West Michigan's Hot Jobs

The Hot Jobs! List

If you’re in the market for a new job, this is the list for you. The Hot Jobs! list can help guide you to new employment in a high-demand career. We’ve analyzed online job posting data and surveyed employers to create a list of the 100 highest-growing and most in-demand jobs in West Michigan.

You can find a key to the list and methodology information below.

Download 2022 Hot Jobs List

Download a PDF

  • Occupations that meet the criteria for West Michigan Works! training scholarships.
  • Occupations also in demand in the agriculture industry. The agriculture industry, including farming and food production, accounts for nearly 26,000 jobs and $300 million in labor income in the region.

NEW!  Career guides for occupations in West Michigan’s high-demand industries. Guides include insights into qualifications needed, valuable skills, growth potential and more!

VideoSOC TitleJob TitleMedian Wage (mid-career)Recommended Credential  
17-1011
Architects, Except Landscape and Naval
  1. Architects
$39.70Bachelor's degree and 5+ years work experience
47-2021
Brickmasons and Blockmasons
  1. Brick layers
  2. Brick Masons
  3. Masons
$26.11Apprenticeship
49-3031
Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists
  1. Diesel Tech
  2. Diesel Mechanic
  3. Fleet Mechanics
$23.10Certification and long-term OJT
51-7011
Cabinetmakers and Bench Carpenters
  1. Cabinet Makers
  2. Woodworkers
  3. Carpenters
$18.83Apprenticeship
43-5011
Cargo and Freight Agents
  1. Freight Broker
  2. Freight Coordinators
  3. Import Logistics Coordinators
$21.99Moderate-term OJT
47-2051
Cement Masons and Concrete Finishers
  1. Concrete Finishers
  2. Concrete Laborers
$19.81Apprenticeship
47-2061
Construction Laborers
  1. Construction Laborers
  2. General Laborers
$18.05Short-term OJT
11-9021
Construction Managers
  1. Construction Project Managers
  2. Project Managers
  3. Construction Managers
$43.19Bachelor's degree and 5+ years work experience
49-9012
Control and Valve Installers and Repairers, Except Mechanical Door
  1. Meter Technicians
  2. Installation Technicians
$34.25High school diploma and 5+ years work experience
13-1051
Cost Estimators
  1. Estimators
  2. Construction Estimators
  3. Cost Estimators
$29.80Bachelor's degree
47-2111
Electricians
  1. Electricians
  2. Journeyman electricians
  3. Maintenance electricians
$26.03Apprenticeship or technical school and license
47-1011
First-Line Supervisors of Construction Trades and Extraction Workers
  1. Carpenter Foreman
  2. Construction foreman
  3. Concrete foreman
$28.46High school diploma and 5+ years work experience
37-1012
First-Line Supervisors of Landscaping, Lawn Service, and Groundskeeping Workers
  1. Landscape Foremen
  2. Lanscapre Crew Leaders
  3. Lawn Crew Leaders
$23.34High school diploma and 5+ years work experience
49-9021
Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers
  1. HVAC Technicians
  2. HVAC Installers
  3. HVAC Service Technicians
$26.20Certification and long-term OJT, postsecondary non-degree award
53-3032
Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers
  1. CDL Drivers
  2. OTR CDL Driver
  3. Regional CDL Driver
$22.08Commercial driver's license, postsecondary non-degree award
37-3011
Landscaping and Groundskeeping Workers
  1. Landscape Crew Members
  2. Lawn Care Technicians
  3. Groundspeople
$15.79Short-term OJT
47-2073
Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators
  1. Heavy Equipment Operators
  2. Equipment Operators
$23.56Certification and moderate-term OJT
47-2152
Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters
  1. Plumbers
  2. Pipefitters
  3. Service Plumbers
$24.06Apprenticeship and license
47-2181
Roofers
  1. Roofers
  2. Commerical Roofing Technicians
  3. Roofing Technician
$18.88Short-term OJT
49-9052
Telecommunications Line Installers and Repairers
  1. Utility Locators
  2. Arieal Linemen
  3. Installers
$21.25Short-term OJT
47-2044
Tile and Marble Setters
  1. Tile Setters
  2. Marble Setters
$20.55Short-term OJT
11-3071
Transportation, Storage, and Distribution Managers
  1. Warehouse Managers
  2. Logistics Managers
  3. Transportation Managers
$52.21Bachelor's degree and 5+ years work experience

NEW!  Career guides for occupations in West Michigan’s high-demand industries. Guides include insights into qualifications needed, valuable skills, growth potential and more!

