In-Demand Careers

In this section, you can look at occupations that are in high-demand. High demand occupations are ones that have a lot of current openings and/or have a high growth rate.

The occupations in this section require little or no additional training.

You will find job descriptions, skills needed, wages, employment requirements, and links to more detailed information and employers.



Below are 19 in-demand careers found from online job posts from August 1, 2020, to January 31, 2021.  Careers with the most job posts are listed first.

Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers


134,827 online job openings in Minnesota from August, 2020 to January, 2021
Earning potential:  $20.50 - $28.76 per hour
man driving truck - focus on steering wheel

Employers will also use these job titles:
Line Haul Driver, Over the Road Driver (OTR Driver), Delivery Drivers

What education do people in this career have?

Education levels higher than Bachelor's degree not listed.

Less than high school diplomaHigh school diploma or equivalentSome college, no degreeAssociate's degreeBachelor's degree - 15.5% - 47.2% - 23.1% - 6.7% - 6.4%
What do they do?

Watch this career video.

Typical work tasks

  • Follow safety procedures for vehicle operation.
  • Operate vehicles or material-moving equipment.
  • Inspect cargo areas for cleanliness or condition.
  • Inspect motor vehicles.
With more training, you can advance to careers that use similar skills and knowledge as heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers. Learn about career pathways.  
FIND SHORT-TERM TRAINING

 

Home Health and Personal Care Aides


19,457 online job openings in Minnesota from August, 2020 to January, 2021
Earning potential:  $12.27 - $15.21 per hour

Employers will also use these job titles:
Caregiver, Personal Care Assistant (PCA)

What education do people in this career have?

Education levels higher than Bachelor's degree not listed.

Less than high school diplomaHigh school diploma or equivalentSome college, no degreeAssociate's degreeBachelor's degree - 16.4% - 35.9% - 25.7% - 9.2% - 9.8%
What do they do?

Watch this career video.

Typical work tasks

  • Administer basic health care or medical treatments.
  • Assist individuals with special needs.
  • Document client health or progress.
  • Maintain client information or service records.
  • Administer therapy treatments to patients using hands or physical treatment aids.
  • Apply bandages, dressings, or splints.
  • Assist patients with daily activities.
  • Feed patients.
  •  
With more training, you can advance to careers that use similar skills and knowledge as home health and personal care aides. Learn about career pathways.  
FIND SHORT-TERM TRAINING

 

Customer Service Representatives


19,276 online job openings in Minnesota from August, 2020 to January, 2021
Earning potential:  $15.71 - $24.03 per hour
two professionally dressed customer support representatives at desks with headsets

Employers will also use these job titles:
Client Services Representative, Customer Service Specialist, Member Services Representative

What education do people in this career have?

Education levels higher than Bachelor's degree not listed.

Less than high school diplomaHigh school diploma or equivalentSome college, no degreeAssociate's degreeBachelor's degree - 4.1% - 26.6% - 30.2% - 11.7% - 22.6%
What do they do?

Watch this career video.

Typical work tasks

  • Solve customers' problems
  • Take orders
  • Process returns.
With more training, you can advance to careers that use similar skills and knowledge as customer service representatives. Learn about career pathways.  
FIND SHORT-TERM TRAINING

 

Supervisors of Retail Sales Workers


16,168 online job openings in Minnesota from August, 2020 to January, 2021
Earning potential:  $16.99 - $27.07 per hour
professional woman wearing hajib headscarf and smiling

Employers will also use these job titles:
District Sales Manager, Store Manager, Retail Manager

What education do people in this career have?

Education levels higher than Bachelor's degree not listed.

Less than high school diplomaHigh school diploma or equivalentSome college, no degreeAssociate's degreeBachelor's degree - 5.7% - 29.3% - 28.7% - 10.1% - 21.4%
What do they do?

Watch this career video.

Typical work tasks

  • Train sales personnel.
  • Answer customer questions about goods or services.
  • Assign duties or work schedules to employees.
  • Coordinate sales campaigns.
With more training, you can advance to careers that use similar skills and knowledge as a supervisor of retail sales workers . Learn about career pathways.  
FIND SHORT-TERM TRAINING

 

Nursing Assistant


11,139 online job openings in Minnesota from August, 2020 to January, 2021
Earning potential:  $14.90 - $19.29 per hour
man wearing scrubs next to patient in wheel chair

Employers will also use these job titles:
Certified Nurses Aide (CNA)

What education do people in this career have?

Education levels higher than Bachelor's degree not listed.

