15 Jobs With The Best (And Worst) Job Security

In an unpredictable job market, you might be wondering what the most stable careers, and which are the worst, are. Having a stable job means you will keep your job long-term and you won’t have to worry about being dismissed. Some job security careers include public relations director, probation officer, and nurse midwife.

If you’re a job seeker looking for the most secure jobs, you’ve come to the right place. In this article, we’ll go over 10 of the most secure jobs for the future and five of the worst job security jobs.

Key Takeaways:

• The top three jobs with the best job security are criminal investigator, registered nurse, and accountant.

• The top three jobs without job security are cashier, photographer, and actor.

• Job security refers to the solidity of a role, regardless of external factors that limit less stable positions.

10 Careers with good job security

1. Nurse midwife
   Average salary: $83,570
   The number of jobs: 6,250
   Unemployment rate: 2.9%
   Projected job growth: 45%

   A nurse midwife has job security because there are approximately four million babies are born in the United States every year. Nurse-midwives are some of the people responsible for giving these new humans a safe and smooth entrance into the world.

   In addition to helping mothers through the birthing process, nurse midwives provide support and advice throughout the entire pregnancy and for a few months post-partum.

   A nurse-midwife builds a bond with expectant mothers to ease the stresses of pregnancy and birth, as well as provide medical treatment. This unique role is becoming more sought-after by expecting parents, making it a job with enormous predicted growth in the future.

   Nurse midwife Job duties include:

   • Provide care to women from adolescence through menopausal years

   • Provide care to pregnant women during prenatal visits, during birth, and after the baby is born

   • STD testing and treatment on expecting parents

   • Prescribing medicine to patients

   • Education and preparation for new parents

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2. Substance abuse counselor
   Average salary: $42,000
   The number of jobs: 319,400
   Unemployment rate: 1.7%
   Projected job growth: 25%

   Substance abuse in any form is an epidemic in the United States that obliterates more families every year, making this another job with job security. Substance abuse counselors work to evaluate, treat, and support addicts on their path toward sobriety.

   The job of a substance abuse counselor offers job security to cope with the increasing number of individuals affected by drugs. The field is expected to grow another 25% in the next ten years, which is a huge leap in position availability.

   Substance abuse counselor’s job duties include:

   • Lead all staff training on HIPPA and mandate reporting laws

   • Manage caseload providing one on one counseling support, community reentry information, and referrals

   • Conduct group check-in and co-lead group psychotherapy sessions to help clients identify and manage problems associated with psychiatric conditions

   • Facilitate and co-facilitate several weekly progress groups for adults and juveniles regarding substance abuse, mental health, and managing relationships.

   • Perform assessment of patients using ASAM criteria and recommendations for the appropriate level of programming

   • Develop and increase knowledge of federal, state, and agency regulations regarding confidentiality methadone treatment and substance abuse counseling certification

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3. Public relations director
   Average salary: $88,000
   The number of employees: 88,000
   Unemployment rate: 2.5%
   Projected job growth: 9%

   Being a public relations director has job security because companies need to control their public image to present themselves positively to potential clients. To help them in this endeavor of marketing themselves properly, they turn to a public relations director.

   In addition to building a public face for businesses, public relations directors act as the filter of communication between them and their customer base. It’s a large responsibility, but it comes with a lot of perks.

   Another advantage is that there’s an endless stream of companies who need the assistance of a PR director, giving the position a lot of job security. As of 2019, it’s also projected to have an extremely fast growth period over the next ten years.

   Public relations director’s job duties include:

   • Develop employee communications positioning, executive announcements, and manage daily company Intranet publishing activities

   • Develop a mass nationally distribute online magazine/e-newsletter

   • Quantify internet publicity efforts through Google Analytics

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4. Criminal investigator
   Average salary: $53,000
   The number of employees: 103,450
   Unemployment rate: 0.7%
   Projected job growth: 8%

   Being a criminal investigator comes with a high level of job security because like there are always people who need nurses when they’re sick, there is a constant stream of crimes needing to be solved.

   Their job involves inspecting crimes that have already been committed and bringing criminals to justice. Unlike patrol police officers whose main focus is to stop a crime from happening in the first place, criminal investigators look to solve the unknowns in offenses committed. There are more requirements for becoming a criminal investigator than in other occupations.

