Top 20 Recession-Proof Jobs for Entry-Level and Mid-Career Professionals
Much to everyone’s chagrin, chances look good that a recession will take the world by storm in the coming years.
A recent Bloomberg study, for example, showed that the probability of an economic downturn in the next year currently sits at 47.5 percent. In June of this year, that number was just 30 percent, and a mere 20 percent in March.
With the dark cloud of a potential recession looming, it’s understandable that many professionals are assessing their job security and wondering how likely they will keep their job as the economy changes.
For those concerned about a recession, now might be a good time to look into recession-proof industries and jobs. This guide is an excellent place for people who fall into this group to start.
Read on to learn about the top 5 recession-proof industries and 20 recession-proof jobs for entry-level and mid-career professionals.
What Are the Top 5 Recession-Proof Industries?
Some industries are more likely to weather a recession than others. The following are 5 of the most recession-proof industries worth exploring:
1. Trade
Specific trades can withstand even the most challenging economic times.
There’s almost always a demand for skilled workers like plumbers, electricians, and appliance repair technicians.
Why does this ongoing demand matter? It assures people working in these fields will continue to find jobs and earn a living.
2. Grocery Stores
As we saw during the COVID-19 pandemic, grocery stores are essential businesses.
People need food and other essential supplies, and grocery stores are their most common suppliers. If you work in a grocery store at any level, your job will likely be safe during a recession.
3. Education
It’s unlikely there will ever come a time when teachers and other education professionals aren’t needed.
As long as schools exist and students attend, there will be a demand for the education industry. This demand provides teachers, administrators, teaching assistants, and others with excellent job security, even in a recession.
4. Information Technology
Over the last several years, the tech industry has grown by leaps and bounds. Experts also expect its growth to continue, regardless of what happens to the economy.
Information technology professionals of all levels are staples in many businesses’ day-to-day operations. They’re indispensable, which means their jobs are likely safe.
5. Healthcare
Finally, the healthcare industry is one of the world’s safest, most recession-proof industries.
People always need access to educators, grocery scores, and skills tradespeople. They also always need access to healthcare professionals.
As long as people continue to get sick or injured, there will be a demand for professionals in the healthcare space.
What Are the Top 10 Recession-Proof Jobs for Entry-Level Professionals?
Entry-level employees with limited experience might worry that they’ll be the first to go if a recession hits and their company has to lay people off. The good news is that plenty of recession-proof, entry-level jobs will keep you safe no matter what happens to the economy.
Here are the top 10 recession-proof entry-level jobs you might want to look into:
Certified nursing assistants or CNAs work with patients and nurses. They assist with several patient care tasks, including checking vitals, turning and moving patients, bathing and dressing patients, and assisting with activities of daily living.
CNAs must have a high school diploma or GED before getting hired. On average, they must also complete a CNA training program, which lasts about 3-4 months.
A medical laboratory technician carries out a wide range of routine laboratory tasks.
The task list includes preparing and carrying out tests, operating and maintaining lab equipment, and preparing specimens and samples. They must also abide by strict lab procedures and protocols.
Many labs require just an associate’s degree in a field like clinical laboratory science. However, some labs will hire apprentices and train them to do the job without needing a degree first.
A grocery store cashier is a professional who rings up people’s groceries. They sometimes bag groceries as well.
Grocery store cashiers keep grocery stores running smoothly. They minimize bottlenecks and the checkout line and ensure people get in and out as quickly as possible.
There are no strict education requirements for grocery store cashiers. Many stores don’t even require a high school diploma or GED, which makes this an excellent entry-level job for those with limited experience or education.
Working as a grocery store stocker is another good recession-proof grocery store job option.
Grocery store stockers bring products from the back of the store to the shelves and arrange them so shoppers can easily find what they need. They may also help customers find certain items if they’re struggling to locate them.
As with grocery store cashiers, there are no strict education requirements for grocery store stockers. You might not even need a high school diploma or GED to get started.
Maintenance technicians also fall under the umbrella of recession-proof entry-level jobs.
Maintenance technicians might work for specific businesses, apartment complexes, and property management companies. They handle many different maintenance tasks, from fixing appliances to addressing minor plumbing issues.
You don’t need to check any specific educational boxes to be a maintenance technician. You will likely qualify for the job if you are competent in handling various repairs.
If you don’t have experience as a teacher or education-specific training, you can still enjoy the recession-proof nature of the education industry.
Working as a teaching assistant allows you to get your foot in the door at a school and experience added protection against economic downturns.
Teaching assistants work alongside teachers. They help with grading papers, assisting students with assignments, and keeping the classroom organized.