VideoSOC TitleJob TitleMedian Wage (mid-career)Recommended Credential  
21-1021
Child, Family, and School Social Workers
  1. School Social Workers
  2. Social Workers
$23.23Master's degree and license or limited license
19-3033
Clinical, Counseling, and School Psychologists
  1. School Psychologists
  2. K-12 School Psychologists
  3. Psychologists
$37.10Doctoral degree and license
21-1094
Community Health Workers
  1. Community Health Workers
$21.64Certification
51-9081
Dental Laboratory Technicians
  1. Dental Laboratory Technicians
  2. Dental Technicians
$18.83License
29-2032
Diagnostic Medical Sonographers
  1. Ultrasonographers
  2. Ultrasound Technicians
  3. Echo Technologists
$31.48Associate degree and certification
39-1022
First-Line Supervisors of Personal Service Workers
  1. Direct Care Supervisor
  2. Salon Managers
  3. Assistant Village Managers
$23.06Bachelor's degree
21-1091
Health Educators
  1. Health Educators
  2. Diabetes Educators
$24.43Bachelor's degree
21-1022
Healthcare Social Workers
  1. Medical Social Workers
  2. Social Workers
  3. Licensend Medical Social Workers
$32.21Master's degree and license or limited license
29-2061
Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses
  1. Licensed Practical Nurses
  2. Registered Nurses
  3. Licensed Vocational Nurses
$23.18License
31-9011
Massage Therapists
  1. Massage Therapists
  2. Licensed Massage Therapists
$23.52License
11-9111
Medical and Health Services Managers
  1. Directors of Nursing
  2. Medical Directors
  3. Nursing Home Administrators
$44.97Bachelor's degree, license and 5+ years work experince
31-9092
Medical Assistants
  1. Medical Assistants
$17.05Certification
29-2072
Medical Records Specialists
  1. Medical Billing specialists
  2. Medical Billers
  3. Medical Records Specialists
$19.34Certification and license
43-6013
Medical Secretaries
  1. Unit Secretaries
  2. Scheduling Coordinators
$16.42High school diploma or equivalent
21-1023
Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers
  1. Licensed Therapists
  2. Licensed Clinical Social Workers
$31.25Master's degree and license
29-1171
Nurse Practitioners
  1. Nurse Practitioners
  2. Family Nurse Practitioners
$51.55Master's degree and license
31-1131
Nursing Assistants
  1. Certified Nursing Assistants
  2. Long Term Care Certified Nursing Assistants
  3. Patient Care Assistants
$14.46Certification and license
29-1122
Occupational Therapists
  1. Occupational Therapists
  2. Outpatient Occupational Therapists
  3. Home Health Occupational Therapists
$33.28Master's degree and license
31-2011
Occupational Therapy Assistants
  1. Certified Occupational Therapy Assistants
  2. Occupational Therapy Assistants
  3. School Physical Therapists
$21.25Certification and license
29-2052
Pharmacy Technicians
  1. Pharmacy Tech
  2. Certified Pharmacy Technicians
  3. Hospital Pharmacy Technicians
$15.98Certification and license
31-9097
Phlebotomists
  1. Phlebotomists
  2. Mobile Phlebotomists
$16.65License
31-2021
Physical Therapist Assistants
  1. Physical Therapy Assistants
  2. Rehabilitation Technicians
$24.60Associate degree and license
29-1123
Physical Therapists
  1. Physical Therapists
  2. Outpatient Physical Therapists
$40.42Doctoral degree and license
29-1071
Physician Assistants
  1. Physician Assistants
$52.37Master's degree and license
29-1141
Registered Nurses
  1. Registered Nurses
  2. Medical Surgical Registered Nurses
$33.27Bachelor's degree and license
21-1015
Rehabilitation Counselors
  1. Rehabilitation Counselors
  2. Coaches
  3. Vocational Rehabilitation Counselors
$15.57Bachelor's degree and license
29-1126
Respiratory Therapists
  1. Respiratory Therapists
  2. Registered Respiratory Therapists
$28.55Associate degree and license
11-9151
Social and Community Service Managers
  1. Directors of Social Services
  2. Program Directors
  3. Program Managers
$35.20Bachelor's degree and 5+ years work experience
21-1093
Social and Human Service Assistants
  1. Care Coordinators
  2. Community Support Specialists
  3. Case Aides
$14.69High school diploma or equivalent
29-1127
Speech-Language Pathologists
  1. Respiratory Therapists
  2. Registered Respiratory Therapists
$35.85Master's degree
21-1011
Substance Abuse and Behavorial Disorder Counselors
  1. Licensed Professional Counselors
  2. Mental Health Therapists
  3. Outpatient Therapists
$23.35Master's degree and license
29-2055
Surgical Technologists
  1. Surgical Technologists
  2. Surgical Technician
  3. Operating Room Surgical Technicians
$20.55Associate degree and license
29-2056
Veterinary Technologists and Technicians
  1. Veterinary Technicians
  2. Licensed Veterinary Technicians
$15.25Associate degree

