Not every millennial or Gen Z adult is a YouTuber or a TikTok influencer. Members of these two generations have varied career paths and occupations.
A recent study from SkyNova identified the 10 jobs most popular with young adults — ages 22 to 35. The company, which provides small-business invoicing tools, used labor force data from 2020 to 2022 and then surveyed more than 1,000 adults.
According to Pew Research Center, millennials are the generation born from 1981 to 1996, following on the heels of Generation X, who were born from 1965 to 1980. And Gen Z, many of whom are children of Xers, are listed as being born from 1997 to 2012.
Not all of Gen Z is old enough to work yet, of course — some of them are barely into double-digit ages. But the study covers all Gen Z adults and some millennials.
Here’s a look at the jobs that SkyNova says are most popular among young adults.
10. Construction laborers
Typical income for this type of profession according to federal data: $38,000
Construction laborers are always needed. One real-estate company CEO told CNN recently that despite some doom-and-gloom headlines for the housing market, the nation is still “short between 4 [million] and 5 million homes.” It’s no wonder, then, that this profession, and the one directly following it at No. 9, made the list.
9. Hand laborers and material movers
Typical income for this type of profession according to federal data: $30,000
The job description is in the name: Hand laborers and material movers manually move freight, stock or other materials, so physical strength and stamina is required. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, openings for these positions will increase by 6% between 2021 and 2031.
8. Cashiers
Typical income for this type of profession according to federal data: $27,000
It’s fairly simple to step into a cashier position as on-the-job training is required rather than a formal education track. However, the job outlook for this position is expected to decline 10% between 2021 and 2031. Some blame the increase in self checkouts, and one Australian professor says that while such checkouts indeed may be decreasing the number of cashiers, the new technology isn’t taking jobs away, just dispersing those workers to different roles.
7. Software developers
Typical income for this type of profession according to federal data: $133,000
Software development is a complicated career with formal education generally required, but it rewards participants with high pay — it’s the only six-figure salary on this list. SkyNova notes that it’s a popular career in coastal metro areas but mainly among the older survey respondents. Only a quarter of Gen Z members who were surveyed showed an interest in the field. New York, Virginia, Washington, Maryland and California are the top states for young professionals holding software development jobs, the survey showed.
6. Retail salespersons
Typical income for this type of profession according to federal data: $29,000
As with cashiers, retail sales is a learn-on-the-job profession with no formal education required. While the profession as a whole is projected to show little or no change from 2021 to 2031, the Bureau of Labor Statistics notes that about 594,400 openings for retail sales workers are projected each year, on average, over the decade. This is because of a need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, perhaps to retire.
5. Customer service representatives
Typical income for this type of profession according to federal data: $37,000
Customer service representatives are employed in nearly every industry and interact with customers to handle complaints, process orders and answer questions. Formal education isn’t required. The government notes that the job outlook for the position is expected to decline by 4% from 2021 to 2031.
4. Drivers and truckers
Typical income for this type of profession according to federal data: $37,000 for delivery truck drivers, $45,000 for light truck drivers, $48,000 for heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics divides driver and trucker positions into various categories, with those who drive heavy and tractor-trailer trucks earning more on average than those who drive light trucks or delivery trucks. All varieties of this profession are physically demanding, and drivers often must load and unload their vehicles as well.
3. First-line retail salesperson supervisor
Typical income for this type of profession according to federal data: $50,000
These workers directly supervise and coordinate activities of retail sales workers. Their jobs may also include management functions such as purchasing, budgeting, accounting and personnel work.
2. Elementary and middle school teachers
Typical income for this type of profession according to federal data: $61,000 for both elementary school teachers and middle school teachers.
Most teachers are required to have a college degree as well as a state teaching certification or license. Keep in mind that while teachers do generally get summers off, many take on summer jobs, whether teaching or otherwise. And while they’re required to be at school during the hours when students are present, they often spend nights and weekends grading and working on lesson plans.
1. Registered nurses
Typical income for this type of profession according to federal data: $78,000
Registered nurses must be licensed and usually take one of three education paths: a bachelor’s degree in nursing, an associate’s degree in nursing or a diploma from an approved nursing program. They may work in hospitals, clinics, nursing facilities, schools or other locations. And the American Association of Colleges of Nursing notes that the U.S. is projected to experience a shortage of registered nurses that will intensify as baby boomers age and need additional health care. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the job outlook for the position is expected to increase by 6% from 2021 to 2031.
