Top Emerging Jobs of 2026 According to LinkedIn

If you're contemplating a career change in 2026, it's advisable to consider positions in artificial intelligence, as highlighted by LinkedIn's insights.

AI Takes the Lead

Artificial intelligence roles have ascended to the top of LinkedIn's annual Jobs on the Rise report. This listing provides an outlook on the most rapidly expanding professions across the United States over the recent past.

The findings disclose that the appetite for hiring persists across diverse fields including technology, infrastructure, sales, and healthcare. AI's influence extends beyond technology itself, positively impacting various labor market sectors and creating additional opportunities.

Beyond Technical Expertise

Roles such as AI consultants and strategists have emerged as pivotal, capturing the second position in growth rankings. This indicates a growing need for non-technical professionals who can facilitate AI integration within organizations, explained Laura Lorenzetti, a senior leader at LinkedIn.

"An entire framework surrounds AI adoption," Lorenzetti pointed out, emphasizing the importance of cultural adaptation and practical application of AI.

A Variety of High-Growth Positions

Other noteworthy AI-related occupations include data annotators and researchers in AI and machine learning, both of which rank highly among emerging careers.

However, not every leading role is linked to artificial intelligence. New home sales specialists occupy the third rank, while roles such as healthcare reimbursement specialists also show significant growth.

Reshaping Job Search Strategies

In November, a LinkedIn survey revealed that over half of respondents (56%) intended to pursue new employment opportunities in 2026. Nonetheless, approximately 75% felt ill-prepared for such transitions, primarily due to challenges like standing out in the crowded job market and adapting to technological shifts that redefine required skills.

The complexities of job hunting over the past year have intensified, with more than 60% of 2,000 survey participants acknowledging increased difficulty in securing positions. The hurdles identified include intensified competition, insufficient skill sets, and ambiguity regarding suitable roles.

LinkedIn reports an average doubling in applicants per vacancy since early 2022, with hiring activity remaining 23% lower than it was before the pandemic.

Shift Toward Flexible Employment

Many job seekers are opting for alternative work arrangements, shifting focus from traditional full-time roles to freelance, contract, or advisory positions due to persistent job search challenges.

This trend is particularly evident among Gen Z professionals, nearly 20% of whom transitioned into freelancing or initiated their own ventures after job search difficulties in 2025.

This shift contributes to the rising popularity of the 'founder' title on LinkedIn, appearing for the first time among the top growing roles at the ninth position, spurred by a 69% increase among US users.

"Many individuals perceive entrepreneurship as a pathway to take control of their career trajectory," Lorenzetti mentioned, reflecting a growing interest in starting businesses.

List of Fastest-Growing Roles

Here's a detailed rundown of the 25 job titles that LinkedIn identified as expanding most rapidly in the United States:

1. AI engineers
2. AI consultants & strategists
3. New home sales specialists
4. Data annotators
5. AI/ML researchers
6. Healthcare reimbursement specialists
7. Strategic advisors & independent consultants
8. Advertising sales specialists
9. Founders
10. Sales executives
11. Commissioning managers
12. Venture partners
13. Field marketing representatives
14. Fundraising officers
15. Background investigators
16. Business development executives
17. Data center technicians
18. Travel advisors
19. Psychiatric nurse practitioners
20. Quantitative researchers & analysts
21. Financial advisors & planners
22. Construction project leads
23. Legal researchers
24. Public affairs specialists
25. Benefits advisors