LinkedIn Jobs on the Rise 2026: The 25 fastest-growing roles in the U.S.
Navigating today’s job market requires adapting faster than ever. AI is reshaping every stage of the employment journey — and many workers are trying to figure out how to stay ahead. More than half of professionals (56%) plan to job-hunt this year, yet 76% say they don’t feel prepared, according to recent LinkedIn research.
With so much in flux, identifying pockets of opportunity matters more than ever. Our annual Jobs on the Rise list does just that — highlighting the fastest-growing roles of the past three years.
This year’s list points to continued momentum in both technical and strategic AI roles, including AI engineers, AI consultants and data annotators. The rise in founders and independent consultants also points to a shift toward self-employment and gig work as professionals adapt to uncertainty.
And the ranking is only a starting point. Each role includes insights on key skills, hiring hotspots, and more — plus opportunities to explore open jobs or build skills through a related LinkedIn Learning course.
Check out the 25 fastest-growing jobs in the U.S. — and join the conversation using #JobsOnTheRise.
You can read our full methodology at the bottom of this article. This ranking is based on LinkedIn data and was compiled by LinkedIn data scientists Alejandra Budar and Marcela Leviz in partnership with editors on the LinkedIn News team: Juliette (Faraut) Bell , Ashley (Peterson) Botarelli , Emily Bruck and Sarah McGrath . Interested in seeing fast-growing jobs for your city? We also published Jobs on the Rise in 10 U.S. metro areas.
Can also be known as Machine learning engineers
What they do: Artificial intelligence engineers develop and implement AI models that perform complex tasks typically requiring human decision-making, like problem-solving and prediction. | Most common skills: LangChain, Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG), PyTorch | Most common industries: Technology and Internet, IT Services and IT Consulting, Business Consulting and Services | Where the most jobs are: San Francisco, New York City, Dallas | Current gender distribution: 23% female, 77% male | Median years of prior experience: 3.7 | Top roles transitioned from: Software Engineer, Data Scientist, Full Stack Engineer | Flexible work availability: 26.2% remote, 27.1% hybrid
What they do: Artificial intelligence consultants and strategists help organizations plan and implement AI technologies to improve operations and reach their goals. | Most common skills: Large Language Models (LLM), MLOps, Computer Vision | Most common industries: Technology and Internet, IT Services and IT Consulting, Business Consulting and Services | Where the most jobs are: San Francisco, New York City, Boston | Current gender distribution: 18% female, 82% male | Median years of prior experience: 8.2 | Top roles transitioned from: Founder, Software Engineer, Product Manager | Flex work availability: 30.3% remote, 32.8% hybrid
Can also be known as New home sales consultants
What they do: New home sales specialists guide buyers through the purchasing process for newly constructed homes, from conducting property tours to managing sales transactions. | Most common skills: Residential Real Estate, Real Estate Transactions, Buyer Representation | Most common industries: Real Estate, Building Construction, Staffing and Recruiting | Where the most jobs are: Houston, Dallas, Orlando, Fla. | Current gender distribution: 57% female, 43% male | Median years of prior experience: 6.5 | Top roles transitioned from: Real Estate Agent, Sales Manager, Property Advisor
Can also be known as Content analysts. In academic settings, data annotation work is often performed by research assistants or associates.
