Ten In-Demand Jobs That Didn’t Exist Five Years Ago

Are you coming off a long assignment or dipping your toe into the job market again after a hiatus? You may be surprised at some of the new jobs that have sprung up since you last looked. Here are some of the most in-demand jobs for 2022—and the future.

Green Energy Worker

Governments are funding clean energy as the coal industry declines. Look for virtual career fairs and networking opportunities. Advanced degrees are often not required, and roles are opening up across sustainable transportation, renewable power, business operations, and energy efficiency.

TikTok Expert

You probably love swiping through TikTok’s addictive videos or even producing your own just for fun, but like any other cultural obsession, there are ways to make some cash off it. Do some homework on algorithms, audiences, and content best practices, and you could land a lucrative brand ambassador gig.

DEI Officer

As civil rights, equality, and justice continue to play a prominent role in society, many businesses are hiring experts in diversity, equity, and inclusion to future-proof their workforce and reputations. Put your skills in community outreach, change management, or strategic planning to good use—for the common good.

Contact Tracer

Not to be a downer, but that wasn’t the last pandemic we’re going to have. If you’ve got (or can get) a working knowledge of infectious diseases and how they spread, then you might be qualified to track down people who have been exposed and possibly infected and help them avoid passing it on.

Cybersecurity Professional

This subset of IT may be the most stable option on our list, as cyber attackers never stop evolving and evading the best efforts of businesses and individuals. Companies are more reliant on data than ever, and they’re willing to pay good money to protect their intellectual property and customers’ personal information.

Cannabis Distributor

No, we’re not talking about your guy with the neck tattoo. Cannabis dispensaries are popping up like . . . well, weeds. As with any business, there’s a bit of a learning curve and some risk, but with 37 states legalizing and regulating recreational cannabis use, the industry certainly doesn’t seem to have reached saturation yet.

Gaming Strategist

Video games have thrived since the ‘80s, but today there’s an explosion of viable careers as gaming is integrated into learning, eSports, and other industries. Choose a career path—event manager, social media specialist, marketing manager, software engineer—and build your experience through volunteer event work, social media, or specialized education.

Drone Pilot

Just a few years ago, who would have thought that a technology that seemed like the exclusive province of the military and well-off hobbyists would turn into a viable career? Drones are now used for everything from video/photography to climate monitoring to deliveries and pesticide spraying. What’s your specialty? There may be a way to apply it to drones.

Cloud Specialist

There’s hardly any business that hasn’t begun embracing cloud technology. If you have training or experience in programming languages, database management, or AI/machine learning, now’s the time to search for jobs as a cloud administrator, security analyst, engineer, or consultant.

Winemaker/Brewmaster

These age-old industries have never gone out of style, for obvious reasons. For those with a start-up mentality and a passion for beverages, this is a solid way to turn a hobby into a career. Self-education opportunities, internships or apprenticeships, and even college courses are now common.