Central Minnesota's job market provides a wide range of occupations experiencing high demand across various career clusters. This guide compliments the interactive Career Pathways tool to highlight some of the hottest jobs in the region, offering insights for job seekers and career changers.

Marketing and Retail

Retail Salespersons tops the list of in-demand occupations, with over 7,400 current employees and a projected growth rate of 0.3% over the next decade. The median annual salary for this role is $35,817. Other high-demand positions include Cashiers, First-Line Supervisors of Retail Sales Workers, and Sales Representatives.

Health Science

The Healthcare sector continues to be a powerhouse of job opportunities, including high demand openings like Home Health & Personal Care Aides, which has over 10,500 current employees, a 13.4% projected growth rate through 2032 and a median annual salary of $35,952.

Other in-demand roles include Registered Nurses, which has 6,030 employed, a 7% projected growth and a median annual salary of $97,279. Likewise, Licensed Practical Nurses, Medical Secretaries and Pharmacy Technicians are all in high demand as well.

Hospitality & Tourism

Fast Food & Counter Workers rank high in demand in the region, with 6,580 current employees and a 4.7% projected growth rate. The median annual salary is $30,548. Other popular roles include Waiters & Waitresses, Cooks and Janitors. All of these jobs can be started with a high school diploma or less and on-the-job training—no college is needed.

Transportation, Distribution & Logistics

Heavy & Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers are ranked sixth highest in demand, with 5,460 current employees and a 7.6% projected growth rate. The median annual salary is $60,953. Light Truck Drivers and Laborers are also sought-after as shipping and delivery become more important in commerce.

Manufacturing

Several manufacturing-related occupations are among the most in-demand, including Assemblers & Fabricators, First-Line Supervisors of Production Workers, Machinists and Welders. Most of these can also be started with on-the-job training, though vocational training is also helpful.

Education & Training

Teaching Assistants (sometimes called Paraprofessionals) are in high demand, with 4,500 current employees and a 2.9% projected growth rate. The median annual salary is $39,320. Elementary, Secondary and Special Education Teachers are also experiencing steady demand as Educational Services remains vital to the region's economy.

Business Management & Administration

General & Operations Managers are in high demand, with 6,870 current employees and an 8.3% projected growth rate. This role offers a median annual salary of $82,833. Other in-demand roles include Customer Service Representatives, Office Clerks and Administrative Assistants, though these roles are not expected to grow as fast in the future due to automation and Artificial Intelligence.

Architecture & Construction

Several construction-related occupations are experiencing high demand, including Carpenters, Construction Laborers, Electricians and Plumbers. These are all high-paying jobs as well, which typically are learned on-the-job or through vocational training. Construction has been one of the fastest growing industries in the region, especially over the past five years.

As the job market in Central Minnesota continues to evolve, these in-demand occupations offer promising career paths across various industries. When choosing a career, consider your personal interests, skills and long-term goals alongside market demand.

To learn more about the pathway to career success in Central Minnesota, contact Luke Greiner at luke.greiner@state.mn.us.