The job market in the United States is changing faster than ever before. The wave of layoffs in the technology sector from 2023 to now, the pressure of rising cost of living, and numerous universities cutting staff — all of this is forcing many young Vietnamese to reconsider the question: What should I study and do to have stable work over the next 10 to 20 years?
This article will point directly to the sectors with the highest hiring demand in the US right now, explain why they are growing, and offer practical advice for both beginners and those looking to change careers.
Why are some fields "safer" than others?
Imagine the job market like a marketplace. There are some stalls that are always busy — they sell things people need every day, whether the economy is good or bad. Some stalls are only busy during holidays, then quiet for the rest of the year.
"Safe" sectors usually have one or more of the following characteristics:
- Demand comes from an aging population — something that cannot be reversed.
- Related to infrastructure or essential services that society cannot cut back on.
- Require specialized skills that AI cannot yet fully replace.
- Have experienced chronic labor shortages for many years.
According to forecasts from the Bureau of Labor Statistics released in September 2023, the fastest-growing sectors by 2032 are all concentrated in healthcare, applied technology, and skilled trades.
Sectors with the highest demand right now
1. Healthcare and Health Services
This is the most stable sector across all economic cycles. The US population is aging — by 2030, one out of every five Americans will be over 65 years old, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This means demand for doctors, nurses, medical technicians, and home care specialists will not decrease for at least the next 20 years.
Some specific positions and average annual salaries according to Bureau of Labor Statistics 2024:
| Position | Average Salary | Required Qualification |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nurse | $86,000 | Associate or Bachelor |
| Physician Assistant | $130,000 | Master |
| Medical Coder | $48,000 | Certificate |
| Home Health Aide | $33,000 | On-the-job training |
| Dental Hygienist | $85,000 | Associate |
Perspective for Vietnamese people: The Vietnamese community in the US has a strong tradition in healthcare — many families already have doctors, pharmacists, nurses. An additional advantage is that if you speak Vietnamese, you can serve the elderly Vietnamese-speaking community — a demographic group that is growing very rapidly in areas like Little Saigon (Orange County), Houston, and San Jose.
2. Information Technology — but you need to choose the right specialty
Not all tech jobs are equally safe. General software engineer positions have been cut heavily from 2022 to 2024. However, some specialized branches are still experiencing severe shortages:
- Cybersecurity: According to the organization ISC2, in 2023 the world was short more than 4 million cybersecurity professionals. Average salary in the US is $120,000 per year.
- AI and Machine Learning: Demand is skyrocketing, but requires strong foundations in mathematics and programming.
- Cloud Engineering: Certifications like AWS (Amazon Web Services), Microsoft Azure, or Google Cloud can open doors to careers without needing a 4-year degree.
- Data Analytics: Nearly every sector — from healthcare to retail — needs people who can read and interpret data.
If you already have a tech degree but are unemployed or want to change direction, now is the time to invest in a specialized certificate rather than going back to the old path.
3. Skilled Trades
This is a group of professions that many Vietnamese families have not properly recognized, but are experiencing the most severe labor shortages in the US.
Electricians, Plumbers, HVAC Technicians — these professions cannot be outsourced, cannot be completely replaced by AI, and currently offer very good income.
According to Bureau of Labor Statistics 2024:
- Certified electrician: average $61,000 to $90,000 per year.
- HVAC Technician: average $57,000 to $80,000 per year.
- Plumber: average $60,000 to $85,000 per year.
And to enter these professions, you don't need a 4-year college degree — you just need to complete an apprenticeship program lasting 2 to 5 years. You earn while you learn, with no student debt.
4. Education and Social Services
The teacher shortage crisis in the US is reaching alarming levels, particularly in states like Texas, California, and Florida. According to the National Education Association, the 2024-2025 school year has over 300,000 vacant teacher positions nationwide.
If you have a bachelor's degree (in any field) and complete a teaching credential, you can enter the profession within a year. Some states even have tuition assistance programs to attract teachers to understaffed schools.
Social Worker is also experiencing severe shortages, particularly in areas with large immigrant communities — where speaking Vietnamese is a real advantage.
5. Finance and Accounting
Whether the economy is up or down, businesses still need accountants. People still need tax and financial advisors. This sector is not as glamorous as tech, but it is very stable.
- CPA (Certified Public Accountant): Average salary of $78,000 per year, according to Bureau of Labor Statistics 2024.
- Financial Advisor: Particularly has potential in the Vietnamese community, where many families are accumulating assets but lack guidance in Vietnamese.
Advice for those looking to change careers
Changing careers at age 30, 35, or 40 is not unusual in the US — actually, it is very common. But it requires planning.
Step 1: Assess the skills you currently have.
Many skills can "transfer" across industries — called transferable skills. For example: if you once managed a restaurant, you already have skills in team management, crisis handling, and budget control — all valuable in a business environment.
Step 2: Research short-term training programs.
You don't necessarily have to go back to a 4-year college. Community colleges in the US offer many certificate programs lasting 6 to 18 months with much lower tuition than universities.
Step 3: Take advantage of free support resources.
The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) administered by the US Department of Labor can fund tuition, training, and even living expenses while you retrain. Contact the nearest American Job Center to learn more.
Step 4: Build networks in the community.
Many job opportunities are not posted publicly — they are shared within networks of contacts. Professional organizations like the Vietnamese American Chamber of Commerce in major cities are good starting points.
Additional things Vietnamese people should note
Some Vietnamese communities — particularly older generations — still believe that only doctors, engineers, or lawyers are "successful." This notion is increasingly outdated.
A certified electrician in Texas can earn more than a newly graduated software engineer, and has no $100,000 student debt hanging over their head.
What matters more is choosing a field that fits your personality, health, and actual circumstances — not the field your parents want, or the field your friends are in.
The US job market is rewarding those with practical skills, willing to learn continuously, and who know how to position themselves in places that actually need people. That is an opportunity — if you know where to look.