NEW!  Career guides for occupations in West Michigan’s high-demand industries. Guides include insights into qualifications needed, valuable skills, growth potential and more!

VideoSOC TitleJob TitleMedian Wage (mid-career)Recommended Credential  
11-3021
Computer and Information Systems Managers
  1. IT Manager
  2. Director of Information Technology
  3. Delivery Manager
$60.01Bachelor's degree and 10+ years work experience
15-1299
Computer Occupations, All Other
  1. Project Manager
  2. Scrum Master
  3. Solutions Architect
$35.38Bachelor's degree
15-1211
Computer Systems Analysts
  1. IT Analyst
  2. Business Systems Analysts
  3. Applications Analyst
$40.68Bachelor's degree
15-1232
Computer User Support Specialists
  1. Desktop Support Technicians
  2. Installation Technicians
  3. Help Desk Support
$26.29Postsecondary non-degree award or certification
15-1212
Information Security Analysts
  1. Security Engineers
  2. Cybersecurity Engineers
  3. Information Security Analysts
$45.90Bachelor's degree
13-1111
Management Analysts
  1. Business Analysts
  2. Data Analysts
$41.55Bachelor's degree
15-1252
Software Developers, Analysts and Testers
  1. Software Developers
  2. Application Developers
  3. Software Enginners
$42.19Bachelor's degree
15-2041
Statisticians
  1. Analytics Manager
  2. Data Scientist
$37.98Bachelor's degree
15-1254
Web Developers and Digital Interface Designers
  1. Web Developers
  2. UI/UX Designer
  3. Web Technology Specialists
$33.40Bachelor's degree

NEW!  Career guides for occupations in West Michigan’s high-demand industries. Guides include insights into qualifications needed, valuable skills, growth potential and more!