Less than high school diplomaHigh school diploma or equivalentSome college, no degreeAssociate's degreeBachelor's degree - 8.7% - 37.4% - 33.3% - 11.4% - 7.7%
What do they do?

Watch this career video.

Typical work tasks

  • Adjust positions of patients on beds or tables.
  • Administer basic health care or medical treatments.
  • Administer therapy treatments to patients using hands or physical treatment aids.
  • Apply bandages, dressings, or splints.
With more training, you can advance to careers that use similar skills and knowledge as a nursing assistant. Learn about career pathways.  
FIND SHORT-TERM TRAINING

 

Light Truck or Delivery Services Drivers


10,595 online job openings in Minnesota from August, 2020 to January, 2021
Earning potential:  $14.84 - $24.76 per hour

Employers will also use these job titles:
Delivery Driver, Package Delivery Drive, Truck Driver

What education do people in this career have?

Education levels higher than Bachelor's degree not listed.

Less than high school diplomaHigh school diploma or equivalentSome college, no degreeAssociate's degreeBachelor's degree - 15.5% - 47.2% - 23.1% - 6.7% - 6.4%
What do they do?

Watch this career video.

Typical work tasks

  • Follow safety procedures for vehicle operation.
  • Operate vehicles or material-moving equipment.
  • Read maps to determine routes.
  • Notify others of emergencies, problems, or hazards.
With more training, you can advance to careers that use similar skills and knowledge as a light truck or delivery services driver . Learn about career pathways.  
FIND SHORT-TERM TRAINING

 

Social and Human Service Assistants


10,229 online job openings in Minnesota from August, 2020 to January, 2021
Earning potential:  $14.49 - $21.40 per hour
social worker talking to client and taking notes

Employers will also use these job titles:
Advocate, Caseworker, Social Worker

What education do people in this career have?

Education levels higher than Bachelor's degree not listed.

Less than high school diplomaHigh school diploma or equivalentSome college, no degreeAssociate's degreeBachelor's degree - 2.2% - 14.2% - 21.8% - 12.6% - 34.7%
What do they do?

Watch this career video.

Typical work tasks

  • Interview clients to gather information about their backgrounds, needs, or progress.
  • Maintain social services program records.
  • Write reports or evaluations.
  • Collaborate with other professionals to assess client needs or plan treatments.
With more training, you can advance to careers that use similar skills and knowledge as a social and human service assistant. Learn about career pathways.  
FIND SHORT-TERM TRAINING

 

Supervisors of Office and Administrative Support Workers


9,908 online job openings in Minnesota from August, 2020 to January, 2021
Earning potential:  $23.26 - $36.49 per hour
woman and man talking in professional setting

Employers will also use these job titles:
Office Supervisor, Team Leader

What education do people in this career have?

Education levels higher than Bachelor's degree not listed.

Less than high school diplomaHigh school diploma or equivalentSome college, no degreeAssociate's degreeBachelor's degree - 2.7% - 21.5% - 28.3% - 13.1% - 26.7%
What do they do?

Watch this career video.

Typical work tasks

  • Compile data or documentation.
  • Confer with coworkers to coordinate work activities.
  • Provide information to coworkers.
  • Report maintenance or equipment problems to appropriate personnel.
With more training, you can advance to careers that use similar skills and knowledge as a supervisor of office and administrative support workers. Learn about career pathways.  
FIND SHORT-TERM TRAINING

 

Supervisors of Production and Operating Workers


7,251 online job openings in Minnesota from August, 2020 to January, 2021
Earning potential:  $26.00 - $38.48 per hour

Employers will also use these job titles:
Plant Manager, Construction Foreman, Production Supervisor

What education do people in this career have?

Education levels higher than Bachelor's degree not listed.

Less than high school diplomaHigh school diploma or equivalentSome college, no degreeAssociate's degreeBachelor's degree - 10.3% - 39.2% - 26.3% - 9% - 12.2%
What do they do?

Watch this career video.

Typical work tasks

  • Confer with others to resolve production problems or equipment malfunctions.
  • Exchange information with colleagues.
  • Monitor equipment operation to ensure proper functioning.
  • Plan production or operational procedures or sequences.
With more training, you can advance to careers that use similar skills and knowledge as a supervisor of production and operating workers. Learn about career pathways.  
FIND SHORT-TERM TRAINING

 

Maintenance and Repair Workers


7,008 online job openings in Minnesota from August, 2020 to January, 2021
Earning potential:  $17.48 - $26.97 per hour

Employers will also use these job titles:
Maintenance Electrician, Maintenance Mechanic, Maintenance Technician

What education do people in this career have?

Education levels higher than Bachelor's degree not listed.

