7 Recession-Proof Jobs That Are Always in Demand
The ups and downs of the job market can spook the best of us. Most of us worry about job security at one point or another, and these worries can grow if recession looms on the horizon. While there are no guarantees, jobs that are “recession-proof” are less impacted by fluctuations in the economy.
If having a career that remains strong during times of financial turbulence is important to you, take a look at our list of recession-proof jobs and industries.
What Industries Are Recession-Proof?
Recession-proof industries provide services and products that people still need (or want) if the economy is in a downturn, as opposed to “luxury” purchases like travel or fine dining. Some industries that do well during a recession provide services and products that are paid by government aid or insurance, meaning that even if people are struggling financially, they won’t have to foot the bill themselves.
Here are some examples of the top recession-proof industries:
- Healthcare: While growth slows down in the healthcare industry during a recession, the field still has a high growth rate. The demand for non-essential care (such as elective and cosmetic procedures) will decrease more than the need for essential care.
- Essential services: Everyone needs utilities, transportation, groceries, and housing, even if some segments may suffer (such as new home purchases).
- Government: While not an “industry,” the government sector is generally more immune to changes in the economy than the private sector since it doesn’t need to make a profit and since government union contracts sometimes dictate conditions for layoffs.
- Protective services: Many protective services jobs are employed by the government, but private companies, such as retailers and bars, also need to keep their customers and staff safe and prevent theft, both of which are top priorities no matter what the state of the economy is.
What Jobs Are Recession-Proof?
Job security depends on many factors. The industry is only one of them. These are some of the other factors you should consider when you’re looking for recession-proof careers:
- The prospective employer: Research the company to see how it’s doing financially, for example if it has a history of repeated layoffs or if it’s a startup looking for funding.
- The location: Some locations have stronger economies than others, so take this into account if you’re considering moving for a job. You could try researching unemployment rates and salary estimates in different parts of the U.S.
- The value you bring: To strengthen your value on the job market, read our best tips for job hunting during a recession.
- The profession: Job security can vary greatly within an industry. Below are some examples of some of the best jobs during a recession.
7 Recession-Proof Jobs
- social worker
- software developer
- nurse
- teacher
- university professor
- electrician
- home health and personal care aides
1. Social Worker
Why it’s recession-proof: Social workers often work for non-profit organizations or government agencies. Since they often aren’t paid by private individuals or companies, they won’t see the same effects of a slow economy as other professions. In addition, in times of financial distress, social workers tend to be more in need than usual, making this among the best recession-proof jobs.
Expected growth rate over the next few years: 9%
What you’ll do: Clinical social workers (CSW) and licensed clinical social workers (LCSW) diagnose and treat mental, behavioral, and emotional disorders. Other social workers help people with practical and financial problems, such as access to food stamps and childcare.
What you’ll need: Social workers need a bachelor’s or master’s degree, preferably in social work. To do clinical work, you’ll also need to be licensed in your state.
What you’ll make: General social workers make a median salary of $51,161, while clinical social workers make a median salary of $58,649.
Find social worker jobs on Monster.
2. Software Developer
Why it’s recession-proof: While tech companies sometimes scale back and startups can fail, the job growth in software development is so rapid that those who do get laid off (but have a good track record) are likely to find another job quickly.
Expected growth rate over the next few years: 25%
What you’ll do: Software developers create software and the systems supporting software.
What you’ll need: Many software developers have a bachelor’s degree in a computer-related major, but because of the great demand in this field, that isn’t always necessary. Some developers are self-taught; others have attended online classes or coding bootcamps.
What you’ll make: Software developers make a median salary of $102,148.
Find software developer jobs on Monster.
3. Nurse
Why it’s recession-proof: The healthcare sector is a good bet for job security, but not all jobs are in high demand. Nursing is one of the best recession-proof jobs in the industry because the outlook for nurse job growth is relatively high—twice as high as the job growth for physicians.
