6 Jobs Desperate for Workers in 2026 (And 7 Industries Losing Ground)

As artificial intelligence reshapes the workplace, it's becoming crystal clear that not all jobs are headed in the same direction. Some industries are scrambling to find enough qualified workers, while others are shrinking due to AI, automation technology, and changing consumer habits.

If you're considering a career change, returning to the workforce, or looking for a second act in retirement to help pay for your rent, here's a look at where opportunities are growing and fading so you can make smarter decisions.

Here's a look at where the biggest worker shortages exist in 2026 and which fields are facing the opposite problem.

Where there's growth

Starting out on a high note, many jobs are experiencing tremendous growth right now. Despite headlines about AI eliminating software and IT workers, there is still a big demand for many roles.

Many industries are experiencing persistent labor shortages driven by an aging workforce and changing consumer preferences.

These growing-demand careers commonly offer above-average wages and strong long-term prospects.

AI engineers

Artificial intelligence continues to reshape nearly every industry, creating enormous demand for professionals who can build, train, and maintain AI systems.

According to analysis from the Bipartisan Policy Center, job postings requiring AI skills more than doubled between 2025 and 2026, highlighting employers' growing need for workers who can use and develop AI technologies.

Health care

Health care employers have been struggling with staffing shortages for years, and demand continues to climb as baby boomers and Gen Xers age.

This makes health care one of the strongest sectors for job security and long-term career opportunities. Nurse practitioners stand out in particular, with employment projected to grow 40% through 2034.

Cybersecurity

Cyberattacks continue to grow in frequency and sophistication, pushing companies and government agencies to invest heavily in digital protection. As a result, cybersecurity professionals remain in high demand across nearly every industry.

The BLS projects employment for information security analysts will increase 29% through 2034, far faster than the average occupation. Many roles also offer six-figure salaries and flexible work arrangements.

Actuaries

Insurance companies, consulting firms, and financial institutions rely on actuaries to evaluate risk and forecast future outcomes. Their expertise has become increasingly valuable as businesses face greater economic uncertainty and evolving regulatory requirements.

Employment for actuaries is projected to grow 22% through 2034, making it one of the fastest-growing professions in the finance sector.

Financial examiners

Financial examiners help ensure banks and financial institutions comply with regulations and maintain healthy financial practices. Increased oversight and regulatory complexity have fueled job demand.

According to the BLS, employment for financial examiners is projected to grow 19% through 2034, creating opportunities for workers with backgrounds in finance, accounting, and compliance.

Skilled trades

Employers are also struggling to fill essential skilled-trade positions. Construction, renewable energy, and infrastructure projects continue creating tremendous demand for hands-on workers.

Industry groups estimate construction alone will need to attract 349,000 additional workers in 2026, with that figure rising to 456,000 in 2027.

Meanwhile, wind turbine technicians are projected to grow 50% and solar photovoltaic installers 42%, making skilled trades one of the most overlooked growth sectors.

Declining fields

Not every occupation is expanding. Automation, artificial intelligence, outsourcing, and shifting consumer behaviors are reducing demand for many job roles.

More than 117,000 technology workers have already been affected by layoffs so far in 2026 alone, highlighting how quickly some job markets can change.

Workers in these fields may face increased competition for openings and slower wage growth in the years ahead.

Customer support

Many companies now use AI chatbots, automated self-service tools, and online knowledge bases to handle routine customer questions. While human representatives remain important for complex issues requiring nuance, fewer overall workers are needed.

The BLS projects customer service representative employment will decline 5% through 2034.

Data entry

Data entry is one of the occupations most vulnerable to automation. Modern software can process forms, invoices, and documents with minimal human involvement.

As a result, data entry keyer positions are projected to decline 26%, making it one of the fastest-shrinking occupations in the country.

Basic coding

Companies still need software developers and engineers, but demand for workers performing routine or basic programming tasks is becoming less certain. AI tools can now generate, test, and debug basic code far faster than before.

The BLS projects employment for computer programmers will decline 6% through 2034, even as more advanced technology roles continue growing.

Machine setters

Manufacturing remains vital to the U.S. economy, but automation is changing the types of workers factories need. Advanced machinery increasingly requires fewer personnel.

Machine setters, operators, and tenders are projected to see employment decline 13.6% over the coming years as manufacturers adopt more automated systems.

Telemarketers

Few occupations have been hit harder by technology and changing consumer preferences. Consumers increasingly ignore unknown calls, while digital marketing provides more efficient ways to reach potential customers.

The BLS projects telemarketer employment will decline 22%, making it one of the fastest-fading occupations nationwide.

Retail jobs

Online shopping, self-checkout technology, and changing consumer habits continue to reshape the retail workforce. While retail stores still employ millions of Americans, that growth is limited.

Retail sales worker employment is projected to decline, with the occupation expected to lose approximately 11,000 net jobs over the next decade.

Adult education

Adult basic education, adult secondary education, and English as a Second Language instruction have all experienced enrollment pressures in recent years. Population shifts and changing funding priorities have contributed to slower demand.

As a result, adult education positions are expected to decline by 13.7%, making the field much more competitive for job seekers.

Bottom line

The labor market in 2026 is increasingly "feast or famine." Workers are in occupations that face chronic shortages, or in roles being squeezed out by automation and changing business models.

For workers considering a career change or second act in retirement, focusing on high-growth fields can improve long-term job prospects and earning potential.

At the same time, it's important to continue building new skills and staying adaptable to help prepare yourself financially for future workplace changes and economic uncertainty.