   Criminal investigator job duties include:

   • Assist with the preparation of emergency search warrants

   • Testify as a witness in trials as requested by counsel

   • Follow up on sub reviews and documentation require information for FinCEN reporting

   • Perform arrests; prepare for trial and appear in court utilizing effective communication skills

   • Collaborate with counsel, national bargaining units, labor employee relations, management, and stakeholders

   • Work closely with the CIA, FBI, NSA, and international intelligence organizations in conducting these operations

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5. Registered nurse
   Average salary: $63,000
   The number of jobs: 2,982,280
   Unemployment rate: 1.3%
   Projected Job Growth: 7%

   Working as a registered nurse comes with job security because there are always people who are sick and in need of care. Registered nurses work in hospitals and other healthcare facilities to provide a personal and knowledgeable touch to patient monitoring. They often act as emotional support for families as well.

   The nursing field provides a high degree of job security because, unfortunately, illness and injury always exist. We need attentive and organized people to care for us when that happens. Considering the events of the past year, registered nurses are more in-demand than ever.

   Registered nurse job duties include:

   • Manage care for adult patients with various diagnoses such as diabetes mellitus and CHF

   • Manage patient pain relief and sedation by providing pharmacological and non-pharmacological intervention, monitor patient response, and record care plans accordingly

   • Work medical/surgical, telemetry, orthopedics, oncology, ambulatory surgery, and float pool positions

   • Assist as circulating RN in the operating room for obstetrical procedures and provide patient care during surgical recovery in PACU

   • Develop and implement a med/surg training program to improve performance with patient care

   • Provide direct patient care to adult and geriatric patients in various medical-surgical and telemetry settings

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6. Probation officer
   Average salary: $42,000
   The number of employees: 91,800
   Unemployment rate: 3.8%
   Projected job growth: 4%

   Just like criminal investigators, probation officers have job security because there will always be people who commit crimes. Individuals who commit crimes are often put on probation in lieu of or after incarceration to monitor their lifestyle and assist in keeping them on the right track.

   The overall objective for every probation officer is to help the people they watch over towards establishing a productive life away from crime.

   Probation officer job duties include:

   • Staying updated on their probationer’s lives by visiting their homes, getting familiar with their families, and providing professional recommendations to the court

   • Maintain training, CPR certification, weapons certification, and restraint protocol

   • Assist in the screening and selection of GPS offenders that are released from custody as a condition of bond

   • Monitor offenders assign to GPS and alcohol monitoring

   • Conduct pre-sentence investigation interviews and file reports/violations with the court

   • Monitor and counsel criminal offenders sentenced to probation rather than custody

   • Receive accommodations from judges and management pertaining to work in the institutions and community

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7. Real estate appraiser
   Average salary: $44,000
   The number of employees: 75,100
   Unemployment rate: 0.6%
   Projected job growth: 3%

   A real estate appraiser specializes in either commercial or real estate property and uses their knowledge to determine a fair market price for the land, building, or house, making this another job with job security.

   The skills of real estate appraisers are utilized throughout various parts of the home buying process, beginning from pre-sale assessments to when it’s evaluated during tax season.

   Since the capabilities of real estate appraisers are depended on so heavily throughout a property’s financial lifespan, it gives the position a high level of job security and a low unemployment rate.

   Real estate appraiser job duties include:

   • Complete residential real estate appraisals for purchases, refinances, REO, county assessments, and estates

   • Measure or verify blueprints and note additional criteria as dictated by FHA or lender following USPAP guidelines

   • Calculate the gross rent multiplier from local rentals and apply it to the subject property’s gross rental income for capitalization determination

   • Input measurements, photos, and data collected at the inspection of the residence into the ACI program

   • Used county websites, MLS, FMLS, and other related sources to obtain and support property valuations

   • Arrange mortgage financing for a single-family adjustable and fixed rate, reverse mortgage, FHA, VA, and USDA loans

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8. Accountant
   Average salary: $52,000
   The number of employees: 1,280,000
   Unemployment rate: 1.4%
   Projected job growth: 4%

   Both individuals and businesses rely on the insight of accountants to drive their financial decisions, making this another job with the best job security. Usually, accountants choose an area of expertise to specialize in, such as corporate finance and risk assessment.

   As there are many disciplines an accountant can focus on in their career, there are also many different types of employers for their industry. For example, an accountant could work for a government agency or a not-for-profit organization.

   Accountant job duties include:

   • Manage and monitor accounting procedures for compliance with Sarbanes-Oxley and coordinate and facilitate external audit requirements

   • Provide necessary information to CPA to prepare financial statements

   • Prepare monthly financial statements in accordance with GAAP and present monthly analyses to the executive management team

   • Review of contract documentation to determine billing requirements, reporting requirements, and ERP setup for automated invoicing

   • Prepare internal memos regarding the application of IFRS accounting standards to various transactions

   • Review client contracts to determine proper setup and calculation of client balances and reversal amounts

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9. Truck driver
   Average salary: $51,000
   The number of jobs: 3,500,000
   Unemployment rate: 5%
   Projected job growth: 2%

   Truck drivers have the best job security because they transport goods and materials between locations, usually a far distance away. For people who enjoy long drives and solitary work days, being a truck driver could be the right career choice for you.

