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Job outlook for specialists in the United States
Specialist job growth summary. After extensive research, interviews, and analysis, Zippia's data science team found that:
The projected specialist job growth rate is 10% from 2018-2028.
About 83,100 new jobs for specialists are projected over the next decade.
Specialist salaries have increased 9% for specialists in the last 5 years.
There are over 312,613 specialists currently employed in the United States.
There are 358,433 active specialist job openings in the US.
The average specialist salary is $58,013.
Are specialist jobs in demand?
Specialist job and salary trends over time
Specialist jobs over time
Specialist job growth rate over time
| Year | # of jobs | % of population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 312,613 | 0.09% |
| 2020 | 283,197 | 0.08% |
| 2019 | 327,953 | 0.10% |
| 2018 | 111,038 | 0.03% |
| 2017 | 108,189 | 0.03% |
Average specialist salary over time
Specialist salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | $58,013 | $27.89 | +3.4% |
| 2025 | $56,101 | $26.97 | +2.3% |
| 2024 | $54,831 | $26.36 | +1.5% |
| 2023 | $54,003 | $25.96 | +1.7% |
| 2022 | $53,121 | $25.54 | +1.6% |
Specialist jobs by state
Most common states for specialists
| Rank | State | Population | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | District of Columbia | 693,972 | 1,881 | 271% |
| 2 | Vermont | 623,657 | 656 | 105% |
| 3 | Montana | 1,050,493 | 1,000 | 95% |
| 4 | Alaska | 739,795 | 679 | 92% |
| 5 | North Dakota | 755,393 | 680 | 90% |
| 6 | Massachusetts | 6,859,819 | 6,030 | 88% |
| 7 | Delaware | 961,939 | 844 | 88% |
| 8 | Wyoming | 579,315 | 502 | 87% |
| 9 | New Hampshire | 1,342,795 | 1,051 | 78% |
| 10 | Idaho | 1,716,943 | 1,315 | 77% |
| 11 | Maryland | 6,052,177 | 4,588 | 76% |
| 12 | Minnesota | 5,576,606 | 4,257 | 76% |
| 13 | Nebraska | 1,920,076 | 1,466 | 76% |
| 14 | Maine | 1,335,907 | 1,011 | 76% |
| 15 | Utah | 3,101,833 | 2,341 | 75% |
| 16 | Iowa | 3,145,711 | 2,309 | 73% |
| 17 | South Dakota | 869,666 | 639 | 73% |
| 18 | Virginia | 8,470,020 | 6,046 | 71% |
| 19 | Rhode Island | 1,059,639 | 740 | 70% |
| 20 | Colorado | 5,607,154 | 3,679 | 66% |
Most common cities for specialists
| Rank | City | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Lansing | 22 | 19% | $55,280 |
| 2 | Springfield | 21 | 18% | $55,813 |
| 3 | Boston | 72 | 11% | $62,221 |
| 4 | Atlanta | 49 | 10% | $51,716 |
| 5 | Baton Rouge | 20 | 9% | $47,896 |
| 6 | Orlando | 23 | 8% | $44,808 |
| 7 | Urban Honolulu | 21 | 6% | $53,265 |
| 8 | Indianapolis | 42 | 5% | $45,714 |
| 9 | Washington | 37 | 5% | $69,935 |
| 10 | Baltimore | 32 | 5% | $55,221 |
| 11 | Sacramento | 25 | 5% | $67,391 |
| 12 | Denver | 27 | 4% | $42,340 |
| 13 | Phoenix | 42 | 3% | $49,074 |
| 14 | Detroit | 21 | 3% | $56,497 |
| 15 | San Diego | 28 | 2% | $65,016 |
| 16 | Chicago | 35 | 1% | $59,759 |
| 17 | Los Angeles | 32 | 1% | $66,250 |
| 18 | Dallas | 19 | 1% | $62,035 |
| 19 | New York | 37 | 0% | $72,662 |
Specialist job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of specialist experts
Metropolitan State University
Grand Valley State University
San Francisco State University
College of New Jersey, The
University of Alaska Fairbanks
Paul Smith's College of Arts & Sciences
University of Nevada, Las Vegas
University of Nebraska- Lincoln
Saint Xavier University
Elon University
University of Montana
Benedictine University
Austin Community College
Kansas State University
Heidelberg University
Grace Christian University
Lawrence Technological University
What general advice would you give to a Specialist?
