Hiring Outlook: where demand for talent is heading

The big picture

The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects total U.S. employment to grow by 5.9 million jobs between 2025 and 2035. Growth is uneven: roles built on data, security and financial judgment are projected to expand much faster than average, while roles centered on routine processing are projected to shrink as software and self-service take over more of the work.

Roles projected to grow

Of the occupations our practices recruit for, these are projected to grow faster than the average for all occupations:

• Data scientists: +35%, with a median wage of $120,230.
• Information security analysts: +21%, median $129,180.
• Software developers, QA analysts and testers: +10%, median $134,040.
• Financial managers: +10%, median $166,570.
• Financial analysts: +7%; market research analysts: +7%.
• Marketing managers and human resources specialists: +6% each.
• Accountants and auditors and lawyers: +5% each.

Expect stronger competition for these skills. Candidates with recent, hands-on experience often weigh several offers at once.

Roles projected to shrink, but still hiring

BLS projects declines for customer service representatives (−5%), bookkeeping, accounting and auditing clerks (−6%), network and computer systems administrators (−4%), computer support specialists (−3%), graphic designers (−2%) and secretaries and administrative assistants (−2%). Paralegals and legal assistants are projected to see little or no change.

What it means for your hiring plans

1. Start searches for scarce skills earlierFor data, security and senior finance roles, open the search before the need is urgent.
2. Use contract talent as a bridgeCover projects and gaps with contract professionals while you recruit permanently.
3. Hire for adaptability in changing rolesFor roles being reshaped by automation, screen for judgment, communication and comfort with new systems.
4. Keep the process fastWith a median of 39 days to fill nonexecutive roles (SHRM, 2026), every extra week of process risks losing a finalist.

What it means for job seekers

Build skills that grow in value: data analysis, security awareness, financial systems and the ability to explain numbers to non-specialists. In shrinking occupations, look for roles that combine your experience with new tools, and ask a recruiter which skills employers in your field are asking for now. See the salary guide for pay by role.