Being in the working class comes with its fair share of challenges. Some you can control, like upskilling to keep up with constant technological advancements, or learning to negotiate a better salary. Others are completely out of your hands, like getting laid off due to an economic downturn. In these situations, staying employed mostly depends on luck—or having a “recession-proof” job.
Though many analysts no longer forecast a U.S. recession in 2024, recent stock market instability got the public worried about the future—and if there's one thing the past five years taught us, it's that you never really know what the future holds. For this reason, you may want to prioritize job security, just in case the country's economy turns upside down.
Even though no worker is really 100% safe from being fired (unless your mom and dad own the company), there are a couple of industries with more potential to survive an economic crisis than others. If you're considering a career shift and staying employed is your main priority, consider one of the recession-proof jobs below.
What's a recession in the economy?
A recession is a “significant decline in economic activity that is spread across the economy and that lasts more than a few months,” according to the National Bureau of Economic Research. It's usually declared when a country's economy has negative gross domestic product (GDP), negatively affecting employment, real income, retail sales, and industrial production, all of which tends to decline.
What are “recession-proof jobs?”
Recession-proof jobs are those that aren't affected by an economic downturn and tend to stay in demand regardless of how good or bad the economy is. For instance, medical care and nutrition are necessities that people will always need to fulfill, even when times are tough.
Depending on the cause for a recession, some industries can experience a rise in demand. For example, the pandemic significantly boosted the need for medical care and delivery services, while the tourism and hospitality industry took a major hit.
While a recession is not expected to happen in the U.S. at the moment, experts predict some economic challenges ahead. “The second half of 2024 is likely to be marked by cautious optimism tempered with volatility,” says Dennis Shirshikov, Professor of finance, accounting, and economics at City University of New York.
“While Bank of America’s recent shift away from forecasting a recession is encouraging, it’s important to recognize that the U.S. economy remains in a delicate balance,” he adds. Employment and wages might be impacted, especially in sectors that are more likely to be affected by a bad economy.
“We may see moderate economic growth, but the risk of downturns in specific sectors remains, particularly those sensitive to interest rates and consumer spending, such as housing and retail,” Shirshikov says. “Inflationary pressures, fluctuating consumer confidence, and global uncertainties, such as geopolitical tensions, continue to influence market dynamics.”
67 recession-proof jobs for 2024
No job is completely free from being affected by a recession. However, there are a couple of industries that tend to be more resilient during economic downturns, making them ideal for professionals looking for stability.
Here's a list of 67 jobs that are recession-proof (click on each industry to find related jobs right here on The Muse):
Government jobs are popularly considered secure for a reason. In the federal government, layoffs are called Reduction in Force (RIF), and there are specific guidelines and regulations that agencies should follow before making a RIF. In some instances, a relocation may be required, as opposed to laying off employees. Here are some government jobs to consider:
- Air Traffic Controller
- IRS Accountant
- Auditor
- Patent Administrator
- Border Control Officer
Interested? Read this next: 15 High Paying Government Jobs (And How to Land One)
Healthcare is always a necessity. When times are tough, people are more likely to cut down discretionary expenses than neglecting their health. That aside, with or without an economic crisis, people will continue to get hurt or sick and need medical care. For this reason, healthcare jobs are considered one of the most recession-proof jobs out there.
Of the top 20 fastest growing professions list from the Occupational Outlook Handbook, nine are health-related jobs, including both human and pet care. Here are some examples:
- Nurse practitioners
- Nurse anesthetists
- Home health and personal care aides
- Physician assistants
- Physical therapist
- Physical therapist assistants
- Occupational therapy assistants
- Pharmacist
- Veterinary technologists and technicians
- Veterinary assistants and laboratory animal caretakers
Find healthcare and animal care jobs on The Muse »
When it comes to job security, education jobs are also high on the list. The pandemic showed us that even if schools and universities close their doors, classes and assignments can still be held online.