What they do: Data annotators label and review data using detailed guidelines and quality checks to ensure accurate datasets for training AI and machine learning models — often on a per-project basis. | Most common skills: SEO Copywriting, Content Marketing, Content Production | Most common industries: Technology and Internet, Staffing and Recruiting, Higher Education | Where the most jobs are: Austin, Texas, New York City, San Francisco | Current gender distribution: 62% female, 38% male | Median years of prior experience: 3.5 | Top roles transitioned from: Content Manager, Editor, Data Analyst | Flex work availability: 27.5% remote, 29.4% hybrid
What they do: Artificial intelligence/machine learning researchers design and test new models and algorithms, using the results to improve AI systems. | Most common skills: PyTorch, Deep Learning, Computer Vision | Most common industries: Technology and Internet, Higher Education, Research Services | Where the most jobs are: San Francisco, New York City, Boston | Current gender distribution: 26% female, 74% male | Median years of prior experience: 3.0 | Top roles transitioned from: Data Scientist, Software Engineer, Machine Learning Engineer | Flex work availability: 16% remote, 24.3% hybrid
What they do: Healthcare reimbursement specialists oversee billing and claims-submission processes for healthcare services, ensuring providers receive correct and timely payment for services. | Most common skills: Medicare/Medicaid Reimbursement, Prior Authorization, Managed Care | Most common industries: Chemical Manufacturing, Research Services, IT Services and IT Consulting | Where the most jobs are: New York City, Chicago, Los Angeles | Current gender distribution: 68% female, 32% male | Median years of prior experience: 8.0 | Top roles transitioned from: Account Manager, Medical Biller, Sales Specialist | Flex work availability: 41.5% remote, 11.3% hybrid
What they do: Strategic advisors and independent consultants bring specialized expertise to help organizations solve complex problems and drive results. | Most common skills: Executive Advisory, Go-to-Market Strategy, Strategic Partnerships | Most common industries: Technology and Internet, Business Consulting and Services, IT Services and IT Consulting | Where the most jobs are: New York City, San Francisco, Washington, D.C. | Current gender distribution: 30% female, 70% male | Median years of prior experience: 8.1 | Top roles transitioned from: Chief Executive Officer, Founder, Chief Operating Officer | Flex work availability: 15.2% remote, 25.9% hybrid
What they do: Advertising sales specialists sell advertising space across channels, matching client needs with the right media placements. | Most common skills: Media Planning, Social Media Optimization (SMO), Paid Social Media Advertising | Most common industries: Media and Telecommunications, Advertising Services, Technology and Internet | Where the most jobs are: New York City, Detroit, Atlanta | Current gender distribution: 50% female, 50% male | Median years of prior experience: 5.6 | Top roles transitioned from: Account Executive, Sales Director, Advertising Manager | Flex work availability: 24.5% remote, 28.6% hybrid
What they do: Founders turn ideas into viable businesses by setting strategy, securing resources and leading early execution. | Most common skills: Start-up Leadership, Brand Development, Software Development | Most common industries: Technology and Internet, Business Consulting and Services, IT Services and IT Consulting | Where the most jobs are: New York City, San Francisco, Los Angeles | Current gender distribution: 35% female, 65% male | Median years of prior experience: 5.9 | Top roles transitioned from: Software Engineer, Product Manager, Managing Director | Flex work availability: 51.1% remote, 30.1% hybrid | See more: "Founder" titles are up 69% year-over-year on LinkedIn. Here's why.
What they do: Sales executives lead an organization’s sales activities, including setting revenue goals, maintaining and developing client relationships and overseeing teams to drive sales growth. | Most common skills: C-Level Management, International Sales, Sales Strategy | Most common industries: Technology and Internet, Business Consulting and Services, IT Services and IT Consulting | Where the most jobs are: Los Angeles, New York City, Dallas | Current gender distribution: 19% female, 81% male | Median years of prior experience: 8.0 | Top roles transitioned from: Vice President of Global Sales, Chief Operating Officer, Vice President of Business Development | Flex work availability: 2.1% remote, 3.3% hybrid
What they do: Commissioning managers lead the testing and validation of complex construction and engineering projects — such as data centers — to ensure they operate safely and functionally. | Most common skills: Electrical Testing, Piping and Instrumentation Drawing, Equipment Testing | Most common industries: Engineering Services, IT Services and IT Consulting, Machinery Manufacturing | Where the most jobs are: Houston, Washington, D.C., Dallas | Current gender distribution: 7% female, 93% male | Median years of prior experience: 5.3 | Top roles transitioned from: Project Manager, Construction Management Specialist, Automation Engineer | Flex work availability: 17.9% remote, 14.9% hybrid
What they do: Venture partners support firms by sourcing opportunities and offering strategic guidance across investments. | Most common skills: Early Stage Investment, Corporate Venture Capital, Deal Sourcing | Most common industries: Capital Markets, Technology and Internet, Business Consulting and Services | Where the most jobs are: San Francisco, New York City, Los Angeles | Current gender distribution: 23% female, 77% male | Median years of prior experience: 6.3 | Top roles transitioned from: Founder, Chief Executive Officer, Managing Director | Flex work availability: 8% remote, 80% hybrid
