If you’re looking to shake up your career in 2026, LinkedIn has your back. The website has published its annual Jobs on the Rise list, which ranks the fastest-growing jobs in the United States for 2026.
This year may be all about A.I., with A.I. engineer the top job on the LinkedIn list and A.I. consultant or strategist placing second.
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Across industries, a recent LinkedIn survey found that 56% of Americans plan to look for a new job in 2026, which is roughly the same as 2025, although this year will present some challenges.
“This year’s crop is doing it in a much tighter job market, so there are jobs out there — they’re harder to find," LinkedIn editor-in-chief and vice president Dan Roth said on the 3rd hour of TODAY Jan. 7.
"They’re concentrated in particular industries. It’s uneven," he added. “So if you’re one of those people who’s looking for a new job, it is important to really be armed with information about where there is growth, and then really be prepared to pivot if necessary.”
If you are looking for a new job, Roth said a willingness to pivot careers is vital.
But making a change isn’t as scary as it may sound, Roth said. He recommends people look at their abilities instead of their previous roles.
"The key is rethinking what you’re doing not as a job, but as a set of skills,” he said.
Once you understand your skills, Roth said to look at the jobs on the rise list and assess where the demand is, "because the demand is super uneven."
"Then, start working backwards," Roth said. "What are the skills that are required to be a construction planning coordinator or an independent analyst? What are the skills that I have that will get me there?”
With the target role in site, Roth said the next step is all about "storytelling," emphasizing your skill set and how it can have a positive influence on the job you want.
“How do my skills relate to the skills that are required to do this job?" he explained. "You put together a new profile, in your cover letter, you explain it really clearly. You've got to help employers understand why you can do this job, even if you’ve never done it before. It’s all about the skills.”
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