What Are the Most In-Demand Careers in New York?

Average Annual Salary:$93,320 (New York)
2020-2030 Job Outlook:9% projected employment growth (nationwide)

As of May 2021, New York employed about 188,300 registered nurses (RNs). These nurses work in various healthcare settings, conducting patient assessments and coordinating patient care. While there are many reasons to become a nurse, many seek out this profession due to a desire to help others.

In February 2022, New York legislators proposed a bill to address the critical nursing shortage. It provides incentives to pursue nursing careers, such as scholarships and loan forgiveness. In New York, prospective RNs must earn an associate or bachelor’s degree in nursing, pass the NCLRX-RN exam, and gain state licensure.

In 2017, the state passed a law requiring all RNs to earn their bachelor’s degree within 10 years of their initial licensure. Earning a master’s in nursing may lead to increased earning potential.

Average Annual Salary: $81,020 (New York)
2020-2030 Job Outlook: 4% projected job growth (nationwide)

Real estate agents work under the supervision of a licensed real estate broker, representing buyers or sellers in property transactions. Success in this field requires tenacity, a personable disposition, and an understanding of the local market. Real estate agents in New York boast some of the top pay out of all real estate agents in the U.S.

In New York, real estate agents must obtain licensure by completing a state-approved 75-hour real estate sales course, passing a state exam, and gaining sponsorship from a licensed real estate broker. Some go on to pursue a bachelor’s degree in real estate. Earning an online master’s in real estate may offer even greater opportunities.

Median Annual Salary:$44,570 (New York)
2020-2030 Job Outlook:-7% projected job growth (nationwide)

Administrative assistants work in almost every industry, with healthcare and social assistance the number one employer. These professionals perform clerical and organizational tasks, like answering phones, scheduling appointments, and performing basic bookkeeping.

Administrative assistants in New York boast some of the highest salaries in the nation for this occupation. For example, executive administrative assistants in New York earn average yearly wages of $79,560. Earning an online associate in administrative assistant can help prepare graduates for these specialized areas. Despite declining employment, the BLS projects about 324,300 job openings in the U.S. each year from 2020-2030.

Average Annual Salary: $43,800
2018-2028 Job Outlook:56.5% projected job growth

Transportation and warehouse associates coordinate the storage and transportation of products and materials. They may prepare and track shipments, maintain records, and perform warehouse duties. These associates may work in one of the many major New York distribution centers for companies like Home Depot, Tractor Supply Company, and DICK’s Sporting Goods.

The New York State Department of Labor Division of Research and Statistics projects a 56.5% job growth in the transportation and warehousing industry from 2018-2028. This growth is much faster than the statewide industry average of 10.4%. This position requires excellent organizational skills and acute attention to detail. Qualifications vary by employer.

Average Annual Salary: $64,060 (New York, as of May 2022)
2018-2028 Job Outlook: -8% projected job growth (New York)

New York City offers one of the highest salaries for retail managers who supervise staff and store operations. Some typical duties include training employees, controlling budgets, and managing purchases. This position requires strong communication and interpersonal skills and the desire to work in a fast-paced environment. Some positions require a bachelor’s in retail management or business administration.

Pre-pandemic, 32,600 businesses made up New York City’s retail sector and provided 344,600 jobs. Additionally, as a premier shopping destination, retail accounts for almost 9% of private-sector employment. Retail includes clothing, food and beverage, and general merchandise stores.

Average Annual Salary: $33,520 (New York)
2020-2030 Job Outlook:33% projected job growth (nationwide)

New York employs 478,620 home health and personal care aides as of May 2021, making this the number one job in the state. A survey conducted by the Consumer Directed Personal Assistance Association of New York State found that 74% of people with disabilities and older adults could not retain these workers in 2021.

These professionals assist older adults and people with chronic illnesses or disabilities, helping them live independently. They may assist with daily living activities, perform light housekeeping, and provide companionship. This profession requires empathy, patience, dependability, and physical stamina. Home health aides in New York must complete a 75-hour state-approved training program that leads to certification.

Median Annual Salary: $29,430 (nationwide)
2020-2030 Job Outlook: 33% projected job growth (nationwide)

Direct support professionals (DSPs) help teach people with disabilities how to live more independent lives. They may assist with home care, education, hygiene, and transportation. While a home health aide performs tasks for their clients, DSPs focus on helping them learn to do things on their own.

People with deep compassion that want to make a difference in the lives of those with intellectual or developmental disabilities may find this a rewarding career. DSPs must pass a criminal background check and hold a high school diploma or GED certificate and a valid New York driver’s license. Additional requirements include passing a physical examination and meeting physical and agility standards.

Average Annual Salary:$40,680 (New York)
2020-2030 Job Outlook: 8% projected job growth (nationwide)

Certified nursing assistants (CNAs) support patients with daily tasks and basic care, like dressing, eating, bathing, and transferring from beds to wheelchairs. According to the New York Department of Health, nursing assistants provide more than 90% of the hands-on care received by residents in nursing homes. New York also offers one of the highest salaries for CNAs.

Also called nurse aides, these professionals must complete a state-approved nursing assistant training program and pass a certification exam. CNA to RN bridge programs can help CNAs gain the necessary skills and qualifications to become RNs. Like other direct care workers, this position requires patience, empathy, and compassion.

Average Annual Salary:$78,440 (New York)
2020-2030 Job Outlook: 5% projected job growth (nationwide)

Sales representatives sell goods or services for a company, including manufacturers and wholesalers. In New York, sales representatives that sell technical and scientific products earn some of the highest pay, with average annual earnings of $114,870. Becoming a tech sales representative may require at least two years of postsecondary education in some positions.

Success in this profession requires strong listening and communication skills, the art of persuasion, and a persistent personality. These professionals identify prospective clients and discuss a product or service’s features and how they address a customer’s pain points. Some sales reps travel considerably.

Average Annual Salary:$45,410 (New York)
2020-2030 Job Outlook: -1% projected job growth (nationwide)

New York employs about 140,820 customer service representatives as of May 2021 and pays them well above the national average for this occupation of $39,070. These professionals are employed in almost every industry, processing customers’ orders and responding to questions and complaints. While automation may impact demand, business support services, like telephone call centers, are projected to grow as businesses consolidate.

These professionals require precise communication and problem-solving skills, as well as patience and emotional intelligence. This position typically requires a high school diploma or GED certificate, with new employees receiving on-the-job training.