In January 2026, LinkedIn released the annual list Jobs on the
The methodology considers consistent growth rates, a significant volume of vacancies and the exclusion of temporary positions or positions dominated by a few companies. The ranking reveals not only technical demands, but also strategic ones in areas such as health, sales and entrepreneurship.
Artificial intelligence engineers appear in first place, followed by consultants specialized in implementing the technology. The survey also points to an increase in independent work and flexible career models.
Advancement of artificial intelligence at the top of the ranking
Positions linked to artificial intelligence dominate the top spots in the LinkedIn ranking for 2026. Empresas Americans intensify investments in advanced models, creating demand for professionals capable of developing and applying practical solutions.
AI engineers top the list, with skills like PyTorch and LangChain among the most in-demand. Esses specialists work mainly in technology hubs such as San Francisco, Nova York and Dallas, where the concentration of vacancies remains high.
AI consultants and strategists take second place, focusing on integrating technology into organizational processes. Profissionais with experience in large language models and MLOps frequently transitions from roles such as product managers or founders into these roles.
Researchers in AI and machine learning complete the top 5, along with data annotators responsible for preparing sets for model training. Essas occupations require skills in deep learning and computer vision, with growth driven by the expansion of practical applications.
Diversity of sectors beyond technology
The ranking demonstrates that job growth is not restricted to the technology sector. Especialistas in sales of new properties appears in third place, benefiting from the recovery of the real estate market in regions such as Houston, Dallas and Orlando.
Professionals in this area have skills in residential transactions and buyer representation. Muitos move from roles such as real estate agents or sales managers, taking advantage of previous experience in the segment.
Healthcare reimbursement specialists rank sixth, handling billing and claims in a complex medical system. Cidades as well as Nova York, Chicago and Los Angeles concentrate the opportunities, with skills in Medicare and prior authorization as differentiators.
These openings attract medical account professionals or account managers. Demand reflects the aging population and the expansion of health services in the Estados Unidos.
Complete list of 25 jobs on the rise
LinkedIn detailed the 25 professions with the greatest expansion in the American market. Below is the complete list of occupations identified as experiencing rapid growth:
- Artificial intelligence engineers
- AI consultants and strategists
- Specialists in new property sales
- Data annotators
- AI/machine learning researchers
- Healthcare Reimbursement Specialists
- Strategic and independent consultants
- Advertising sales specialists
- Founders
- Sales executives
- Commissioning managers
- Venture capital partners
- Field Marketing Representatives
- Responsible for fundraising
- Background investigators
- Business development executives
- Data center technicians
- Travel consultants
- Psychiatric Nurse Practitioners
- Quantitative researchers and analysts
- Financial advisors and planners
- Construction project leaders
- Legal researchers
- Public affairs specialists
- Benefits Consultants
This diversity ranges from technological infrastructure to essential services. Muitas positions offer remote or hybrid work options, especially in consulting and research.
Independent and flexible work trends
The emergence of founders in ninth position marks a significant change in professional behavior. The number of American users who added the title “founder” to their profile grew 69% compared to the previous year, indicating greater interest in entrepreneurship.
Professionals move from positions as software engineers or product managers to create their own companies. Cidades like Nova York, San Francisco and Los Angeles focus these initiatives, with startup leadership skills as a common requirement.
Independent consultants also gain space, occupying seventh place. Esses specialists offer expertise in strategy and partnerships, often on a remote or hybrid basis, meeting the demands of organizations undergoing transformation.
Flexibility attracts workers seeking autonomy. The ranking reflects adaptations to the current economic scenario, with growth in non-traditional career models.
Challenges in the American job market
Despite the growing opportunities, the job market is highly competitive. The number of applications per vacancy has more than doubled since 2022, while hiring remains below pre-pandemic levels.
LinkedIn research indicates that more than half of professionals plan to seek a new position in 2026. However, a large proportion report a lack of preparation for rapid changes in required skills.
Skills in artificial intelligence are becoming increasingly transversal. Profissionais from different areas invest in training to remain competitive in an environment of constant evolution.
Regions such as San Francisco and Nova York continue to attract qualified vacancies. Outras cities, such as Dallas and Austin, emerge in specific segments such as real estate and data.
Opportunities in healthcare and infrastructure
Sectors such as health and infrastructure support part of the identified growth. Enfermeiros psychiatric practitioners, in 19th position, meet the increase in demand for mental care in cities such as Nova York and Boston.
Data center technicians, ranked 17th, support facility expansion needed for cloud computing and AI. Locais like Washington D.C. and Atlanta concentrate these vacancies, with skills in operations and cabling as essential.
Construction projects also boost construction leaders, reflecting investments in infrastructure. Essas areas combine technical demands with persistent social needs in Estados Unidos.
Preparation for professional transitions
Successful transitions often involve transferring existing skills to new contexts. Engenheiros of software migrate to AI roles, while sales managers advance to executive positions.
Online courses and certifications facilitate upskilling in high-demand areas. LinkedIn offers temporary free resources aligned to several professions on the list.
Professionals who develop fluency in emerging technologies gain an advantage. The ranking serves as a guide to direct training efforts in the current scenario.
