The 15 most popular jobs for millennials

Intro

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Millennials, many of whom graduated around the Great Recession (circa 2008), were faced with a challenging time to enter the workforce and begin growing their careers. Faced with fierce job competition and an unemployment rate of 10 percent, many millennials, especially recent college graduates, took part-time jobs or jobs unrelated to their field of study in order to make ends meet. This, in part, resulted in millennials as a generation lagging previous generations financially, affecting everything from marriage and homeownership rates to salaries.

Despite this, millennials are currently the largest generation in the workforce, and with current unemployment rates dropping as low as 3.9 percent, researchers at LiveCareer wanted to see what are the most popular jobs for millennials today. LiveCareer analyzed the most recent Current Population Survey from the Bureau of Labor Statistics to determine which jobs are most common among millennials based on the proportion of millennial employees.

Takeaways

• Across all occupations, millennials account for 31.7 percent of total employment. In the most popular jobs for millennials the numbers range from 45.5 percent for dental assistants to 60.0 percent for bartenders.

• The median age of employees across all occupations is 42.2. For the most popular millennial jobs, the numbers range from 26.6 for waiters and waitresses to a high of 37.6 for physicians assistants.

• While millennials are more likely to be working jobs with below average wages, they are also more highly concentrated in occupations with above average growth projections. Employment in the 15 most popular jobs for millennials is projected to grow by an aggregate 12 percent between 2016-2016. The national average across all occupations is 7.4 percent.

• Around half of the most common millennial jobs are service occupations, none of which require a bachelor’s degree or higher; and only four of the 15 most popular millennial jobs require a bachelor’s or master’s degree.

Interestingly, many of the most popular jobs for millennials are also related to healthcare, which is projected to grow as the population ages and older generations begin to seek additional medical care. Similarly, as older generations retire and their jobs become available, millennials will have opportunities to fill their shoes, which might involve changing career paths altogether.

In the coming years, it will be interesting to see how popular jobs for millennials change (or stay the same) with an improving economy and shifting demographics. Here are today’s most popular millennial jobs.

15. Dental assistants

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• Millennial percent of total employment: 45.5%
• Median age of all employees: 36.7
• Total employment: 299,000 (19.5% projected growth)
• Median annual wage: $37,630
• Typical entry-level education: Postsecondary nondegree award

Dental assistants perform many duties in a dentist’s office, including taking x-rays, setting up equipment, or performing administrative duties such as recordkeeping and scheduling. While dentists are required to have an MD in dental medicine, dental assistants can be trained on the job or by passing an exam after completing an accredited program. The high job growth can be partially attributed to the healthcare demands of an aging population.

14. First-line supervisors of food preparation and serving workers

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• Millennial percent of total employment: 46.1%
• Median age of all employees: 36
• Total employment: 519,000 (9.3% projected growth)
• Median annual wage: $31,960
• Typical entry-level education: High school diploma or equivalent

The duties of first-line supervisors involve coordinating activities of workers who prepare and serve food. Supervisors may also handle financial activities, such as payroll and cash handling, as well as customer service. Supervisors are often responsible for ensuring supplies, equipment, and work areas adhere to industry and safety standards. Most of the skills required for this service-oriented profession can be learned on the job; developing strong “people skills” is a must.

13. Market research analysts and marketing specialists

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• Millennial percent of total employment: 46.2%
• Median age of all employees: 37.3
• Total employment: 344,000 (23.2% projected growth)
• Median annual wage: $63,230
• Typical entry-level education: Bachelor’s degree

Market research analysts and marketing specialists perform a variety of tasks related to analyzing sales markets and creating marketing campaigns to promote a good or a service. People who hold these jobs may work in-house for an organization, or as part of a third-party agency or firm that handles multiple client accounts. Market research analysts gather information about consumers’ wants and price sensitivity, as well as the competitive landscape. Marketing specialists then take this information into account to launch marketing campaigns on behalf of a company.