What they do: Field marketing representatives promote products or services directly to customers via in-person events, retail sites or other channels to drive awareness and generate leads. | Most common skills: Pharmaceutical Sales, Market Planning, Market Analysis | Most common industries: Services for Renewable Energy, Food and Beverage Manufacturing, Food and Beverage Services | Where the most jobs are: New York City, Dallas, Los Angeles | Current gender distribution: 34% female, 66% male | Median years of prior experience: 2.1 | Top roles transitioned from: Event Marketing Specialist, Sales Specialist, Account Manager
Can also be known as Development managers or Major gifts officers
What they do: Fundraising officers develop and implement strategies to secure financial support for business projects or nonprofit activities, acting as a bridge between an organization’s needs and potential donors. | Most common skills: Major Gift Development, Philanthropy, Donor Engagement | Most common industries: Non-profit Organizations, Higher Education, Museums and Historical Sites | Where the most jobs are: New York City, Boston, Washington, D.C. | Current gender distribution: 66% female, 34% male | Median years of prior experience: 6.3 | Top roles transitioned from: Director of Development, Chief Business Development Officer, Philanthropy Officer | Flex work availability: 14.3% remote, 34.8% hybrid
What they do: Background investigators verify personal, professional and legal information to ensure individuals meet eligibility requirements for employment, security or other compliance purposes. | Most common skills: Background Checks, Private Investigations, General Investigations | Most common industries: IT Services and IT Consulting, Technology and Internet, Security and Investigations | Where the most jobs are: Washington, D.C., Miami, Boston | Current gender distribution: 51% female, 49% male | Median years of prior experience: 4.5 | Top roles transitioned from: Law Enforcement Officer, Security Guard, Legal Assistant | Flex work availability: 13.3% remote, 80.8% hybrid
What they do: Business development executives identify growth opportunities, build strategic partnerships and drive revenue growth through new clients and revenue streams. | Most common skills: Sales Management, Customer Relationship Management, Inbound Lead Generation | Most common industries: Non-profit Organizations, Technology and Internet, Research Services | Where the most jobs are: New York City, Washington, D.C., San Francisco | Current gender distribution: 39% female, 61% male | Median years of prior experience: 7.4 | Top roles transitioned from: Director of Development, Director of Fundraising, Chief Operating Officer | Flex work availability: 18.8% remote, 29.2% hybrid
What they do: Datacenter technicians install, maintain and troubleshoot computer servers, storage systems and other hardware to ensure reliable data center operations. | Most common skills: Data Center Infrastructure, Data Center Operations, Cabling | Most common industries: IT Services and IT Consulting, Technology and Internet, Staffing and Recruiting | Where the most jobs are: Washington, D.C., Atlanta, Columbus, Ohio | Current gender distribution: 16% female, 84% male | Median years of prior experience: 3.8 | Top roles transitioned from: Information Technology Technician, Technical Support Technician, Datacenter Operations Specialist | Flex work availability: 3.6% remote, 32% hybrid
Can also be known as Travel agents
What they do: Travel advisors help clients plan and book travel experiences, coordinating logistics and providing tailored recommendations to fit their preferences and budgets. | Most common skills: Travel Planning, Travel Management, Business Travel | Most common industries: Travel Arrangements, Hospitality, Technology and Internet | Where the most jobs are: New York City, Miami, Los Angeles | Current gender distribution: 82% female, 18% male | Median years of prior experience: 5.3 | Top roles transitioned from: Administrative Assistant, Salesperson, Customer Service Representative | Flex work availability: 15.4% remote, 3.7% hybrid
What they do: Psychiatric nurse practitioners assess and diagnose mental health conditions, manage treatment plans and provide ongoing therapeutic care for patients. | Most common skills: Psychiatric Care, Behavioral Health Nursing, Medication Management | Most common industries: Medical Practices, Recreational Facilities, Individual and Family Services | Where the most jobs are: New York City, Los Angeles, Boston | Current gender distribution: 79% female, 21% male | Median years of prior experience: 6.3 | Top roles transitioned from: Registered Nurse, Family Nurse Practitioner, Intensive Care Nurse | Flex work availability: 57.7% remote, 19.1% hybrid
What they do: Quantitative researchers and analysts build and test mathematical and statistical models to support investment, trading and risk decisions. | Most common skills: Algorithmic Trading, Statistical Research, Backtesting | Most common industries: Capital Markets, Technology and Internet, Research Services | Where the most jobs are: New York City, Chicago, Boston | Current gender distribution: 24% female, 76% male | Median years of prior experience: 3.2 | Top roles transitioned from: Software Engineer, Statistician, Data Scientist | Flex work availability: 6.8% remote, 35% hybrid
Can also be known as Wealth managers