This strengthened the online education market, which is expected to show an annual growth rate in revenue of 8.61%, according to Statista. While teaching is the first occupation that comes to mind when we mention education, there are other jobs to consider:
- School Administrator
- School Librarian
- Admissions Director
- College Professor
- Teacher Assistant
Find education jobs on The Muse »
The tech industry is experiencing an increase in demand for professionals. According to The Bureau of Labor Statistics, roles like software development are projected to increase job openings by 26% until 2032. Another positive characteristic of tech jobs is versatility, since you could work for a variety of industries, from finance to entertainment.
Beside that, our world is becoming more and more technological as we speak, and companies will need qualified professionals to keep their sites, apps, and systems running even during a recession. Computer and IT jobs include:
- Mobile Engineer
- Software Engineer
- Software Developer
- DevOps Engineer
Find computer and IT jobs on The Muse »
In a technological world, cybersecurity is pretty much a necessity. That's why banks, financial institutions such as investment app companies, hospitals, the government, and other institutions that hold sensitive information are unlikely to cut the cybersecurity staff in an economic crisis.
If anything, they may actually reinforce the security, since it's reported that cybercrime spikes during times of global crisis. The role of information security analyst, for example, is expected to grow 32% until 2032, says the Occupational Outlook Handbook. Here are some examples of cybersecurity jobs:
- Information security analyst
- Cybersecurity Analyst
- Cybersecurity Engineer
- Cybersecurity Risk Management
- Incident Responder
Find cybersecurity jobs on The Muse »
Cyberspace isn't the only one that needs security during difficult times—or at any time. The streets and institutions, such as banks, malls, stores, and hospitals also need to be protected. That's why public safety jobs tend to endure no matter the economic climate. Here are some occupations to consider:
- Firefighter
- Security Guard
- Police Officer
- Correctional Officer
- 911 Dispatcher
Some public safety jobs may require special training and have specific requirements. For this reason, the application process doesn't always involve sending resumes and interviewing. For example, to become a police officer, you must complete a full background investigation, medical examinations, physical readiness test, and a polygraph examination.
Aspiring firefighters might need emergency medical technician (EMT), paramedic certification, and pass a physical test. Consult your local fire department, state licensing agency, or the U.S. Fire Administration site for more information.
Not all law-related roles are recession-proof jobs. However, there are a couple of occupations that are less affected by economic downturns. After all, if crimes and accidents keep happening despite the fluctuations in the stock market, law professionals are needed to provide assistance to those affected. One thing worth noting is that some legal professions require additional secondary education. The list includes:
- Paralegal
- Legal Assistant
- Court Reporter
- Court Clerk
- Mediator
Find legal jobs on The Muse »
Trucking is one of those “invisible jobs” that we don't think about often, but are essential to society. The food and beverages we buy at the supermarket are delivered by a truck. Medical supplies and hospital equipment? Delivered by a truck as well.
According to the International Road Transportation Union (IRU), there's a truck driver shortage currently, and it's expected to double by 2028, mostly due to the lack of young professionals in the field. Women truck drivers are also needed, but make up less than 10% of the trucking workforce in the countries surveyed, which include the United States, Mexico, Argentina, and Turkey.
Recession-proof trucking jobs includes:
- Hazmat truck load
- Refrigeration truck
- Gasoline and fuel
- Waste collector
- Military truck driver
Find truck driver jobs on The Muse »
While a furniture repair or a bedroom renovation can wait until you're in a better financial situation, some repairs and maintenance are urgent. Think about a leak in the bathroom, a clogged pipe, or a car that needs their brakes repaired.
