What career is in most demand? Top jobs for 2025 and how to get there

Want to know what career is in most demand right now? It’s not what you think. Forget the old advice about becoming a doctor or lawyer. Those jobs still matter, but the real growth is happening in places most people aren’t looking-where tech meets human need, where automation can’t replace empathy, and where skills can be learned in months, not years.

Healthcare support roles are exploding

By 2025, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics expects over 2 million new healthcare support jobs. That’s not just nurses and doctors-it’s home health aides, medical assistants, and psychiatric technicians. The aging population isn’t slowing down, and hospitals can’t hire enough staff to keep up. What’s surprising? You don’t need a four-year degree. Many of these roles require a 6- to 12-month certification, often available online.

Take home health aides. In 2024, the median pay was $31,000 a year with 30% job growth projected. Online courses from platforms like Coursera and Udemy offer state-approved training modules in patient safety, basic life support, and communication skills. After completing the program, you can sit for your state certification exam. Some employers even pay for your training if you commit to working with them for a year.

Cybersecurity analysts aren’t just for tech nerds

There are over 3.5 million unfilled cybersecurity jobs globally. That’s more than the entire population of Manchester. Companies of all sizes-from local dentists to big banks-are getting hacked. They need people who can spot threats, lock down systems, and respond fast.

You don’t need a computer science degree. Start with CompTIA Security+ or Google’s Cybersecurity Certificate on Coursera. These programs teach you how to monitor networks, identify malware, and handle data breaches. Most take 6-10 weeks if you study 10 hours a week. After that, you can apply for entry-level roles like Security Operations Center (SOC) analyst. The average starting salary? Around $65,000 in the U.S., and even higher in the UK.

Real example: A former retail worker in Leeds took a 12-week online cybersecurity course. Six months later, she was hired by a small insurance firm to monitor their customer data. No degree. No prior tech experience. Just the right training.

Renewable energy technicians are the new electricians

Wind and solar energy are growing faster than coal or gas. In the UK alone, the government aims for 50GW of offshore wind by 2030. That means thousands of new jobs installing, maintaining, and repairing turbines and solar panels.

These aren’t construction jobs you learn on a job site. They require technical knowledge-how to read schematics, use multimeters, and follow safety protocols for high-voltage systems. Online courses from providers like FutureLearn and edX partner with industry groups to offer certified training. Many include virtual simulations of turbine maintenance.

After completing a 16-week program, you can qualify for apprenticeships. Some even come with paid on-the-job training. Starting salaries range from £28,000 to £38,000, with overtime and bonuses pushing it higher. The best part? These jobs are location-flexible. You can work in Scotland one month and Wales the next.

AI and data annotation specialists

Everyone talks about AI replacing jobs. But the truth? AI needs humans to train it. That’s where data annotation comes in. These workers label images, transcribe speech, categorize text, and flag errors so machine learning models get smarter.

It sounds simple, but it’s a skilled job. You need attention to detail, basic computer skills, and the ability to follow complex instructions. Companies like Scale AI, Appen, and Toloka hire remote workers worldwide. You don’t need a degree. You just need to pass a short qualification test.

Pay varies, but experienced annotators earn £15-£25 an hour. Some full-time workers make £30,000+ a year. The work is flexible-you can do it evenings or weekends. And it’s a foot in the door. Many go on to become AI trainers, quality reviewers, or even move into data science with a few additional online courses.

Specialized trades are back-and they’re paying well

Plumbers, electricians, HVAC technicians. These aren’t glamorous jobs, but they’re desperately needed. In the UK, nearly 40% of skilled tradespeople are over 50. Young people aren’t stepping in fast enough.

Online courses can’t replace hands-on training, but they can get you started. Platforms like Udemy and Skillshare offer prep courses in electrical theory, plumbing codes, and blueprint reading. Then you pair that with an apprenticeship. Many local councils and trade unions now fund these programs.

After your training, you can earn £40,000-£60,000 within five years. Some electricians in London make over £70,000 with overtime. And unlike office jobs, you can’t be replaced by a robot. People will always need their pipes fixed and lights turned on.

What to avoid

Not every high-paying job is a good fit. Avoid roles that are already saturated or being automated fast. Graphic design? Too many freelancers. Basic web development? AI tools like Figma and ChatGPT can now generate landing pages in minutes. Content writing? Unless you’re specializing in legal, medical, or technical writing, it’s getting harder to stand out.

Instead, focus on roles that combine tech skills with human interaction. Jobs where you need to explain, adapt, and care. That’s where the demand is-and where you’ll stay relevant for years.

How to start today

You don’t need to quit your job or go back to school. Here’s how to begin:

1. Choose one field from above that matches your interests
2. Search for a free or low-cost online course (Coursera, FutureLearn, Udemy)
3. Complete the first module in a week
4. Join a Reddit or LinkedIn group for that field
5. Reach out to someone working in the role and ask for a 10-minute chat
6. Apply for an entry-level remote role or apprenticeship

One person did this last year. They took a 6-week course in medical coding, passed the exam, and got hired by a clinic in Birmingham. They now earn £35,000 a year and work from home. No student debt. No five-year degree.

Final thought

The most in-demand career isn’t about prestige. It’s about solving real problems people can’t ignore. Whether it’s keeping a hospital running, protecting data, or making clean energy work, these jobs matter. And they’re open to you-even if you’re starting from zero.