Less than high school diplomaHigh school diploma or equivalentSome college, no degreeAssociate's degreeBachelor's degree - 11.9% - 41.9% - 26% - 11.6% - 7.4%
What do they do?

Watch this career video.

Typical work tasks

  • Inspect mechanical equipment to locate damage, defects, or wear.
  • Test fluids to identify contamination or other problems.
  • Test mechanical equipment to ensure proper functioning.
  • Adjust equipment to ensure optimal performance.
With more training, you can advance to careers that use similar skills and knowledge as a maintenance or repair worker. Learn about career pathways.  
FIND SHORT-TERM TRAINING

 

Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses


6,453 online job openings in Minnesota from August, 2020 to January, 2021
Earning potential:  $20.91 - $26.60 per hour
nurse wearing scrubs and smiling with arms folded

Employers will also use these job titles:
Charge Nurse, Clinic Nurse, Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN)

What education do people in this career have?

Education levels higher than Bachelor's degree not listed.

Less than high school diplomaHigh school diploma or equivalentSome college, no degreeAssociate's degreeBachelor's degree - 1.2% - 20.7% - 55.7% - 17.6% - 4%
What do they do?

Watch this career video.

Typical work tasks

  • Administer basic health care or medical treatments.
  • Administer intravenous medications.
  • Apply bandages, dressings, or splints.
  • Assist healthcare practitioners during examinations or treatments.
With more training, you can advance to careers that use similar skills and knowledge as a licensed practical and licensed vocational nurse. Learn about career pathways.  
FIND SHORT-TERM TRAINING

 

Secretaries and Administrative Assistants


4,884 online job openings in Minnesota from August, 2020 to January, 2021
Earning potential:  $16.57 - $24.02 per hour

Employers will also use these job titles:
Administrative Assistant, Administrative Secretary, Office Assistant

What education do people in this career have?

Education levels higher than Bachelor's degree not listed.

Less than high school diplomaHigh school diploma or equivalentSome college, no degreeAssociate's degreeBachelor's degree - 2.5% - 25.8% - 31.1% - 14.8% - 21.2%
What do they do?

Watch this career video.

Typical work tasks

  • Enter information into databases or software programs.
  • Operate computers or computerized equipment.
  • Report maintenance or equipment problems to appropriate personnel.
  • Search files, databases or reference materials to obtain needed information.
With more training, you can advance to careers that use similar skills and knowledge as a secretaries and administrative assistants. Learn about career pathways.  
FIND SHORT-TERM TRAINING

 

Medical Assistants


4,402 online job openings in Minnesota from August, 2020 to January, 2021
Earning potential: $17.80 - $23.32 per hour

Employers will also use these job titles:
Certified Medical Assistant (CMA), Clinical Assistant, Medical Office Assistant, Ophthalmic Technician

What education do people in this career have?

Education levels higher than Bachelor's degree not listed.

Less than high school diplomaHigh school diploma or equivalentSome college, no degreeAssociate's degreeBachelor's degree - 2% - 20.3% - 39% - 24.4% - 10.9%
What do they do?

Watch this career video.

Typical work tasks

  • Administer basic health care or medical treatments.
  • Apply bandages, dressings, or splints.
  • Assist practitioners to perform medical procedures.
  • Give medications or immunizations.
With more training, you can advance to careers that use similar skills and knowledge as a medical assistant. Learn about career pathways.  
FIND SHORT-TERM TRAINING

 

Sales Representatives


4,309 online job openings in Minnesota from August, 2020 to January, 2021
Earning potential: $24.79 - $45.60 per hour
two men in sales meeting

Employers will also use these job titles:
Account Manager, Inside Sales Person, Account Development Manager, Channel Sales Director, Distribution Sales Manager, Marketing Associate, Marketing Representative, Sales Consultant, Sales Director, Sales Manager, Technical Sales Manager

What education do people in this career have?

Education levels higher than Bachelor's degree not listed.

Less than high school diplomaHigh school diploma or equivalentSome college, no degreeAssociate's degreeBachelor's degree - 2.8% - 16.7% - 22.9% - 9.2% - 40.4%
What do they do?

Watch this career video.

Typical work tasks

  • Contact current or potential customers to promote products or services.
  • Demonstrate products to consumers.
  • Distribute promotional literature or samples to customers.
  • Negotiate prices or other sales terms.
With more training, you can advance to careers that use similar skills and knowledge as a sales representative. Learn about career pathways.  
FIND SHORT-TERM TRAINING

 

General and Operations Managers


3,851 online job openings in Minnesota from August, 2020 to January, 2021
Earning potential: $33.23 - $71.38 per hour
professionally dressed woman and man smiling

Employers will also use these job titles:
Facilities Manager, Plant Manager

What education do people in this career have?

