Overview
- LinkedIn released its 25 fastest-growing U.S. occupations, based on millions of member job starts from January 2023 through July 2025 and requiring sustained growth to a meaningful size.
- AI engineers rank No. 1 and AI consultants and strategists are No. 2, with data annotators and AI/ML researchers also in the top five, underscoring demand for both technical and strategic AI skills.
- Not all growth is technical, with new home sales specialists at No. 3 and healthcare reimbursement specialists at No. 6 reflecting strength in housing, sales and healthcare roles.
- A November LinkedIn survey found 56% plan to job-hunt in 2026 while most feel unprepared, as applicants per opening have more than doubled since 2022 and hiring sat about 23% below pre-pandemic levels in November.
- Self-employment is rising, with 46% of job seekers shifting toward freelance or advising work and the title “founder” entering the list at No. 9 after a sharp year-over-year surge on profiles.