The Hot 45: A Look at Arkansas’ In-Demand Occupations for 2024-25
By Arkansas Next on Monday, October 28, 2024
Each year, the Arkansas Division of Workforce Services (DWS) releases their “Hot 45” list, revealing the most in-demand occupations in the state. These are occupations that currently have or are projected to have a large number of open positions within an industry sector that has or will have a significant impact in the state.
For many students, choosing an occupation in which they will easily find work after graduation is enough-said!
*2024-25 data not available.
High Skill
OCCUPATION
TOTAL WORKERS
General and Operations Managers
34,544
$87,788
Registered Nurses
29,290
$72,897
Elementary School Teachers
12,755
$54,117
Clergy
12,575
$49,886
Secondary School Teachers
12,390
$57,424
Accountants and Auditors
8,740
$70,287
Medical and Health Services Managers
6,813
$97,251
Management Analysts
6,748
$77,179
Financial Managers
7,119
$119,525
Market Research Analysts and Marketing Specialists
5,376
$71,970
Human Resources Specialists
5,439
$62,540
Software Developers
5,543
$88,126
Middle School Teachers
6,083
$55,997
Project Management Specialists
5,059
$84,159
Buyers and Purchasing Agents*
423
$84,760
Moderate Skill
OCCUPATION
TOTAL WORKERS
Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers
36,692
$51,527
Nursing Assistants
17,094
$32,049
Bookkeeping, Accounting, and Auditing Clerks
12,368
$43,174
Teaching Assistants
2,624
$33,151
Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses
11,133
$49,359
Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics
6,815
$45,008
Medical Assistants
4,362
$35,557
Preschool Teachers
4,491
$35,882
Dental Assistants
3,021
$40,444
Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists
2,567
$32,946
Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers
4,148
$49,341
Computer User Support Specialists
4,501
$52,738
Physical Therapist Assistants
1,466
$62,626
Paralegals and Legal Assistants*
2,188
N/A
Firefighters
2,185
$42,148
Basic Skill
OCCUPATION
TOTAL WORKERS
Fast Food and Counter Workers
37,324
$26,846
Cashiers
32,926
$27,063
Retail Salespersons
31,849
$33,190
Farmers, Ranchers, and Other Agricultural Managers
44,351
$59,704
Stockers and Order Fillers
28,052
$33,886
Home Health and Personal Care Aides
20,701
$28,053
Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, Hand
28,948
$34,978
Office Clerks
29,291
$38,031
Waiters and Waitresses
15,219
$29,062
Customer Service Representatives
21,999
$37,981
Janitors and Cleaners, Except Maids and Housekeeping Cleaners
18,916
$29,868
Cooks
57
$31,195
Receptionists and Information Clerks
13,463
$32,571
First-Line Supervisors of Food Preparation and Serving Workers
11,278
$34,559
Childcare Workers
10,465
$27,943