Education levels higher than Bachelor's degree not listed.

Less than high school diplomaHigh school diploma or equivalentSome college, no degreeAssociate's degreeBachelor's degree - 2.6% - 16.9% - 24.3% - 10% - 33.4%
What do they do?

Typical work tasks

  • Determine resource needs.
  • Implement organizational process or policy changes.
  • Direct financial operations.
  • Direct organizational operations, projects, or services.
With more training, you can advance to careers that use similar skills and knowledge as a general or operations manager. Learn about career pathways.  
FIND SHORT-TERM TRAINING

 

Office Clerks


3,716 online job openings in Minnesota from August, 2020 to January, 2021
Earning potential: $14.97 - $23.37 per hour
man in wheel chair at desk and talking on the phone

Employers will also use these job titles:
Office Manager, Receptionist, Administrative Assistant

What education do people in this career have?

Education levels higher than Bachelor's degree not listed.

Less than high school diplomaHigh school diploma or equivalentSome college, no degreeAssociate's degreeBachelor's degree - 3.4% - 29.6% - 32.2% - 13% - 17.8%
What do they do?

Watch this career video.

Typical work tasks

  • Confer with coworkers to coordinate work activities.
  • Provide information to coworkers.
  • Search files, databases or reference materials to obtain needed information.
  • Execute sales or other financial transactions.
With more training, you can advance to careers that use similar skills and knowledge as an office clerk. Learn about career pathways.  
FIND SHORT-TERM TRAINING

 

Teaching Assistants


3,578 online job openings in Minnesota from August, 2020 to January, 2021
Earning potential:  $27,239.17 - $38,292.46 per year
teacher talking to student

Employers will also use these job titles:
Instructional Assistant, Paraprofessional, Teacher Assistant

What education do people in this career have?

Education levels higher than Bachelor's degree not listed.

Less than high school diplomaHigh school diploma or equivalentSome college, no degreeAssociate's degreeBachelor's degree - 4.1% - 25.1% - 24.1% - 14.5% - 23.4%
What do they do?

Watch this career video.

Typical work tasks

  • Assist students with special educational needs.
  • Assist other educational professionals with projects or research.
  • Collaborate with other teaching professionals to develop educational programs.
  • Apply multiple teaching methods.
With more training, you can advance to careers that use similar skills and knowledge as a teaching assistant. Learn about career pathways.  
FIND SHORT-TERM TRAINING

 

Pharmacy Technicians


2,460 online job openings in Minnesota from August, 2020 to January, 2021
Earning potential: $15.51/hr - $21.90/hr per hour

Employers will also use these job titles:
Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPHT) Pharmaceutical Care Associate

What education do people in this career have?

Education levels higher than Bachelor's degree not listed.

Less than high school diplomaHigh school diploma or equivalentSome college, no degreeAssociate's degreeBachelor's degree - 0.9% - 26.2% - 37.7% - 16% - 15.7%
What do they do?

Watch this career video.

Typical work tasks

  • Enter patient or treatment data into computers.
  • Verify accuracy of patient information.
  • Record patient medical histories.
  • Clean medical equipment or facilities.
With more training, you can advance to careers that use similar skills and knowledge as a pharmacy technician. Learn about career pathways.  
FIND SHORT-TERM TRAINING

 

Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics


128 online job openings in Minnesota from August, 2020 to January, 2021
Earning potential: $16.62 - $26.98 per hour
woman auto mechanic working on car

Employers will also use these job titles:
Automotive Service Technician, Shop Foreperson, Automotive Technician

What education do people in this career have?

Education levels higher than Bachelor's degree not listed.

Less than high school diplomaHigh school diploma or equivalentSome college, no degreeAssociate's degreeBachelor's degree - 16.1% - 44% - 23% - 12.7% - 3.7%
What do they do?

Watch this career video.

Typical work tasks

  • Read work orders or descriptions of problems to determine repairs or modifications needed.
  • Operate transportation equipment to demonstrate function or malfunction.
  • Rebuild parts or components.
  • Repair non-engine automotive or vehicle components.
With more training, you can advance to careers that use similar skills and knowledge as an automotive service technicians and mechanics. Learn about career pathways.  
FIND SHORT-TERM TRAINING
Source: Job titles and typical work tasks: CAREERwise. CAREERwise uses O*NET Online. Education Attainment Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics 2019. Wages: Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) First Quarter 2020 Occupational Employment Statistics. Wage range is 25th percentile to 75th percentile.