12. Medical assistants

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• Millennial percent of total employment: 48.1%
• Median age of all employees: 35.9
• Total employment: 539,000 (29% projected growth)
• Median annual wage: $32,480
• Typical entry-level education: Postsecondary nondegree award

Medical assistants collaborate with physicians to perform administrative tasks such as medical billing, filing, and scheduling, as well as limited clinical services like drawing blood, administering medications, and recording vital signs. Medical assistants are not the same as physician assistants, who require graduate-level education and are licensed to perform more extensive medical duties. Medical assistants do not require a college education, and most complete a postsecondary certificate or learn through on-the-job training. The job outlook for medical assistants is bright, with 29 percent projected growth, largely because baby boomers are seeking more healthcare services.

11. Meeting, convention, and event planners

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• Millennial percent of total employment: 48.2%
• Median age of all employees: 36.8
• Total employment: 137,000 (10.9% projected growth)
• Median annual wage: $48,290
• Typical entry-level education: Bachelor’s degree

Event planners work within a company, a venue, or as an independent agency to arrange meetings, conventions, or other events. They coordinate multiple vendors and stakeholders, such as staff, convention personnel, and clients, to take care of the logistics of an event. Event planners typically hold a bachelor’s degree and earn a median annual wage of $48,290. With 10.9 percent projected growth by 2026, the job outlook is a bit stronger than the national average.

10. Physician assistants

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• Millennial percent of total employment: 48.3%
• Median age of all employees: 37.6
• Total employment: 116,000 (37.3% projected growth)
• Median annual wage: $104,860
• Typical entry-level education: Master’s degree

Physician assistants earn the highest median annual wage ($104,860) and require the highest level of education (a master’s degree) of any occupation on this list. With the rising number of baby boomers seeking medical treatment as they age, the number of physician assistants is projected to grow 37.3 percent by 2026. Physician assistants work under the supervision of a physician to conduct physical exams, administer treatment, and provide medical counseling to patients. Despite significant educational requirements, physician assistants do not have the full licensure of a physician. Physician assistants are also not the same as nurses, who have different educational requirements and job responsibilities.

9. Statisticians

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• Millennial percent of total employment: 48.3%
• Median age of all employees: 35.9
• Total employment: 87,000 (33.8% projected growth)
• Median annual wage: $84,060
• Typical entry-level education: Master’s degree

Statisticians have the second-highest median annual wage on this list ($84,060) and typically have a master’s degree to work in the field. This heavily analytical profession involves collecting, organizing, interpreting, and summarizing data with the help of mathematical or statistical theories and methods. Statisticians may choose a specialization, such as bio-statistics or economic statistics.

8. Emergency medical technicians and paramedics

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• Millennial percent of total employment: 49.8%
• Median age of all employees: 34.4
• Total employment: 223,000 (15.1% projected growth)
• Median annual wage: $33,380
• Typical entry-level education: Postsecondary nondegree award

Emergency medical technicians (EMTs) and paramedics assist injured and sick persons by assessing injuries, administering emergency medical care, and providing transport to hospitals via ambulance. All EMTs and paramedics must be licensed, which requires a special postsecondary program. The total employment is 223,000 and the projected job growth for this profession is about twice the national average. This profession is known for being highly stressful, but also essential to public health and safety.

7. Phlebotomists

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• Millennial percent of total employment: 50.0%
• Median age of all employees: 36.8
• Total employment: 112,000 (24.5% projected growth)
• Median annual wage: $33,670
• Typical entry-level education: Postsecondary nondegree award

Millennials account for half of the phlebotomists in the U.S. Phlebotomists work in clinical or lab settings and draw blood for tests, transfusions, donations, or research. This is a patient-oriented position, and phlebotomists often explain the blood drawing procedure to patients and provide medical assistance in the event of an adverse reaction. Phlebotomists usually receive a certification from a postsecondary phlebotomy program before starting work. This profession is expected to grow 24.5 percent by 2026.

6. Telemarketers

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• Millennial percent of total employment: 50.0%
• Median age of all employees: 31.5
• Total employment: 58,000 (0% projected growth)
• Median annual wage: $24,460
• Typical entry-level education: No formal educational credential

Half of the telemarketers in the U.S. are millennials. Telemarketers use the telephone to call potential donors to solicit donations or customers to sell goods or services. There are currently 58,000 telemarketers in the U.S., and this number is expected to remain the same between now and 2026. Telemarketers do not require a formal diploma or degree, but must be comfortable calling many people on the phone every day.