   While driving from one city to another sounds uncomplicated, being a professional driver is no easy feat and requires a lot of safety knowledge.

   Truck drivers can drive up to 14 hours in a duty period by law, which is a long shift, to say the least. While committing to a career as a trucking career requires a particular type of personality and lifestyle, it awards employees with strong benefits and job security.

   Truck driver job duties include:

   • Manage operational maintenance of bus, effectively operate onboard communication equipment, and respond appropriately to escalate and emergency situations

   • Complete proper amount of OTR hours and training including school training to become CDL-A certify

   • Flatbed loads including steel and specialty metals, pipe, refractory brick, commercial building materials, lumber, and equipment

   • Follow all HAZMAT regulations while transporting hazardous materials

   • Use of a forklift which requires OSHA certification is gained during the time of employment

   • Inspect truck as per dot requirements and inspect load and make sure needed equipment is placed in a truck

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10. Postal mail carrier
    Average salary: $52,000
    The number of employees: 339,650
    Projected job growth: -14%

    Postal mail carrier jobs have high job security because mail needs to be delivered every day. These employees specifically work for the United States Postal Service, giving them the title, benefits, and security of government workers. The United States mail system is an organization that must continue to keep the country functioning. Attaining a job with the postal service means your role is required as well.

    Despite seeing a recent dip in projected job growth as a postal service mail carrier in the next ten years, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), it’s still considered a secure job because its workers are considered federal employees.

    Postal mail carrier job duties include:

    • Develop potential carrier leads using cold calling, e-mail, computer databases, and Internet recruiting resources

    • Operate approve USPS vehicle to deliver mail daily

    • Develop and maintain quality working relationships with transportation providers, customers, and warehouses by using various means of communication

    • Separate confidential files including taxes and vouchers to facilitate IRS processing

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5 Careers with the worst job security

1. Cook
   Average salary: $27,000
   The number of jobs: 2,571,700
   Unemployment rate: 9%
   Projected job growth: 10%

   While it’s a position that supplies creative freedom, being a cook has some of the worst job security. The role of a cook is to create and prepare exceptional meals for customers to give them a one-of-a-kind culinary experience. In compliance with food safety regulations, a cook maintains the functioning of their kitchen and provides delicious food.

   Even before the catastrophic year that 2020 brought upon businesses, cooks still had a fairly high unemployment rate.

   While the field is projected to have some new job creation over the next ten years, it’s nothing enormous enough to cancel out the high unemployment rate among cooks.

   Cook job duties include:

   • Achieve completion to cook, prep and dish meticulous meals to an immense amount of customers with proficient dexterity and quality

   • Operate large-volume cooking equipment such as grills, deep-fat fryers, and pizza oven

   • Exercise good teamwork with other kitchen staff

   • Read labels and input data for further use of recent food also known as FIFO

   • Prepare serving lines, garnish food items, and apply food protection and sanitation measures in the dining facility

   • Follow proper knife handling procedures, including keeping knives sharpened, using correct knives for particular food items or specific tasks

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2. Cashier
   Average salary: $24,000
   The number of jobs: 3,600,900
   Unemployment rate: 7.3%
   Projected job growth: -7%

   The position of a cashier is becoming a much less secure job for several reasons. The biggest one is that the check-out process at many stores is becoming overwhelmingly automated and machine-based.

   This reduces the need for cashiers and has contributed to a projected dramatic decline in the industry over the next ten years.

   Cashier job duties include:

   • Manage employees by making schedules, doing payroll, and maintaining an all-around comfortable working environment

   • Exemplify proficiency in mathematics to operate POS terminal to ensure quality customer service while serving customers

   • Handle all rotation and stock, remodeling & advertisement, register, and inventory for busy drive-thru location

   • Perform general maintenance duties, including mopping floors, washing dishes, wiping counter tops and emptying grease traps

   • Provide customer service by being friendly, accurate, and updating customers on savings in the store and online

   • Respond professionally to customer complaints and inquiries and addressed challenges according to store policies

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3. Photographer
   Average salary: $49,000
   The number of jobs: 133,500
   Unemployment rate: 6.7%
   Projected job growth: -4%

   Most photographers work freelance, and their business is more susceptible to outside forces making this one of the jobs with the worst job security. This means that there’s no guarantee that the work keeps coming in and job security is low. Another troubling aspect of a photography career is that it’s expected to decline over the next ten years.

