COVID-19 changed our world and our economy. In response, jobs that weren't in demand have become highly sought after. And what a great time to leverage your skills to fit these roles.
job description: Medical screeners administer healthcare questionnaires and diagnostic tests, such as temperature screenings using thermometers. They document results and maintain records of results, as well as questionnaire responses.
skills or certifications needed: COVID-19 screening, diagnostic procedures, documentation, communication skills, customer service, attention to detail
average salary: $15.38/hour
low: $14/hour
high: $35/hour
job description: Contact tracers work with indviduals suspected or confirmed of being infected with COVID-19. They coordinate with public health officials to warn others (contacts) who may have been exposed to these individuals in a rapid and sensitive manner, with the goal of limiting the further spread of the virus. They also keep records and provide individuals with important health and safety information.
skills or certifications needed: telephone etiquette, empathy, active listening, follow-up, basic computer skills, patient support
average salary: $17.30/hour
low: $12.58/hour
high: $30/hour
job description: Loan processors perform clerical and administrative support activities related to obtaining loans for borrowers, prepare papers and assemble required documents. From there, they forward applications for loans, construction plans, credit ratings and related documents to loan companies for approval. They also draw up closing papers and record deeds with title companies and municipal authorities.
skills or certifications needed: loan processing, loan administration, mortgage lending, communication skills, customer service
average salary: $15.74–$26.84/hour
low: $12.39–$22.44/hour
high: $18.23–$30.40/hour
job description: Insurance underwriters assess applicants for insurance to determine whether or not they should be insured — and, if so, they recommend appropriate premiums for the associated level of risk. Insurance underwriters also use software to analyze risk profiles and calculate costs. They work closely with insurance agents.
skills or certifications needed: underwriting, mortgage lending, microsoft office, financial risk management, customer service
average salary: $68,739
low: $53,930
high: $81,141
job description: Assemblers put together products according to specific needs, following blueprints and other written and verbal specifications. They mount and connect auxiliary, mechanical, electrical, electronic, pneumatic and hydraulic equipment. Sometimes, they cut and fit pipes and tubing, align components and bolt, screw or otherwise fashion them together.
skills or certifications needed: mechanical assembly, soldering, hand tools, reading comprehension, operation monitoring, attention to detail
average salary: $13.99–$26.84/hour
low: $11.64–$22.44/hour
high: $16.10–$30.40/hour
job description: Forklift operators operate industrial trucks equipped with lifting devices to push, pull, lift, stack or tier products, pallets, equipment and materials in warehouses, storage yards, factories and other settings.
skills or certifications needed: warehouse, forklift operation, packing/unpacking, stocking, physical fitness
average salary: $13.91–$20.76/hour
low: $11.26–$16.75/hour
high: $16.11–$24.10/hour
job description: Warehouse workers such as materials handlers, pickers, packers, production laborers and others perform work that is essential to the day-to-day operations of warehouses and industrial facilities. Their responsibilities include loading and unloading materials, coordinating the movement of products within the facility, weighing products, following verbal and written instructions and more.
skills or certifications needed: moving goods, sorting, communication skills, reading, attention to detail
average salary: $11.74–$20.45/hour
low: $9.70–$16.61/hour
high: $13.19–$24.03/hour
job description: Call center representatives (CCRs) answers inbound calls and place outbound calls with the goal of increasing business, ensuring customer satisfaction and retaining customers. They also navigate customer information systems, respond to questions from customers, explain services, correct errors, provide information on pricing, take orders, help develop leads, sell products and more.
skills or certifications needed: customer service, communication skills, problem solving, multi-tasking, attention to detail
average salary: $11.63–$17.78/hour
low: $9.68–$15.00/hour
high: $13.58–$20.93/hour
job description: Customer service representatives (CSRs) interact with customers, providing valuable information in response to inquiries from customers about accounts, products, services and more.
average salary: $15.31–$23.60/hour
low: $12.38–$18.88/hour
high: $18.09–$27.63/hour
job description: Accountants prepare and maintain records of financial and business transactions, applying accounting principles to ensure accuracy and support reporting requirements. They introduce financial controls and leverage accounting data to forecast the impact of proposed plans on capital investments, income, cash positions and overall financial health. They often advise operating officials on financial matters within the business.
skills or certifications needed: CPA, accounting, reconcilliation, microsoft excel, accounts receiveable
average salary: $65,370–$78,390
low: $59,103–$70,875
high: $72,880–$87,395
job description: Python developers develop, plan and analyze Python software programs. They design software to spec, running frequent software and system tests to troubleshoot problems and address bugs. They're often asked to resolve problems discovered by quality assurance or product support teams. They also prepare and maintain essential code documentation.
skills or certifications needed: python, java, web programming, software development, unix shell scripting
average salary: $88,085–$121,953
low: $70,569–$101,015
high: $104,044–$141,084
job description: .NET developers design, write, develop and implement ASP.NET software and applications. They maintain and enhance existing web-based software and applications, troubleshoot and debug code and collaborate with cross-functional teams and clients to define, design and deploy enhancements and technical solutions.
skills or certifications needed: .NET, C#, SQL, ASP.NET, web programming, software development
average salary: $76,478–$110,301
low: $56,533–$83,325
high: $97,131–$136,814
job description: JavaScript developers design, write, develop and implement software, applications and new features for multiple platforms and technologies. They also maintain and enhance existing software and applications, ensuring the quality and technical performance of code by writing unit tests and performing code reviews. They often troubleshoot and debug software and applications, in addition to designing and developing user interfaces. .
skills or certifications needed: javascript, J2EE, J2SE, front-end development, HTML, web programming, software development
average salary: $82,459–$116,663
low: $64,251–$93,209
high: $96,109–$132,741
job description: Registered nurses (RNs) are often specialists — for example, there are intensive care unit (ICU) RNs, progressive care RNs, emergency room (ER) RNs, medical surgical RNs, neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) RNs and more. All are responsible for interacting with patients, physicians and other healthcare professionals. They administer medications and treatments and aid physicians in the treatment and examination of patients. They also help maintain essential records related to treatments, patient symptoms and care.
skills or certifications needed: patient care, advanced cardiac life support, treatment planning, communication skills, teamwork
average salary: $30.97–$52.08/hour
low: $26.41–$45.98/hour
high: $35.46–$60.76/hour
job description: Maintenance mechanics repair and maintain a wide range of machinery and mechanical equipment using hand tools, power tools and measuring and testing instruments. They dismantle machinery and mechanical equipment to gain access to defective parts, make repairs or replace defective parts. They may also be responsible for preventative maintenance and scheduling the delivery of replacement parts.
skills or certifications needed: mechanical maintenance, electrical maintenance, troubleshooting, blueprints
average salary: $20.76–$32.92/hour
low: $17.25–$27.61/hour
high: $24.33–$38.28/hour