As 2024 gets underway, the possibilities can seem endless for those looking to make a change or new start in their career. Whether you’re looking to transition from one field to another or seeking alternative ways to get promoted at work, finding the right next job can be challenging especially as technical expertise, qualifications, and certifications become integral in certain industries. According to Business Insider, the job market for 2024 seems to be more selective and competitive than previous years. As people move forward from the Great Resignation in 2022, the number of open positions across the country is narrowing by the minute. Depending on the industry and size of the company, applicants looking to make a career move may need to do their research on what are the top job opportunities – and that’s where we come in. 

Interested in learning more? Read more about what experts consider the top job markets you should consider looking into for this new year. 

Healthcare

The healthcare sector remains one of the most constant sources of employment, with a growing need for professionals at all levels including doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and healthcare administrators in both hospital and clinical settings. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the demand for healthcare has expanded even to other health-related occupations including healthcare practitioners at 16.4% and healthcare support at 23%. With an expected growth averaging 6.5% across the board, experts believe that there will be close to 2.3 million healthcare positions added during 2024. 

The most popular jobs within healthcare for 2024 are as follows: 

• Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs) | Growing at a rate of 38%, CRNAs are advanced practice registered nurses who specialize in anesthesia care for medical procedures. Part of their role includes assisting anesthesiologists by administering anesthesia, monitoring vital signs, managing pain and aiding patients in their recovery. Average Salary: $184K
• Nurse Midwife | Growing at a rate of 38%, Midwives specialize in women’s healthcare, particularly during pregnancy and childbirth. They offer services, including prenatal care, childbirth assistance and general gynecological exams for expecting mothers. Average Salary: $137K
• Home Health Aide | Growing at a rate of 22%, Home Health aides provide various non-invasive healthcare services to patients in their homes while working under a licensed nurse’s supervision. Average Salary: $38K

Computer and IT Support/Cybersecurity  

As companies continue to grow and expand their presence online, their need for reliable IT analysts and qualified cybersecurity experts has increased dramatically. With over 100 companies being cited as the “Best Places To Work” by Forbes Magazine, you can rest assured that there are plenty of opportunities open for those with cybersecurity knowledge and expertise. From private healthcare systems to government networks to housing personal data, cyber-attacks can have damaging costs if not carefully managed and protected. 

Growing rapidly upwards of 32%, jobs for IT technical support will be one of the fastest growing sectors for 2024 with the following most popular jobs: 

• Systems Security Manager | Tasked with ensuring that the company’s networks, data, and systems are safe from cybersecurity threats, System Security Managers ensure there’s a security strategy in place by establishing a strong foundation of best practices and data systems for compliance and security protocol. Average Salary: $137K
• Network/Cloud Architects | Overseeing the design, implementation, and maintenance of network and cloud infrastructure of an enterprise, Network/Cloud Architects focus on developing secure and scalable solutions to meet the needs of a business by selecting the right technology for each project, and ensuring the right security measures are in place to protect the company’s data. Average Salary: $133K 
• Data Security Analysts | Protecting an organization from potential breaches, Data Security Analysts oversee the security of the organization’s data, assets, and information systems while holding a strong background in cybersecurity, data processing, security monitoring, and incident response. Average Salary: $120K 

Communications (Business and Interpersonal) 

Communicating effectively is not an easy feat for just anyone. From communicating on behalf of an organization, to writing releases for a non-profit, to working in media enterprises, to even facilitating an open communication during times of interpersonal conflict, there are many exciting and promising careers to choose from in a multitude of industries. While the field has expanded beyond copyediting and social media, experts believe that the field of communications, as a whole, has reached new heights with several high-level positions open to those interested in leveraging their skills and degree. With over 2 million open positions, the field is wide open for those interested in pursuing a career in communications this year. 

Some of the most popular positions in communications are as follows: 

• Medical Communication Specialist | With duties like designing, writing, and creating informational tools, such as brochures and community workshops, Medical Communication Specialists communicate between medical and healthcare professionals to provide easily accessible and digestible information to the public. Responsibilities for this type of role can include conducting research, reviewing scientific studies and communications, and writing documents under the supervision of physicians and other healthcare administrators. Average Salary: $82K
• Corporate Communications Manager | Disseminating important information about the company to its employees, media outlets, and the public, Corporate Communications Managers are tasked to work with managers and executive leaders on releasing timely messages about company policies, information and even initiatives. Responsibilities can include preparing formal communications documentation and meeting with members of the media to adequately manage the message. Average Salary: $91K 
• Public Relations Manager | Maintaining the public image of an organization or client, Public Relations Managers work with the C-suite to promote and release important information about the company externally. Duties can include writing press releases, working with advertising agencies, and preparing documentation to answer questions from the media and external parties. Average Salary: $65K 

Don’t let the new year pass you by. If you’re interested in applying for any of these jobs but don’t know if you have the right degree or certification, contact one of our helpful admissions advisors. With programs in healthcare, business, education, IT, and much more, reach out to see how ACU Online can help you reach your dream career. Visit our website or call 855-219-7300 today!