In an economy that seems increasingly uncertain, new graduates and established jobseekers alike are looking for a career that has lasting power. Since no one seems to know when (or if) a recession is likely, jobs that hold the promise of being recession-proof holds real appeal.
To be fair, every economic downturn creates some career paths that provide job security. During every mortgage and finance boom, thousands of brokers, portfolio managers and clerks are hired. When the housing market crashes, they get laid off, but thousands of foreclosure and workout specialists are hired. While the pandemic lockdowns crushed thousands of small businesses, some entrepreneurs couldn’t hire enough workers to produce goods like home office equipment, plexiglass barriers, and hand sanitizer.
Now, new research from LiveCareer reveals 13 careers that offer growth, strong pay, and job security—and don’t require a four-year degree. These recession-proof jobs each pay at least $50,000, are projected to grow significantly by 2030, and are accessible with an associate degree or postsecondary certificate. (Based on Bureau of Labor Statistics data.)
Here’s why these jobs made LiveCareer’s list, in addition to pay and low barriers to entry.
- Each occupation is projected to grow at least 4% by 2032
- Many are growing much faster than average
- Most support essential services (e.g., healthcare, infrastructure, logistics), making them less sensitive to economic downturns
- These tasks are difficult to automate or offshore—adding long-term security in an AI-transformed economy.
- Dental Hygienists
- Median Pay: $94,260
- Required Education: Associate degree
- Job Growth: 9% (much faster than average)
- Net Change in Jobs: +19,600 jobs
- Total U.S. Jobs: 214,100
- Diagnostic Medical Sonographers
- Median Pay: $82,570
- Required Education: Associate degree
- Job Growth: 11% (much faster than average)
- Net Change in Jobs: +15,200 jobs
- Total U.S. Jobs: 143,400
- Respiratory Therapists
- Median Pay: $80,450
- Required Education: Associate degree
- Job Growth: 13% (much faster than average)
- Net Change in Jobs: +17,500 jobs
- Total U.S. Jobs: 133,900
- Radiologic Technologists and Technicians
- Median Pay: $78,980
- Required Education: Associate degree
- Job Growth: 6% (faster than average)
- Net Change in Jobs: +16,800 jobs
- Total U.S. Jobs: 271,200
- Occupational Therapy Assistants
- Median Pay: $66,050
- Required Education: Associate degree
- Job Growth: 21% (much faster than average)
- Net Change in Jobs: +10,800 jobs
- Total U.S. Jobs: 52,100
- Physical Therapist Assistants
- Median Pay: $65,510
- Required Education: Associate degree
- Job Growth: 19% (much faster than average)
- Net Change in Jobs: +28,800 jobs
- Total U.S. Jobs: 152,800
- Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses
- Median Pay: $62,340
- Required Education: Postsecondary nondegree award
- Job Growth: 3% (as fast as average)
- Net Change in Jobs: +16,900 jobs
- Total U.S. Jobs: 657,800
- Computer Network Support Specialists
- Median Pay: $61,550
- Required Education: Associate degree
- Job Growth: 6% (faster than average)
- Net Change in Jobs: +49,300 jobs
- Total U.S. Jobs: 892,000
- HVAC Mechanics and Installers
- Median Pay: $59,810
- Required Education: Postsecondary nondegree award
- Job Growth: 9% (much faster than average)
- Net Change in Jobs: +40,100 jobs
- Total U.S. Jobs: 441,200
- Firefighters
- Median Pay: $59,530
- Required Education: Postsecondary nondegree award
- Job Growth: 4% (as fast as average)
- Net Change in Jobs: +13,700 jobs
- Total U.S. Jobs: 326,800
- Massage Therapists
- Median Pay: $57,950
- Required Education: Postsecondary nondegree award
- Job Growth: 18% (much faster than average)
- Net Change in Jobs: +26,000 jobs
- Total U.S. Jobs: 147,100
- Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers
- Median Pay: $57,440
- Required Education: Postsecondary nondegree award
- Job Growth: 5% (as fast as average)
- Net Change in Jobs: +102,000 jobs
- Total U.S. Jobs: 2,211,300
- Medical Records Specialists
- Median Pay: $50,250
- Required Education: Postsecondary nondegree award
- Job Growth: 9% (much faster than average)
- Net Change in Jobs: +16,700 jobs
- Total U.S. Jobs: 191,500
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