A job as a teaching assistant is a good choice for high school graduates considering a career in education. It’s also a good fit for those with some education training but who haven’t finished their degree.
A job as an early childhood education teacher is a good choice for those who want to work with children but don’t have a university degree.
Early childhood education teachers (or preschool teachers) typically don’t need as much training or experience as teachers who work with older students.
They will likely qualify for the job if they pass a background check and are good with children.
People who want to work in the tech industry but don’t have much experience should consider a job as a data entry specialist.
Data entry specialists make other employees’ jobs easier. They gather data from various documents and files. Then, they input and organize all that data, so other employees can find and use it.
You often need a high school diploma and basic computer literacy to qualify for data entry specialist jobs.
Helpdesk technicians are similar to customer service representatives. The main difference is that they work with tech-related questions, specifically.
The list of questions helpdesk technicians might answer includes questions people have about their phones, computers, or software programs. They also redirect customers to the proper channels as needed.
A career as a helpdesk technician is an excellent job for those with a high school diploma or GED who think they might want to pursue a career in IT.
A data analyst collects data from various sources, then evaluates it to find trends and gather additional insights. They then take their findings to higher-ups at their company so they can use them to make informed decisions.
The more data businesses have to work with, the easier it is for them to make decisions that benefit all employees and customers. This job is in high demand now and will likely remain so for many years.
What Are the Top 10 Recession-Proof Jobs for Mid-Career Professionals?
You might assume you’re safe from a recession if you’re further along in your career. That’s not always the case, though. Layoffs can affect all kinds of employees, even those who have worked for a company for years.
If you’re looking for recession-proof mid-career jobs that will provide a greater level of security, here are ten options to keep in mind:
Registered nurses or RNs are skilled medical professionals. They administer medications, check patients’ vitals, advise patients and their loved ones, and keep detailed medical records for doctors and others.
To become an RN, you must have at least an associate’s degree in nursing. Many earn a bachelor’s or master’s degree, though.
Teachers work with students of all ages. They create lesson plans, teach classes, grade assignments, and support students and parents as needed.
Teachers must have at least a bachelor’s degree before getting hired. However, some schools are so short-staffed that they let senior university students teach with additional supervision.
If you have experience in retail or currently work in a grocery store, you may want to look into a grocery store management position.
Grocery store managers oversee cashiers, stockers, and other employees. They assist with scheduling, budgeting, training, and other crucial tasks.
Some grocery store managers have university degrees, but they’re not required to get hired for the position. This is especially true if you have previous management experience.
Plumbers are skilled tradespeople who handle installations and repairs for water, gas, and piping systems. They also install and repair plumbing fixtures, such as bathtubs, toilets, dishwashers, and water heaters.
Plumbers typically must complete a 2-year trade school program before they start working. They then spend up to 5 years after graduating as an apprentice.
A career as a plumber is another option for those looking for recession-proof mid-career jobs.
Carpenters work with wood constructing, repairing, and installing various structures and frameworks. They assist with different construction and remodeling projects.
The most common way to become a carpenter is to complete an apprentice program, which takes about 3-4 years.
An electrician is another type of skilled tradesperson with a recession-proof job.
Electricians install, maintain, and repair various electrical systems in homes, businesses, and factories. From lighting to communication systems, they handle just about anything powered by electricity.
Before starting working, electricians must complete an education program, which takes about two years. They can also complete 4,000 hours of apprentice electrician work to become a master electrician.
A web developer is an IT professional who writes code and develops the backend of websites to look good and function properly.
Web developers can work for all kinds of businesses, either as in-house employees or contractors.
Some developers have bachelor’s or master’s degrees, but many are self-taught or have completed online courses to learn the job’s basic skills.
A software engineer writes code for and creates software solutions.
Like web developers, they can be in-house employees or work as freelancers.
Also, like web developers, software engineers don’t have to have university degrees. Many are self-taught and have learned necessary skills through free or inexpensive online courses.
Whether they work in tech, marketing, healthcare, or construction, a project manager is a leader.
Project managers oversee team members, assign tasks, review projects, and offer feedback. They also communicate with clients to establish goals and guarantee they meet those needs.
Teachers who want to take the next step in their career while remaining safe from a recession should consider careers as administrators.
Additional schooling (a master’s degree, precisely) qualifies them to act as a principal or vice principal. This also grants them a nice pay raise.
Find and Apply for Recession-Proof Jobs
It doesn’t matter if you want to work in education or IT. You can find recession-proof jobs that offer more security and help you confidently navigate economic ups and downs.
Are you ready to search or apply for one of the abovementioned jobs?
Visit GrabJobs today. This free tool lets you search for various jobs and apply in seconds!
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