- The wave of recent layoffs, particularly in tech, has stoked fears of a possible recession in 2023.
- A new Payscale report identified 20 jobs that appear well-positioned to weather a potential downturn, based on wage growth.
Mass layoffs have hit tech, and they've stoked fears of a broader recession.
However, some jobs look better-positioned to make it through a possible downtown, and a new report from Payscale reveals just which ones.
The salary comparison site identified the top 20 recession-proof jobs based on wage growth in 2022 compared to previous years. They've seen pay hikes of anywhere from 14% to 30% this year, according to employees' self-reported wages.
These roles, a mix of blue- and white-collar jobs, are considered recession-proof because labor shortages and increased competition are leading employers to drive up wages, Payscale says.
"Despite the possibility of an economic downturn, the labor market remains tight, forcing employers to pay top dollar to attract and retain talent for the most sought-after roles," said Lexi Clarke, VP of People at Payscale, in an accompanying press release.
Here are the jobs that would have the most job security in a recession, according to the report, along with their national median pay and salary growth:
- Waiter/Waitress
Median Pay: $19,900
Salary Growth: 30% - Private Banker
Median Pay: $93,000
Salary Growth: 25% - Media Director
Median Pay: $108,000
Salary Growth: 23% - Police, Fire, or Ambulance Dispatcher
Median Pay: $44,500
Salary Growth: 19% - Sales Consultant
Median Pay: $56,800
Salary Growth: 18% - Microbiologist
Median Pay: $59,900
Salary Growth: 16% - Marketing & Business Development Director
Median Pay: $119,000
Salary Growth: 16% - Dock Worker
Median Pay: $41,100
Salary Growth: 15% - Electrocardiogram (EKG) Technician
Median Pay: $40,400
Salary Growth: 15% - Installation Technician
Median Pay: $46,800
Salary Growth: 15% - Assembly Line Machine Operator
Median Pay: $37,200
Salary Growth: 15% - Bookkeeping, Accounting, or Auditing Clerk
Median Pay: $47,300
Salary Growth: 15% - Tanker Truck Driver
Median Pay: $58,100
Salary Growth: 15% - Journalist
Median Pay: $46,500
Salary Growth: 15% - Graphic Design Manager
Median Pay: $69,700
Salary Growth: 14% - Pastry Chef
Median Pay: $43,400
Salary Growth: 14% - Diversity Manager
Median Pay: $97,100
Salary Growth: 14% - Education Coordinator
Median Pay: $51,800
Salary Growth: 14% - Director of Environmental Services
Median Pay: $73,800
Salary Growth: 14% - Estimator, Automobile Damage
Median Pay: $60,300
Salary Growth: 14%