   Photographers use their skills with a camera to capture images of people’s events, places, and products. Usually, they lean towards a particular niche that suits their interests, such as wedding or portrait photography. While their job begins by shooting a particular event, people, or objects, it doesn’t end there.

   A photographer’s job also involves building strong communication with clients to determine their needs and editing afterward to perfect the photos.

   Photographer job duties include:

   • Manage and set up a photography studio for customers

   • Retouch still images of product and model shoots to prepare for online and print to meet daily quotas and deadlines

   • Specialize in lifestyle and nature photography

   • Web inventory product photography and post-processing in Lightroom

   • Photograph subjects at local events using Nikon digital cameras

   • Specialize in formal portraits, engagement, maternity, and family photography

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4. Construction Worker
   Average salary: $24,000
   The number of jobs: 1,643,900
   Unemployment rate: 16.6%
   Projected job growth: 5%

   A career as a construction laborer isn’t very secure. The industry is currently experiencing a record-high rate of unemployment. While there’s some hope for job growth in the field over the next ten years, the position still doesn’t have great job security.

   The job of a construction laborer relies greatly on the employee’s physical capabilities. Their daily tasks involve preparing work sites, moving materials, and performing construction work. In all the tasks they complete, construction laborers must be mindful of their safety and everyone around them.

   Construction worker job duties include:

   • Work in different kinds of construction as a laborer, carpenter, electrician, plumber, HVAC, and, superintendent

   • Perform demolition and non-demolition duties in asbestos abatement and industrial cleaning

   • Perform general construction including interior and exterior painting, replacement windows, and vinyl siding

   • Maintain knowledge of every residual material including asbestos and remove it from a construction site for business and residential areas

   • Maintain clear communication with supervisors as well as homeowners to ensure proper and efficient completion of necessary responsibilities at each site

   • Take apart buildings by hand, using sledgehammers, axes shovels, etc

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5. Actor
   Average salary: $65,311
   The number of jobs: 70,100
   Unemployment rate: 19.3%
   Projected job growth: 3%

   Being an actor has next to nothing when it comes to job security. The enticing nature of becoming an actor draws in a lot of hopefuls for a much smaller fraction of available jobs. Additionally, acting jobs are almost exclusively contracted positions making it difficult to maintain work in the long term.

   The responsibility of taking a character on paper and turning it into a rendering in reality on a screen or a stage is indeed an exciting career. However, the life of an actor in the real world is often far less glamorous than our imaginations tell us it is.

   Actor job duties include:

   • Learn lines, songs, or dances

   • Research for the character

   • Take directions from the director

   • attend costume fittings

   • Work with other performers

   • Attend technical and dress rehearsals

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Why is job security important?

Job security is equally important for employers and their staff alike to feel the effects of a secure work environment. For the employees, it provides them with the reassurance that their job is not in jeopardy, allowing them to focus all their efforts on doing their best work.

Inversely, employees need a team that feels secure in their position because it ensures that their energy is concentrated on fulfilling their responsibilities. It’s bad for businesses to rely on a staff that has one foot out the door because they don’t feel that their role is protected.

Job security establishes a comfortable, professional environment because everyone involved is free to work without worry of termination due to layoffs. While the possibility of unforeseen circumstances can always arise, certain jobs and industries are known for having stellar or poor job security.

Jobs with the best and worst job security FAQ

1. What is job security?

   Job security is the state of having a job that is secure and from which you are unlikely to be dismissed. Having job security will help lessen any stress and anxiety you have about your financial well-being. When you have a secure job, you won’t worry about how you will pay your bills in the future.

2. How can you increase your job security?

   To help increase your job security at your job, here are some tips to keep in mind:

   • Be more productive. Increasing your productivity can help you become invaluable to your employer. To help do this, try tracking your progress and create an ongoing list of achievable goals.

   • Invest in continuous learning. A great way to stay relevant at work is to continue learning. This will help improve your skills and show your employer that you are always looking to be your best.

   • Build relationships. Building relationships allows you to be more connected with your team and supervisor and be an integral part of the team. Try to practice effective communication and listen actively when listing to others.

References

1. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics – Registered Nurse occupational Outlook

2. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics – Cook Occupational Outlook

Author

Sky Ariella

Sky Ariella is a professional freelance writer, originally from New York. She has been featured on websites and online magazines covering topics in career, travel, and lifestyle. She received her BA in psychology from Hunter College.