Dr. Xiaolong Shao: When you just stepped out of school and enter the industry, it's best not to make ultimate decisions regarding lifetime employment too early on. Take some time to explore different fields and find what suits you best. This period is also a golden opportunity for self-improvement. Pay more attention to building your own network and reputation; years later, you'll find that these connections are your most valuable assets.
What Specialist skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Dr. Mikhila Wildey PhD: I think the ability to engage and connect with people will be very important in the field as we shift more and more to a culture that is driven by AI. Although AI can be a useful tool, it likely won’t ever fully replace the value of human interaction and connection. In addition, employers often comment that they want to see employees with strong work ethic, and I think this will continue to be the case in 3-5 years. Having a strong work ethic can separate the people that move forward in their careers to those who remain stagnant.
What will help Specialists increase their earning potential?
Dr. Mikhila Wildey PhD: My general advice for a graduate beginning their career in the field is to work hard, stay open-minded, and network! Most employees won’t stay in the same position for their entire career, and so I often tell graduates to not get too hung up on the first job needing to be the 'perfect' job for them. Often, the first job will be a place where they learn how to navigate the workplace, learn about their own strengths/weaknesses, and figure out what they like and don’t like. I encourage graduates to use this information to help them make decisions about the next steps in their career. And, if they are working hard and networking with people at their job, then opportunities will often times present themselves or be more available to them as they navigate their future career path.
What Specialist skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Dr. Geri Merrigan: Listening, empathy, and perspective-taking remain as important as ever, because change is the only certainty, and globalization connects us to people quite different from ourselves. That means skills for inclusive communication matter – analyzing an audience and crafting messages for diverse stakeholders. Finally, understanding the technology (especially AI) that is most consequential for your industry/sector, for Communication Studies majors, means understanding current events, reading about AI, and evaluating the credibility of what you read.
What general advice would you give to a Specialist?
Mamie Hertel II: Gain diverse experiences to distinguish yourself, such as obtaining a commercial pesticide applicator’s license, pursuing a minor in business or acquiring certificates in relevant fields (e.g., Landscape, V&E;), ideally supplementing with proficiency in Spanish. Foster connections and exude confidence in interviews without overemphasis. Articulate convincingly why you are the ideal candidate. Embrace collaborative work, honing excellent communication skills and a passion for teaching, even in research roles. Anticipate your professional trajectory, recognizing the growing demand for adept managers in controlled environment horticulture. Extend your skill set beyond academia through online courses and workshops, preparing for potential relocations to regions where your expertise is valued. Pursue specialization through certifications or advanced degrees, while actively building a robust professional network.
Yachao Li
Assistant Professor of Communication Studies and Public HealthCollege of New Jersey, The
Public Health
What will help Specialists increase their earning potential?
Yachao Li: A communication specialist's day-to-day responsibilities are very diverse and dynamic, which
requires creativity, strategic thinking, and effective communication skills. Their daily tasks also
vary based on their specific role and the organization they work for.
For example, they may spend time researching industry trends, target audience preferences, and
competitor strategies, analyzing data to identify communication opportunities or challenges. In
addition, content creation is also a significant part of their role, involving writing articles, blog
posts, social media updates, press releases, or designing visual content such as infographics or
videos, as well as scripting speeches or presentations for executives. Moreover, communication
specialists often liaise with journalists, bloggers, and other media representatives, pitching
stories, arranging interviews, and managing press releases while maintaining media lists and
building relationships with key contacts.
Social media management is another crucial aspect, where they are responsible for managing
accounts, creating content calendars, engaging with followers, and monitoring conversations
related to their organization or brand. Furthermore, facilitating internal communication within
the organization is also part of their tasks. This includes drafting newsletters, organizing town
hall meetings, or managing intranet platforms to ensure employees are informed about company
updates, policies, and initiatives. During times of crisis or negative publicity, communication
specialists play a crucial role in managing the organization's reputation by developing crisis
communication plans, drafting statements, and coordinating responses across various channels.
