Healthcare and Tech Reign Supreme in 2026 Best Jobs Report

WASHINGTON – January 13, 2026 – In a job market still reeling from cross-industry layoffs and economic unpredictability, U.S. News & World Report has unveiled its 2026 Best Jobs rankings, offering a data-driven guide to career stability and growth. For the third consecutive year, Nurse Practitioner has claimed the top spot, underscoring the relentless demand for skilled healthcare professionals. The annual report, which analyzes roles across 17 different sectors, paints a clear picture of a workforce increasingly anchored by the healthcare and technology industries.

The rankings arrive at a critical time, providing a resource for students, career changers, and professionals planning their next move. By evaluating jobs on key metrics including growth potential, salary, work-life balance, and job safety, the list highlights professions that offer not just a paycheck, but long-term security. This year's report is also accompanied by a first-of-its-kind survey revealing the shifting priorities of the next generation of workers, offering crucial insights for employers looking to attract top talent.

The Unshakeable Pillars: Healthcare and STEM Dominate Again

The top of the 2026 Best Jobs list is a testament to the resilience of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) fields. Following Nurse Practitioner at No. 1 are Financial Manager (No. 2), IT Manager (No. 3), Information Security Analyst (No. 4), and Physician Assistant (No. 5). This composition highlights a clear trend: careers requiring advanced technical and medical expertise are thriving.

"After a year of cross-industry layoffs and job market uncertainty, the 2026 Best Jobs rankings offer a resource for consumers to plan the best career moves for them," said Carly Chase, vice president of Careers at U.S. News. "Careers in STEM remain strong in the 2026 rankings due to the persistent need for medical professionals. Nurse Practitioner maintains its No. 1 spot, due to immediate need, flexibility and strong 10-year outlook."

The dominance of these roles is backed by hard data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), which forms the backbone of the rankings. Nurse Practitioners, for example, are projected to see job growth of around 46% by 2033, driven by an aging population and an increased need for accessible healthcare. Similarly, IT Managers, with a median salary topping $170,000, are expected to see 15% job growth as organizations grapple with digital transformation, cloud computing, and the integration of artificial intelligence. Information Security Analysts are also in high demand, with projected growth exceeding 30% as cyber threats become more sophisticated.

The rankings are calculated using a weighted methodology that prioritizes future prospects (30%) and wage potential (25%), followed by employment metrics (20%), job safety (15%), and work-life balance (10%). This formula ensures that the top-ranked jobs offer a compelling combination of earning power, long-term demand, and a sustainable professional life.

Beyond the Paycheck: What the Next Generation of Workers Demands

For the first time, U.S. News has paired its jobs report with a comprehensive survey of 1,740 students and recent graduates, shedding light on what tomorrow's workforce truly values in an internship. The findings signal a significant shift in expectations, moving far beyond simple resume-building.

The survey reveals that the single most important factor for prospective interns is the opportunity for full-time employment upon completion. Closely following this is the demand for meaningful mentorship. These priorities indicate that Gen Z is not just looking for a temporary gig; they are strategically seeking entry points into long-term careers where they can learn, grow, and feel supported.

Furthermore, the data challenges the narrative of a fully remote future. A striking 85% of respondents stated a preference for hybrid or fully in-person internships, suggesting a strong desire for the collaboration, networking, and cultural immersion that physical workplaces can offer. This preference for tangible connection and guidance is a critical takeaway for companies designing their talent pipelines.

"With the rapid industry adoption of AI and fiercely competitive job markets, U.S. News wants to help employers across industries better understand what the next generation of workers are seeking as they prepare for the workforce," Chase noted. She added that factors from housing accessibility to using social media for recruitment are all part of a new, holistic approach to securing budding talent.

Forging Your Path: Opportunities Beyond the Top Ten

While STEM and healthcare roles capture the headlines, the full U.S. News report details a wide spectrum of viable and rewarding careers. The rankings span 17 categories, including business, creative services, social services, and construction, providing pathways for individuals with diverse skills and interests.

Notably, the report includes dedicated lists for those without a four-year degree. The "Best Jobs Without a College Degree" and "Highest Paying Jobs Without a Degree" lists highlight accessible careers that still offer strong salary potential and stability. This acknowledges that a traditional university education is not the only route to professional success.

The Best Business Jobs list, for instance, is led by Financial Manager but also includes high-demand roles like Management Analyst, Financial Advisor, and Human Resources Manager. In the healthcare support sector, roles like Medical and Health Services Manager and Home Health Aide show significant growth, offering different entry points into the robust medical field. By exploring these sub-rankings, job seekers can uncover hidden gems that align with their personal qualifications and career aspirations, moving beyond the highly competitive top-tier positions.

Adapting to the New Talent Landscape

The dual release of job rankings and internship preferences provides a clear roadmap for both job seekers and employers. For individuals, it reinforces the long-term value of investing in skills within the healthcare and technology sectors. For companies, it serves as a wake-up call to evolve their talent acquisition and development strategies.

Forward-thinking organizations are already responding to these trends. Many are structuring their internship programs to be explicitly hybrid, offering the blend of flexibility and in-person connection that young workers crave. Companies like PwC and Biogen are creating programs that not only provide hands-on experience but also feature robust mentorship, networking events, and clear pathways to full-time roles, directly addressing the top priorities identified in the U.S. News survey.

As artificial intelligence continues to reshape industries, the demand for human-centric skills and specialized technical knowledge will only grow. The 2026 Best Jobs report confirms that while technology creates disruption, it also fuels demand for managers, analysts, and developers who can navigate this new terrain. Ultimately, the careers that promise the brightest future are those that are essential, adaptable, and deeply intertwined with the fundamental needs of society.