What you’ll do: Nurses provide and coordinate medical care. There are several levels of nurses; entry-level nurses focus on providing patient care, mid-level nurses also coordinate care, while high-level nurses, such as CNOs, manage and supervise care.
Expected growth rate over the next few years: 6% for most types of nurses; nurse anesthetists, nurse midwives, and nurse practitioners will see a much higher growth rate.
What you’ll need: To become a nurse, you’ll need a minimum of an associate degree in nursing (ADN) or a Bachelor of Science degree in nursing (BSN). You can pursue additional education to become a registered nurse or a higher leadership position such as a CNO.
What you’ll make: A licensed practical/vocational nurse (an entry-level position) makes a median hourly salary of $24.80, a registered nurse makes a median hourly salary of $34.89, and a nurse practitioner makes a median annual salary of $103,991.
Find nursing jobs on Monster.
4. Teacher
Why it’s recession-proof: Teaching is on the list of recession-proof jobs because there will always be plenty of students in need of an education. Choose a job at a public school for more security; private schools are more sensitive to market fluctuations since they charge tuition. Public schools are also required to follow government-mandated student-teacher ratio limits, making large cutbacks unlikely.
Expected growth rate over the next few years: 4%
What you’ll do: Teachers lead classroom instruction and complete a variety of associated tasks, such as grading tests, assigning homework, and purchasing classroom supplies.
What you’ll need: Teachers need bachelor’s degree, preferably in education. If you want to work for a public school, you’ll need to be licensed in your state. This usually entails completing a background check, finger printing, and academic requirements.
What you’ll make: An elementary school teacher makes a median salary of $43,173.
Find teacher jobs on Monster.
5. University Professor
Why it’s recession-proof: While primary schools and high schools are unlikely to lose a lot of students because of state laws regarding compulsory school attendance, it may come as a surprise that university professors also have recession-proof jobs. Studies show, however, that university enrollment increases during recessions, partly because people want to boost their value on the job market.
Expected growth rate over the next few years: 12%
What you’ll do: University professors teach students at colleges and universities and do related tasks, such as planning lessons and grading papers and tests. Some also do research and mentor Ph.D. students.
What you’ll need: Most professors have a Ph.D. in the subject they teach, but for some positions, you may only need a master’s degree. Expertise in and passion for your subject will also help you advance.
What you’ll make: The median salary for a university professor is $58,208.
Find professor jobs on Monster.
6. Electrician
Why it’s recession-proof: While general contractors often see the effects of a slow economy, most electricians provide services that are essential, such as repairs. To find recession-proof jobs as an electrician, avoid companies that focus on installing expensive equipment like home automation, which homeowners will consider a luxury during hard times.
Expected growth rate over the next few years: 7%
What you’ll do: Electricians install, maintain, and repair electrical wiring, components, and systems.
What you’ll need: You need training as an electrician at a technical or trade school. Most states also require you to have an electrician license to practice.
What you’ll make: Electricians make a median hourly salary of $26.09.
Find electrician jobs on Monster.
7. Home Health and Personal Care Aides
Why it’s recession-proof: The U.S. has a large population of people in need of aides, driven to a large extent by a senior population that is growing faster than the number of younger people who can be their caretakers.
Expected growth rate over the next few years: 25%
What you’ll do: Home health and personal aides assist people who need help with daily living activities due to old age, a disability, or a medical condition. As an aide you might help with dressing, household tasks, walks, medical appointments, and other outings.
What you’ll need: Aides often need a high school diploma, but post-secondary education is typically not necessary. You might complete on-the-job-training. In addition, you’ll need to be empathetic, patient, and considerate, with excellent communication skills.
What you’ll make: Home health aides make a median hourly salary of $13.12.
Find home health aide jobs on Monster.
Find Jobs That Are Recession-Proof on Monster
Apply directly to one of the recession-proof jobs above after you sign up for a free Monster account. With an account, you’ll also get access to other services that can help you on the job market, such as notifications of new job openings in your field and more advice to help you recession-proof your career.