5. Hotel, motel, and resort desk clerks

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• Millennial percent of total employment: 52.0%
• Median age of all employees: 31.7
• Total employment: 125,000 (4.4% projected growth)
• Median annual wage: $22,850
• Typical entry-level education: High school diploma or equivalent

Desk clerks work in hotels, motels, and resorts to assist guests with booking rooms, issuing keys, transmitting and receiving messages, and collecting payments. There are currently 125,000 people employed in this profession, and the job outlook of 4.4 percent growth is lower than the national average of 7.4 percent. Only a high school diploma is required, and the median annual wage is $22,850.

4. Tellers

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• Millennial percent of total employment: 55.2%
• Median age of all employees: 30.9
• Total employment: 306,000 (-8.3% projected growth)
• Median annual wage: $28,110
• Typical entry-level education: High school diploma or equivalent

Tellers work with bank customers to receive and pay out money, usually in the form of cash or checks. They also maintain transaction records at a financial institution. With the popularity of ATMs and online banking, the number of tellers is projected to decrease by 8.3 percent from 2016 to 2026. Tellers usually have a high school diploma and receive on-the-job training. As many as 30 percent of bank tellers only work part-time.

3. Waiters and waitresses

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• Millennial percent of total employment: 56.4%
• Median age of all employees: 26.6
• Total employment: 2,016,000 (7% projected growth)
• Median annual wage: $20,820
• Typical entry-level education: No formal educational credential

Waiters and waitresses have the lowest median age (26.6) on this list as well as the lowest median annual wage ($20,820). Waiters and waitresses take orders and serve food and beverages at restaurants. No formal education is required, and waitstaff learn their responsibilities on the job. The total employment in this area is 2,016,000, the highest number on this list. Notably, this category does not include cafeteria workers, concession stand employees, baristas, or bartenders.

2. Veterinary assistants and laboratory animal caretakers

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• Millennial percent of total employment: 59.0%
• Median age of all employees: 27.5
• Total employment: 61,000 (19.4% projected growth)
• Median annual wage: $26,140
• Typical entry-level education: High school diploma or equivalent

Veterinary assistants and laboratory animal caretakers work under a veterinarian, laboratory animal technologist, or scientist to provide care to animals. Duties include feeding, watering, and examining pets for signs of illness or injury, as well as administering medication to animals. People in this profession usually work in labs, animal hospitals, and clinics. Unlike vets and scientists, who require an advanced degree, veterinary assistants only require a high school diploma. The projected growth rate is 19.4 percent, and there are currently 61,000 people employed in this position.

1. Bartenders

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• Millennial percent of total employment: 60.0%
• Median age of all employees: 31.3
• Total employment: 417,000 (2.5% projected growth)
• Median annual wage: $21,690
• Typical entry-level education: No formal educational credential

Bartenders mix and serve drinks to patrons, directly or with the help of waiters and waitresses, and work in establishments such as bars and restaurants. Challenging work environments and late nights make this profession less appealing to older populations, which is in part why sixty percent of bartenders are millennials. With 2.5% projected growth by 2026, the population of 417,000 bartenders in the U.S. is not expected to change much in the coming years. Bartenders do not require any formal education, and many learn on the job or through a short bartending course.

Methodology

The data used in this analysis is from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics 2017 Current Population Survey (CPS) and 2016-2026 Employment Projections (EP).

The most popular jobs for millennials are the occupations with the largest percentage of employees between the ages of 20 and 34. In the event of a tie, the occupation with the lowest median age across all employees is ranked higher. To improve the relevancy of the final results, occupations with fewer than 50,000 total employees were excluded.

Employment numbers are from the CPS; whereas, employment growth projections, median annual wages, and education requirements are from the EP. Median annual wages are for all ages and cover non-farm wage and salary workers; they do not cover the self-employed, owners and partners in unincorporated firms, or household workers. You can find guidance with resume writing for any of these occupations using LiveCareer’s free resume builder.