Find a Job You Really Want In
As we move into 2026, the job market continues to evolve rapidly, driven by technological advancements and shifting workforce dynamics. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, jobs requiring bachelor’s degrees are projected to grow significantly faster than those requiring only a high school diploma over the next decade. In fact, many traditional sectors like manufacturing and retail are experiencing notable declines. This article explores the most common jobs held by individuals at every education level, shedding light on trends that current and future job seekers should consider.
Our research indicates that the top professions for each education level are often dominated by a few key roles, especially in education:
- High School: Truck Driver
- Associate’s: Registered Nurse
- Bachelor’s: Elementary and Middle School Teacher
- Master’s: Elementary and Middle School Teacher
- Professional: Lawyers and Judges
- Doctorate: College Professor
Continue reading to discover the most popular jobs in your state — you may find the results surprising.
High School: Driving Trucks and Providing Services
The most common job for individuals with a high school education remains truck driving, with a median wage of approximately $40,260. This profession is vital across all states, underscoring its stability. Additionally, the role of janitor frequently ranks as the second most common job in many states. Therefore, students should take higher education seriously to expand their career opportunities beyond these roles.
Associate’s: Essential for Nursing, Common in Retail
The map of associate degree holders reveals that registered nurses dominate the field in 48 states, highlighting the strong demand for healthcare professionals. On the other hand, retail sales associates frequently emerge as the runner-up, suggesting that many individuals with associate degrees find themselves in retail positions. While the expectation may lean toward more skilled trades, healthcare careers remain a secure pathway, with significant job growth projected in this sector over the next decade.
Bachelor’s: Teachers, Nurses, and Administrative Roles
The landscape for bachelor’s degree holders shows a similar trend, with teachers taking precedence, followed closely by registered nurses. The high demand for teachers across the country reflects their essential role in education. Interestingly, while administrative roles such as secretaries are prevalent in the Midwest, sales positions dominate in other regions. This disparity raises questions about the necessity of a degree for these roles, as the modern job market increasingly requires higher education credentials for many positions.
Master’s Degree: A Focus on Education
In a clear trend, teaching emerges as the most popular profession for individuals with master’s degrees across nearly all states. While higher education in teaching can lead to salary increases, it is not always a requirement. The presence of high school teachers and education administrators as the second most common roles reinforces the strong connection between advanced degrees and the education sector.
Professional: The Law Profession and Beyond
The professional degree category includes a limited variety of fields. Expectedly, lawyers and judges dominate, but teaching also appears prominently as a second career choice in several states. This trend suggests that some professionals may transition into education after their initial careers.
Doctorate: PhD Programs as Career Preparation
For those holding doctorate degrees, college professors are the most common job in all but one state, reinforcing the notion that doctoral programs serve as a pathway to academic careers. Wyoming stands out with physicians taking the lead instead, likely due to its unique educational landscape. Other frequent roles for PhD holders include healthcare professionals and legal experts, with education remaining a consistent theme.
What Does This Mean for Job Seekers?
The data presented here provides valuable insights for job seekers regarding potential career paths associated with different levels of education. While these common jobs can guide expectations, they should not limit your career aspirations. As the job market continues to evolve, staying informed about emerging trends and opportunities is crucial. Remember, the BLS data emphasizes the necessity of higher education for career advancement, particularly in fields like Education and Allied Health.
Author
David Luther was the Content Marketing Editor for the Zippia Advice blog. He developed partnerships with external reporting agencies in addition to generating original research and reporting for the Zippia Career Advice blog. David obtained his BA from UNC Chapel Hill.