Depending on the organization, communication specialists may also be involved in planning and
coordinating events such as product launches, press conferences, or industry conferences, which
include logistics management, promotion, and ensuring smooth execution. They often measure
the effectiveness of their communication efforts through metrics such as website traffic, social
media engagement, or media mentions, compiling reports to assess performance and identify
areas for improvement. Last, staying updated with the latest communication tools, technologies,
and best practices is crucial, which may involve reading industry publications, attending
workshops or webinars, and networking with peers to enhance their skills and knowledge.
What Specialist skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
F. Michele Abbott: A: Again, this is going to depend on individual strengths and goals. Then, in no
particular order:
Research the most lucrative work options that will capitalize on what you’re
good at already and/or relate to elective class options being offered by your
school. Ask the career counselor, if the school offers that resource – and they
should, and see free resources such as the Bureau of Labor and Statistics
(bls.gov)
Network – Who can you think of that knows someone who knows someone?
Know your value – what can you bring to that party - and lead with it.
Volunteer within your chosen field – I know this sounds counterintuitive, but
you can’t underestimate the value of hands-on experience on a resume.
Moreover, you will learn what books and theory can’t teach. Bonus: Multiple
networking opportunities.
What Specialist skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Jaunelle Celaire: Leadership - the world needs more of these; the ability to lead, craft and grow. Digital literacy - this world is definitely turning digital and virtual is the new trend. Emotional intelligence - there is a vast number of personalities in our world today; individuals grow and it is our job to stay emotionally connected, so we can operate more effectively.
What will help Specialists increase their earning potential?
Jaunelle Celaire: Learn from everything. Remember every moment is a learning opportunity from everyone around you, no matter their title. Pay attention when things go well and clue in and pay extra attention when they do not; watch how people react to it. Build relationships and network with the people who face problems by being their solution.
What general advice would you give to a Specialist?
Paul Runyon Sr.: The single most important thing that young photographers should do is to develop a good network of other photographers and industry professionals. Photography is a small field and having good working relationships is critical to success in the field. The importance of this cannot be overstated. In addition to the development of good networks the following list includes the other key things that we tell our young graduates to work on.
Build a strong portfolio.
Invest in quality equipment.
Develop a business mindset.
Market yourself effectively.
Keep learning and evolving.
What Specialist skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Paul Runyon Sr.: The field of photography has seen massive changes in the past decade and there will be many more changes that dictate that anyone entering the field continue to hone their skills in as many different areas as possible. The role of photographers has expanded far beyond the capture of still images and having a good working knowledge of the ever-expanding technology will help starting photographers to capture as much work as possible.
Digital Editing and Post-Processing:
Video and Motion Production:
Animation
Drone Photography
Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR):
Data Analytics and SEO
Remote Collaboration and Communication
Business and Marketing Skills:
What will help Specialists increase their earning potential?
Paul Runyon Sr.: Maximizing salary potential when starting a photography career requires a combination of planning, skill development, networking, and effective marketing.
Specialize: Identify a niche or specialty within photography that shows your strengths.
Build a Strong Portfolio: Create a diverse and impressive portfolio that showcases your best work and demonstrates your skills.
Set Competitive Pricing: Research market rates and industry standards for photography services in your area and set competitive pricing that reflects your skills and experience.
Market Effectively: Develop a strong online presence through a professional website, social media profiles, and online portfolios to showcase your work and attract potential clients.
Network and Collaborate: Build relationships with other photographers, industry professionals, and potential clients through networking events.
Joe Conto
Associate ProfessorPaul Smith's College of Arts & Sciences
Department of Business & Hospitality
What hard/technical skills are most important for Specialists?
Joe Conto: As a hiring manager in high-end hotels and country clubs, I paid little attention to most technical skills. If an applicant possesses the soft skills outlined above, I was typically certain that training could provide the necessary technical skills. Therefore, I always advise students to "work on purpose" during internships and other work experiences in order to not only learn hard skills but also develop the soft skills listed above.