VideoSOC TitleJob TitleMedian Wage (mid-career)Recommended Credential  
19-2031
Chemist
  1. Chemists
  2. Quality Control Chemists
  3. Formulation Scientists
$32.97Bachelor's degree
27-1021
Commercial and Industrial Designers
  1. CAD Designers
  2. 3D CAD Designers
  3. Industrial Designers
$29.76Certification and 5+ years experience
51-9162
Computer Numerically Controlled Machine Tool Programmers, Metal and Plastic
  1. CNC Programmers
  2. CMM Programmers
  3. CAD/CAM Programmers
$25.66Certification and moderate-term OJT
17-2071
Electrical Engineers
  1. Electrical Engineers
  2. Controls Engineers
  3. Electrical Control Engineers
$49.35Bachelor's degree
51-1011
First-Line Supervisors of Production and Operating Workers
  1. Line Supervisor
  2. Production Supervisor
$30.69High school diploma and 5+ years experience
51-3091
Food and Tobacco Roasting, Baking, and Drying Machine Operators and Tenders
  1. Machine Operator
  2. Oven Operator
$14.34High school diploma or equivalent
49-9098
Helpers-Installation, Maintenance, and Repair Workers
  1. Maintenance Aide
  2. HVAC Helper
$14.48High school diploma or equivalent
51-9198
Helpers-Production Workers
  1. General Laborers
  2. Production Associates
  3. Manufacturing Associates
$15.20High school diploma or equivalent
17-2112
Industrial Engineers
  1. Quality Engineers
  2. Manufacturing Engineers
  3. Process Engineers
$47.88Bachelor's degree
49-9041
Industrial Machinery Mechanics
  1. Industrial Maintenance Technician
  2. Field Service Technicians
  3. Field Equipment Service Technicians
$24.18Apprenticeship
11-3051
Industrial Production Managers
  1. Production Managers
  2. Quality Managers
  3. Plant Managers
$50.66Bachelor's degree and 5+ years work experience
51-4041
Machinists
  1. CNC Machinists
  2. Machinists
  3. Lead CNC Machinists
$19.98Certification and moderate-term OJT
49-9071
Maintenance and Repair Workers, General
  1. Maintenance Technicians
  2. Maintenance People
  3. Maintenance Mechanics
$18.59Certification and moderate-term OJT
17-2141
Mechanical Engineers
  1. Mechanical engineers
  2. Medcanical Design Engineers
  3. Product Engineers
$37.59Bachelor's degree
49-9044
Millwrights
  1. Millwrights
$28.11Apprenticeship
51-9195
Molders, Shapers, and Casters, Except Metal and Plastic
  1. Mold Makers
  2. Granite Installers
  3. Granite Fabricators
$18.19High school diploma or equivalent
53-7081
Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors
  1. Recycling Associates
  2. Refuse Collectors
  3. Garbage Men
$22.50High school diploma or equivalent and long-term OJT
47-2211
Sheet Metal Workers
  1. Sheet Metal Fabricators
  2. Sheet Metal Workers
  3. Fabricators
$22.78High school diploma or equivalent and long-term OJT
51-6093
Upholsterers
  1. Upholsterers
  2. Upholstery Technicians
  3. Furniture Repair Technicians
$15.93High school diploma or equivalent

NEW!  Career guides for occupations in West Michigan’s high-demand industries. Guides include insights into qualifications needed, valuable skills, growth potential and more!

