 81,390 USD |
| Logisticians | 19% | 79,400 USD |
| Occupational therapy assistants | 22% | 67,010 USD |
| Physical therapist assistants | 25% | 64,080 USD |
| Wind turbine service technicians | 60% | 61,770 USD |
| Substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors | 19% | 53,710 USD |
| Solar photovoltaic installers | 48% | 48,800 USD |
| Veterinary technologists and technicians | 19% | 43,740 USD |
| Veterinary assistants and laboratory animal caretakers | 19% | 36,440 USD |
| Home health and personal care aides | 21% | 33,530 USD |
Note: Above statistics are as per the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2024
How to Find Jobs in USA
If approached strategically, finding a job in the USA as an international candidate can be a rewarding. Here are key steps and resources to guide your job search:
- Identify Your Target Industry and Job Role
- Prepare a U.S.-Friendly Resume and Cover Letter
- Use Job Search Websites and Platforms
- Networking
- Consider Internship or Trainee Programs
- Focus on Companies Offering Visa Sponsorship
- Use University and Alumni Resources
- Enhance Your Skills and Certifications
- Prepare for Interviews and Understand U.S. Work Culture
- Stay Updated on Visa Requirements and Work Authorization
Also read: OPT vs CPT | Part-time Jobs in USA | H1-B Visa
Also read: Post Study Work Visa in USA
Before choosing the right career path, consider factors like personal interests, qualifications, and long-term career goals. It is advised to start searching for a job before landing in the USA which allows you to save a lot of money. In addition to this, keep all your documents ready such that there is no delay in reaching the destination after getting selected for a job in the USA.
FAQs
Ques: What sector do most Americans work in?
Ans: Most Americans work in the service sector, which includes industries such as healthcare, retail, finance, education, and hospitality. As of recent data, about 80% of U.S. employment falls within service-based roles, reflecting the nation’s transition from a manufacturing-focused to a service-driven economy.
Ques: What are the most common jobs in USA?
Ans: Some of the most common jobs in the U.S. include roles in retail sales, food preparation, and office administration. Other popular positions include registered nurses, customer service representatives, general managers, and truck drivers. The demand for these roles reflects the needs of major industries like healthcare, retail, logistics, and office administration.
Ques: Which job is most demanded in USA?
Ans: In recent years, the most in-demand jobs in the U.S. include software developers, nurses, data scientists, cybersecurity analysts, and healthcare workers like physical therapists. Technology and healthcare are two fields with consistently high demand due to rapid innovation, an aging population, and digital transformation.
Ques: What jobs do most Indians do in the US?
Ans: Many Indians in the U.S. work in the technology, engineering, and healthcare sectors. Common roles include software engineers, IT consultants, data scientists, doctors, pharmacists, and other healthcare professionals. Additionally, many Indians work in finance, academia, and research, as well as in business and management positions across industries.
Ques: Which sector pays the most in USA?
Ans: The technology sector and financial services sectors are among the highest-paying in the U.S. Other high-paying fields include healthcare (especially for specialists like surgeons and anesthesiologists), legal services, and engineering. In these industries, roles such as software engineering, investment banking, and certain medical specialties command some of the highest salaries in the job market.
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