Samantha Coogan
Director, Didactic Program in Nutrition & Dietetics / Lecturer, Undergraduate Coordinator, Nutrition SciencesUniversity of Nevada, Las Vegas
School of Integrated Health Sciences
What hard/technical skills are most important for Specialists?
Samantha Coogan: Definitely presentation, teaching & counseling skills, and they can often be one and the same. Whether it's a group or one-on-one presentation, presenting is presenting, so even in a counseling session, we are presenting what we know and then teaching them how to implement those changes or goals or fill-in-the-blank.
Ozgur Araz Ph.D.
Associate Professor, Supply Chain Management & AnalyticsUniversity of Nebraska- Lincoln
Supply Chain Management & Analytics Department
What hard/technical skills are most important for Specialists?
Ozgur Araz Ph.D.: Data processing, modeling, and analyses are important technical skills.
What hard/technical skills are most important for Specialists?
Brad Mello Ph.D.: Students who become proficient in the Adobe Cloud suite and various social media software are very sought after upon graduation.
What skills will help Specialists earn the most?
Monica Burney: Professionals who have additional certifications, including any technology, language, or clinical training certifications, can sometimes negotiate higher salaries depending on if the agency they are applying to have a unique need for those services. Also, professionals with proven fundraising and/or grant writing experience may have opportunities in non-traditional roles or settings that offer higher salaries.
Michelle Boller
Chair, Business Technology, Associate Professor and Program DirectorUniversity of Montana
Business Technology Depatment
What soft skills should all Specialists possess?
Michelle Boller: Good therapeutic communication skills, including positive patient and coworker interaction, excellent phone skills, ability to compose emails, reliability, consistently positive attitude.
What skills will help Specialists earn the most?
Michelle Boller: Proficiency in all of the expectations of your particular clinic, as well as all skills that fall under a medical assistant's scope of practice, will bring promotions to supervisory or management roles. Consistently gaining knowledge in all things medicine and clinical skills will bring pay increases.
Bonnie Beezhold Ph.D.
Associate ProfessorBenedictine University
Nutrition Department
What skills stand out on Specialist resumes?
Bonnie Beezhold Ph.D.: Like other fields, possessing excellent writing and oral skills in health and wellness is critical to effectively convey health information to audiences. Those skills appear to be waning even among graduate students. Recognizing low competency and getting remedial help with language mechanics should be a top priority.
Also, taking the time and effort to get to know your audience profile before engaging with them ensures that you are writing and speaking at their level of understanding and readiness to hear you. Tailoring information to audiences when planning to deliver health education or health promotion is a critical necessity - we cannot assume that everyone who would benefit from hearing the health or wellness information we want to provide can understand it or are even interested.
Perhaps more critical today is recognizing and combating the formidable power of health misinformation to sabotage the health and well-being of the public and, conversely, provide credible, evidence-based information. Clearly, if the vast majority of our population had consistently accessed factual news and information based on sound scientific principles about the nature and spread of the virus and the necessity of public health guidelines, no matter how imperfectly guidelines evolved, we would likely be living in a scenario of recovery from the pandemic rather than continuing to watch case numbers and deaths rise across the country with a more contagious variant.
As increasingly reported, misinformation spreads much more quickly than factual information. A study conducted by researchers at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and published in the prestigious Science journal compared the diffusion of verified true and false news articles that appeared on Twitter from 2006 through 2017 (Vosoughi, Roy, Aral, 2018). They found that false articles diffused significantly 'farther, faster, deeper, and more broadly than factual articles in all information categories. The reason? Researchers concluded that false information was more novel and engaged more emotional reactions like fear, disgust, and surprise than factual information. Thus it was more likely shared with friends and family. Unfortunately, those who disseminate misinformation for whatever reason are increasing, and there are currently no regulations that require news and information to be fact-checked and truthful. Health and wellness experts then have a responsibility to recommend therapies with evidence of efficacy and safety, disseminate accurate information from responsible government, education, and health organizational sites, and provide guidelines to help the public discern what health resources provide accurate information.