That's why handy people are always needed and repair jobs tend to be recession proof. It can be your full-time job or a part-time gig for extra money. Here are some specializations to consider:
- Plumber
- Mechanic
- Electrician
- Locksmith
Find plumber, mechanic, electrician, and locksmith jobs on The Muse »
Similar to the public safety field, there will always be a demand for workers in public utilities-related roles. With or without an economic crisis, the trash still needs to be collected, water and electricity still need to be distributed to the population, and if anything happens to a light pole, someone will need to fix it. The list of public utilities jobs include:
- Lineman
- Garbage collector
- Water Treatment Operator
- Power Plant Operator
Find installation, maintenance, and repair jobs on The Muse »
As morbid and sad as it might sound, people die all the time. For this reason, death care or funeral services professionals are always needed somewhere. Here are some example of jobs in this industry:
- Mortician
- Funeral Director
- Cemetery groundskeeper
- Crematory operator
This is a tricky one. People need to eat and will always set aside money for groceries, even if they spend less. However, during challenging times in the economy, some owners may reduce staff (see what happened to Walmart in the beginning of the year.) So, grocery-related jobs may not be quite as recession-proof as others in the list. But if you're interested, here are some to consider:
- Stocker
- Cashier
- Clerk
- Cleaner
Find stocker, cashier, grocery clerk, and cleaner jobs on The Muse »
Finance is another tricky category because when people don't have money to buy a house, a car, or get loans, some positions (such as loan officers) might be cut off or reduced. However, people still need to pay bills, keep a roof over their heads, and pay taxes.
Companies also need to find ways to reduce spending and maximize profit during a crisis. That's when finance professionals are needed. Here are some finance jobs that have the potential to survive an economic downturn:
- Bookkeeper
- Tax Accountant
- Financial Analyst
- Financial Advisor
- Actuary
- Debt Collector
- Credit analyst
Find accounting and finance jobs on The Muse »
FAQs
What are the worst jobs during a recession?
“Historically, industries such as construction, retail, and hospitality are among the hardest hit during a recession,” Shirshikov says. As reported by CNBC, construction and manufacturing suffered a massive dip during the 2007-2009 Great Recession, affecting the real estate industry as well.
Industries that rely on consumer spending are also likely to suffer during an economic crisis, which includes leisure and hospitality. “These sectors are highly sensitive to shifts in consumer confidence and discretionary spending,” Shirshikov says.
How do I recession-proof my job?
Unless you're the business owner, there isn't much you can do to recession-proof a job you already have. However, you can recession-proof yourself by strategically learning new skills, either through online certifications or college education, in fields that are less sensitive to an economic downturn.
How to make money recession-proof?
If you're looking for ways to keep making money and have a source of income during a recession, you can make a career shift to an industry that is more resilient during difficult times. But if you're looking for tips to better manage your money and survive a recession with your bills paid, budgeting and building an emergency fund are some strategies that can help.
“Ideally, this fund should cover six to twelve months of essential expenses, providing a buffer if income is disrupted,” Shirshikov says. “Additionally, reducing high-interest debt can free up resources and reduce financial stress during tough times.”
What will do well in a recession?
Generally, jobs that are a necessity to the public tend to survive in a recession. Some examples are healthcare, public safety, education, funeral services, and government jobs. However, it's not possible to say for sure what will do well during a recession because there are problems that affect some industries and benefit others. Using the COVID-19 pandemic as an example, the delivery and the medical industries did well, while the travel and hospitality industry suffered.
Who does best in a recession?
A study published in the National Bureau of Economic Research (NBER) found that less educated workers were one of the most affected groups during the 2007-2009 Great Recession. From that, one can infer that more educated professionals are likely to do well in a recession. “Acquiring new skills or certifications can make you more versatile and attractive to employers, even in a contracting job market,” Shirshikov says.
“For instance, during the COVID-19 pandemic, many workers who invested in learning new digital skills were able to transition into remote work or tech-related roles, which were less affected by economic disruptions,” he says. That said, it's important to note that no worker is 100% safe during a recession—or at any point in history—since it's not possible to predict how bad a recession will be or how long it'll last.
Are there recession-proof jobs that pay well?
Yes. Some high paying careers that are considered recession-proof at the moment include: software developer, with the median pay of $130,160 per year and information security analyst, with the median pay of $120,360 per year. Healthcare jobs are also considered recession-proof and can pay well. Some examples include: nurse practitioner ($126,260 per year), physician assistants ($130,020 per year), and medical and health services managers ($110,680 per year).
Are there recession-proof jobs without a degree?
Yes. Some professions that are considered recession-proof and don't require a degree include: truck driving, maintenance and repair, public safety positions (e.g. police officer and firefighter), grocery jobs (e.g. cashier and stocker), and public utilities (e.g. garbage collector). However, some of those jobs might require specific training and licenses.