The BareStory
A new analysis by career services platform Indeed has ranked the best jobs in the United States for 2026, naming cardiac medical technician as the top profession. The rankings were determined based on criteria including median salary, the frequency of open listings, and growth in wages and job postings since 2022.
According to the data, the role of cardiac medical technician offers a median annual salary of approximately $134,000. The position has experienced significant expansion, with both wages and job listings increasing by 34% over the last three years. The report listed owner-operator truck driver as the second-ranked job, boasting the highest median salary in the top 10 at $160,000, followed by nurse practitioner in third place with a median salary of over $143,000. Data scientist was the only technology role to appear in the top 10.
Laura Ullrich, a director of economic research at the Indeed Hiring Lab, noted that the health care sector is a dominant force in the current labor market. Although health care roles represent only 11% of total U.S. jobs, the report states they account for 72% of the market's job growth and make up 40% of the top 50 positions on the list. Indeed researchers attributed this high demand to an aging population and the prevalence of chronic conditions such as heart disease.
The analysis also highlighted a resurgence in skilled trades, such as HVAC technicians and electricians. Ullrich stated that these hands-on professions are less at risk of being displaced by artificial intelligence compared to other fields. While some technology jobs continue to offer high pay and remote flexibility, they ranked lower on the list due to slowing wage growth and declining job postings.
How it may affect me
As a U.S. reader:
Job seekers may find the most abundant opportunities in health care, which accounts for the majority of market growth due to an aging population and chronic conditions.
Those pursuing technology careers may experience slowing wage growth and fewer listings, though the sector continues to offer advantages like remote flexibility and high pay.
Individuals seeking career stability against artificial intelligence may turn to skilled trades like HVAC and electrical work, which are considered less vulnerable to displacement.
Workers may find the highest median salaries in specialized roles like owner-operator truck drivers and cardiac medical technicians rather than traditional technology positions.