What they do: Financial advisors and planners help individuals or organizations manage their finances and achieve financial goals by providing recommendations on saving, investing and budgeting. | Most common skills: Retirement Planning, Wealth Management Services, Estate Planning | Most common industries: Capital Markets, Insurance, Credit Intermediation | Where the most jobs are: New York City, Los Angeles, Dallas | Current gender distribution: 27% female, 73% male | Median years of prior experience: 5.3 | Top roles transitioned from: Banker, Wealth Manager, Business Development Officer | Flex work availability: 5.1% remote, 33.6% hybrid
What they do: Construction project leads oversee the end-to-end of building projects — coordinating tasks, guiding teams and managing resources. | Most common skills: Value Engineering, Construction Estimating, Subcontracting | Most common industries: Real Estate, IT Services and IT Consulting, Technology and Internet | Where the most jobs are: Dallas, Denver, Atlanta | Current gender distribution: 14% female, 86% male | Median years of prior experience: 6.0 | Top roles transitioned from: Construction Management Specialist, Project Estimator, Business Operations Manager | Flex work availability: 9.9% hybrid
What they do: Legal researchers gather and analyze legal information — such as statutes, regulations and cases — to support litigation, policy and advisory work for legal teams. | Most common skills: Legal Writing, Litigation, Corporate Law | Most common industries: Legal Services, Higher Education, Non-profit Organizations | Where the most jobs are: Washington, D.C., New York City, Los Angeles | Current gender distribution: 64% female, 36% male | Median years of prior experience: 2.8 | Top roles transitioned from: Law Clerk, Legal Assistant, Teaching Assistant | Flex work availability: 42.1% remote, 17.1% hybrid
What they do: Public affairs specialists manage an organization’s communication with the public by developing external messaging, responding to public inquiries and supporting community and media relations. | Most common skills: Crisis Communications, Media Relations, Press Liaison | Most common industries: Military and International Affairs, Advertising Services, Research Services | Where the most jobs are: Washington, D.C., Los Angeles, Hampton Roads, Va. | Current gender distribution: 53% female, 47% male | Median years of prior experience: 5.5 | Top roles transitioned from: Communications Associate, Outreach Manager, Journalist | Flex work availability: 17.6% hybrid
What they do: Benefits advisors help individuals and organizations manage employee benefit programs, from enrollment decisions to program design and administration. | Most common skills: Employee Benefits Design, Benefits Administration, Health & Welfare Benefits | Most common industries: Insurance, Business Consulting and Services, Technology and Internet | Where the most jobs are: Chicago, Dallas, New York City | Current gender distribution: 54% female, 46% male | Median years of prior experience: 4.4 | Top roles transitioned from: Insurance Agent, Customer Service Representative, Account Manager | Flex work availability: 7.9% hybrid, 55.4% remote
➡️ Ready for your next move? Take steps to navigate your job search with confidence with these resources.
You can also check out the Jobs on the Rise in Australia, Brazil, Canada, France, Germany, India, Italy, Netherlands, Singapore, Spain and the UK.
List Methodology
LinkedIn Economic Graph researchers examined millions of jobs started by LinkedIn members from January 1, 2023 to July 31, 2025 to calculate a growth rate for each job title. To be ranked, a job title needed to see positive growth across our membership base and sufficient job postings in the past year, as well as have grown to a meaningful size by 2025. Identical job titles across different seniority levels were grouped and ranked together. Internships, volunteer positions, interim roles and student roles were excluded, and jobs where hiring was dominated by a small handful of companies in each country were also excluded.
Job Insights
Additional data points for each of the job titles are based on LinkedIn profiles of members holding the title and/or open jobs for that title in the country.
Flexible work availability is based on jobs posted from November 2024 to November 2025 flagged as “remote” or “hybrid” by the poster or containing similar keywords. Most common skills were derived from the top skills most unique to each title among members who have ever held that title on LinkedIn. Median years of experience was calculated using the median years of work experience held prior to starting in the featured title for members hired within the methodology time frame. Most common industries are based on the industry of the companies that hired the highest number of members for each job from January 1, 2025 to October 31, 2025. Gender breakdown was calculated by measuring the number of members by identified gender currently in each job (provided there was meaningful gender data) as a percentage of the total members with known gender per job. Top locations hiring were categorized as the regions that employed the largest percentage of each job title from January 1, 2025 to October 31, 2025. Most common transitions were identified by the share of transitions from another occupation into the featured job in the past 3 years.
AI is definitely not just ending some jobs, but also creating new jobs.
Identification of the jobs that are transitioning into those listed is very helpful.
#1 and #2 - AI for the win.
Jeb Dopson Ryan Dopson Emily Dopson
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