VideoSOC TitleJob TitleMediam Wage (mid-career)Recommended Credential  
35-1011
Chefs and Head Cooks
  1. Sous Chef
  2. Night Bakers
  3. Executive Chef
$25.77Associate degree and certification
13-1141
Compensation, Benefits, and Job Analysis Specialists
  1. Payroll and Benefits Specialists
  2. Compensation Analysts
  3. Benefits Specialists
$28.95Bachelor's degree
11-9033
Education Administrators, Elementary,Secondary, and Post Secondary School
  1. Vice President of Enrollment Management
  2. Directors of Admissions
  3. Associate Dean
$41.54Master's degree and 5+ years experience
21-1012
Educational, Guidance, School, and Vocational Counselors
  1. Career Coaches
  2. Career Navigators
  3. Admissions Counselors
$23.13Master's degree and certification
25-2031
Elementary, Middle and Secondary School Teachers
  1. Mathematics Teacher
  2. Science Teacher
$29.54Bachelor's degree and license
11-3031
Financial Managers
  1. Tax Managers
  2. Accounting Managers
  3. Finance Managers
$52.38Bachelor's degree and 5+ years work experience
53-1049
First-Line Supervisors of Transportation and Material Moving Workers, Except Aircraft Cargo Handling
  1. Warehouse Supervisors
  2. Warehouse Leads
  3. Warehouse Coordinators
$25.67High school diploma and 5+ years work experience
11-1021
General and Operations Managers
  1. General Managers
  2. Operations Managers
  3. Store Managers
$46.96Bachelor's degree and 5+ years work experience
25-9031
Instructional Coordinators
  1. Instructional Designers
  2. Learning Experince Designers
  3. Intructional Technologists
$36.15Master's degree and 5+ years work experience
41-3021
Insurance Sales Agents
  1. Life Insurance Agents
  2. Licensed Medicare Insurance Agents
  3. Licensed Health Insurance Agents
$30.62Bachelor's degree and license
43-4131
Loan Interviewers and Clerks
  1. Mortgage Loan Processor
  2. Mortgage Closer
  3. Loan Processor
$20.04High school diploma or equivalent
13-2072
Loan Officers
  1. Mortgage Loan Officer
  2. Mortgage Loan Originators
  3. Mortgage Underwriters
$27.12Bachelor's degree and license
13-1161
Market Research Analysts and Marketing Specialists
  1. Digital Marketing Specialists
  2. Marketing Specialists
  3. Pricing Analysts
$26.12Bachelor's degree
23-2011
Paralegals and Legal Assistants
  1. Legal Assistants
  2. Paralegals
$33.58Associate degree, certification
25-1011
Postsecondary Teachers, Art, Business, Health
  1. Professor of Health
  2. Business Professor
$31.70Master's or doctorate degree, experience in field
25-2011
Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education
  1. Lead Teachers
  2. Child Care Teachers
  3. Teachers
$14.39Associate degree or certification
41-4012
Sales Representatives, Wholesale and Manufacturing, Except Technical and Scientific Products
  1. Sales Executive
  2. Technical Sales Rep
  3. Inside Sales
$30.56High school diploma and moderate-term OJT
25-9042
Teacher Assistants
  1.  Teacher Aide
  2. Teacher Assistant
$15.91Associate degree or certification
13-1151
Training and Development Specialists
  1. Training specialists
  2. Learning and Development Specialist
$23.96Bachelor's degree

Key

  • SOC Title: Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) title used to classify workers for the purpose of collecting, calculating or disseminating data. The titles in this report represent one or more detailed occupations; in some cases occupations with similar job duties, skills, education and training are grouped together.
  • Job Title: Local in-demand jobs that fall within the Standard Occupational Classification. These are the job titles used by West Michigan employers; job seekers can use the titles as a guide when searching for specific jobs.
  • Median Wage: Median wages tend to align with an employee that is mid-career, not entry level.
  • Recommended Credential: Training or preparation that local employers prefer that job seekers possess prior to employment in the field.
  • OJT (On-the-job training): Training or preparation received while working to learn the skills needed for that occupation (short-term: 1 month or less, moderate-term: between 1-12 months, long-term: more than 12 months).

METHODOLOGY

Data Collection
Occupational data was obtained from the analytical program, EMSI, survey results from The Employers’ Association (TEA) of West Michigan and the State of Michigan Bureau of Labor Market Information & Strategic Initiatives. Data and employer feedback were used to determine the industry focus for our region: manufacturing, health sciences, information technology, construction and energy, professional services, and agribusiness.

Criteria for Inclusion
Occupations on the Hot Jobs List must show a growth rate of at least 4% (the regional average) over 10 years; annual openings above industry averages; and wages at or above $14.30. The list was presented to West Michigan Works! staff and employers within the region’s industry talent councils for anecdotal feedback and insight into hiring needs.

Sources:
Economic Modeling Specialists International (EMSI), http://www.economicmodeling.com/data-sources/
The Employers’ Association (TEA) of West Michigan Wage and Salary Survey, https://www.teagr.org/teaimis/Members/Surveys/Survey_Home.aspx
O*Net O*NET OnLine. National Center for O*NET Development, http://www.onetonline.org/
Bureau of Labor Statistics, http://www.bls.gov/data/
Michigan DTMB Bureau of Labor Market Information and Strategic Initiatives, http://milmi.org/default.aspx

Want more job openings at your fingertips?

Sign up for the Weekly Hot Jobs email and get the hottest job openings, job search tips, employment resources and hiring event information delivered right to your inbox every Friday.

  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.