The consequences of not tackling health misinformation can obviously have grim consequences. We have all watched as misinformation on vaccination has negatively impacted the country's response to the pandemic. It is a fact that vaccination is one of the great modern triumphs against serious widespread infectious disease, along with antibiotics and proper hygiene. But misinformation and disinformation in social media as well as in certain national media websites and broadcasts has cast doubt on vaccine efficacy and safety and has politicized public health guidelines, leading to a substantial proportion of the population refusing vaccination rather than viewing it as a most fortunate solution and moving towards herd immunity. Even before the pandemic, misinformation about vaccines, in general, had been rising, and infectious diseases formerly conquered, like measles, began to reappear and put children at risk.
Another important skill I would mention that health and wellness graduates should cultivate is an ability to forge caring relationships with individuals or groups based on trust and ethics to inspire confidence in their expertise. It is important to realize that one's ability to reach and persuade people they want to help is largely dependent on whether those people respect and trust them. Health and wellness experts should be involved in their community and demonstrate empathy and concern beyond merely providing credible health and wellness information from reputable resources.
Michelle Kelley Shuler Ph.D.
Department Chair: Human ServicesAustin Community College
Human Services Department
What hard/technical skills are most important for Specialists?
Michelle Kelley Shuler Ph.D.: a. Must have strong basic computer skills and knowledge of software such as excel spreadsheets, google docs, etc. Most, if not all, agencies use electronic health records and treatment planning, so it is necessary to be competent in this area.
b. A degree and additional certifications will assist you in seeking employment. It will also increase your level of competency and diversify the communities you serve. For example, at Austin Community College, we offer our students a chance to complete a certification in Mental Health First Aid Training. This increases their marketability and skill level.
What technical skills for a Specialist stand out to employers?
Brett Horton Ph.D.: The skills that employers are looking for will be to have team members who can offer excellence in experiential hospitality. The ideas behind running operating systems, managing events, creating food and space that wows the guest who so desires to partake of this amazing industry will require employees who are amazingly flexible and passionately hospitable.
Operating a large hotel is like managing a small city. All the technical skills from accounting and finance to personal management and facilities are needed. The key will be finding the team as conventions are soon booked back into these large hotels.
Paige Atterholt
Adjunct ProfessorHeidelberg University
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Specialists?
Paige Atterholt: I think now, being in year 2 of the pandemic, I think if anything there will be more jobs for graduates. Just looking through the jobs online, there are many opportunities for graduates to get a job. I think the older community retired when things got bad, which opened the door for the younger generation.
Scott Shaw Ph.D.
Dean / Professor of Human Services, School of Social Sciences and Human ServicesGrace Christian University
School of Social Sciences and Human Services
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Specialist job market given the pandemic?
Scott Shaw Ph.D.: The biggest trends in the current job market include both technical skills and people skills that can be adapted to multiple settings and with a high degree of cultural intelligence (CQ). Many services are adapting to an online, virtual, or personal-delivery format. This has impacted everything from higher education with virtual classes, and telehealth and virtual service delivery models in medical and mental health services, to products ordered online and being delivered to one's doorstep in lieu of large malls and physical stores. Current job applicants must be able to respectfully engage with people from diverse racial, ethnic and cultural backgrounds, as well as help meet the needs of their communities as a direct reflection of the companies and careers they represent.
I encourage my students to embrace 'comfort being uncomfortable' and always be learning. What appears to be a "hot market" or "best" career option today may not be the same answer next year. Being able to engage with all people respectfully, listen well, and provide innovative solutions in a sensitive way will go a long way in whatever developments come along in the current and future job market. I also encourage those looking for work to review their social media accounts - employers check social media accounts and one's digital footprint can make or break an interview based on what one posts, as well as reveal a great deal about one's character and values. Skills and technical abilities should be as diversified and multidisciplinary as possible; however, one's character and values should consistently tell a single story about the applicant as a person.
What technical skills for a Specialist stand out to employers?
Oriehi Destiny Anyaiwe: Attitude. Anyone can memorize a programming language and have a perfect syntax, but if you cannot find your way out of a paper bag you do the company no good. In today's marketplace, problems/business are tackled with a collaborative view. Employers will like to hire employees that have the skill set and potential to explain problems/solutions to non experts as well as working amicably with them.