The labor force in New York is made up of nearly 9.5 million people who are looking for work, are self-employed, or currently working for businesses and government agencies. Although this number took a sharp downturn in 2020 with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been a steady increase in labor force participants over the last two years. Similarly, the unemployment rate appears to be returning to pre-pandemic levels, although it’s still higher than the 3.6% national rate.

As a result of the pandemic, New York’s wages declined by 2.3% in 2020. However, on average, New Yorkers continue to earn more money than the rest of the nation. New York’s median household income is roughly $71,000 annually, almost $10,000 more per year than the nation as a whole.

The process of seeking employment in New York can be intimidating. To help you on your job hunt journey, we created this guide for people looking for work, specifically in the state of New York. You’ll learn about the most in-demand jobs across the state, where to look for career assistance, and how to polish up your resume and cover letter.

Career Opportunities in New York

Every industry in the country is experiencing changes due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Although it’s unknown how pandemic ramifications will continue to unfold and affect the employment atmosphere, some occupations are projected to be more in demand than others. Below is a compilation of New York’s specific in-demand career opportunities and their expected growth between 2020 and 2030. There are a number of occupations slated for growth across the region, some of which will follow the national average. In contrast, others are expected to experience high demand in the state of New York alone.

Home Health and Personal Care Aides

One of the fastest growing occupations in New York is within the healthcare field. Home Health Aide and Personal Care Aide careers are projected to grow 39% over the next decade, accounting for nearly 200,000 new aide jobs by 2030. Individuals on this career path assist elderly, disabled, or ill individuals within homes and care facilities. Personal Care Aides are responsible for helping with activities of daily living such as bathing, grooming, dressing, eating, and using the restroom. Home Health Aides are more likely to be certified medical para-professionals who can provide care outside the usual activities of daily living, also assisting with medication administration, wound care, and bandage changes. If you’re interested in becoming a personal or medical aide, Access Careers offers classes surrounding these occupations. The company provides certification training at two different campuses on Long Island for:

  • Personal Care Technicians
  • Certified Nursing Assistants
  • Medical Assistants

Fast Food and Counter Workers

The food industry has several career paths leading the way for projected growth over the next ten years. Fast Food Workers and Counter Workers are among the fastest growing occupations within the food service industry, just ahead of wait staff, cooks, and hosts. This category covers a wide range of jobs and includes positions such as:

  • Food Service Assistant
  • Prep Cook
  • Deli Worker
  • Cafeteria Server
  • Barista

Responsibilities within each role will vary greatly, with some working in the back away from customers and others directly interacting with the public taking orders, processing payments, and serving food. Food safety and knowledge of local regulations are both important for any role as a Fast Food or Counter Worker. Many of these jobs have a low barrier to entry, making it relatively simple to obtain a position. For more complex food service work requiring greater knowledge and training, local apprenticeship programs are available as another way of getting into the food service industry.

Retail Salespersons

Although nationwide employment for Retail Salespersons is expected to shrink over the next decade, New York is projected to see a 26% increase in this position across the state. This category includes:

  • Sales Associate
  • Sales Consultant
  • Sales Representative
  • Sales Clerk
  • Car Salesperson

A Retail Salesperson is required to hold extensive knowledge of the products or services their company sells. These jobs range from Sales Associate at a clothing store to Car Salesperson at a dealership. While all salespeople are expected to provide excellent customer service to anyone who walks through the door, the complexity of the work can vary greatly. Depending on what types of products or services are being sold, a Retail Salesperson may need extensive training, especially when selling vehicles and specialty equipment. Outside of being knowledgeable about products, some roles also require high-level social skills and persuasive sales methods.

Registered Nurses

Employment opportunities for Registered Nurses in the state of New York are projected to grow at about the same rate as the national average. The expected growth would add 33,000 nursing jobs to the state’s healthcare industry by 2030.

Nurses are in high demand due to the number of professionals who’ve left the field over the last few years. Nursing programs are fiercely competitive as there is a shortage of those who are qualified to teach in the programs. Those who pursue nursing can have a lengthy career both in and out of a hospital setting.

Occupations within the healthcare industry continue to be in demand as older workers phase out and newcomers make their way into a field that is such a vital component to keeping the general public healthy. Nurses are responsible for assisting doctors, assessing patient needs, maintaining records, administering medication, and much more. Here are just a few examples of the different areas nurses can find work:

  • Schools
  • Operating Room
  • Oncology Departments
  • Emergency Departments
  • Maternity Departments
  • Pediatrics
  • Geriatrics

The path to becoming a Registered Nurse begins with schooling and licensing. Find a program in New York at the NursingProcess website, which provides a list of the best nursing schools in the state.

Janitors and Cleaners

Apartment complexes, schools, offices, and warehouses all need regular cleaning and maintenance to upkeep their function and accessibility. Companies and educational institutions hire Janitors and Cleaners to take on the responsibility of keeping a clean and smooth-running facility by cleaning floors and carpets, taking care of garbage, making note of necessary repairs, and washing bathrooms. As these are usually entry-level positions, no formal education is needed, and new employees can easily get on-the-job training. Erie Community College in Buffalo, NY, offers a Building and Property Maintenance program focused on building supervisory and property management skills for those interested in moving up in this career path.

The projected growth for this occupation in the state of New York is significantly higher than that of the national average, with the number of jobs expected to grow by over 25% from now until 2030. These statistics only include Janitors and Cleaners, excluding house cleaners and housekeeping workers.

General Operations Managers

Most companies, public and private, need a management team to ensure daily operations are performed. Managers are expected to make financial decisions, meet sales goals, and uphold company standards. Whether a Cafe Manager or Corporate Executive, companies trust these leaders run a profitable business. The title of General Operations Manager encompasses a wide range of management roles within the labor force. Here are just a few examples of the kinds of positions this category holds:

  • Store Manager
  • General Manager
  • Business Manager
  • Operations Director

By 2030, this employment category is expected to grow by 30% in the state of New York, adding an estimated 20,000 new managerial jobs to the labor force. With such a significant projected increase, General Operations Manager is a smart choice for those looking to enter a growing field. Most management roles require supervisory and lower management experience, and managers can grow their knowledge by attending a local college to earn a business administration degree or similar certification.

The term “manager” and its job responsibilities vary broadly. Not only the role itself, but requirements, salary and industry vary too. One may begin working as a sales associate in a retail setting and possibly be promoted to assistant manager, manager, or regional manager, and possibly without a college degree. On the other hand, some organizations in retail, auto, and hospitality have leadership/managerial rotation programs which are considered entry-level but require a four-year college degree. Other times an MBA is required in order to be considered for a managerial role.

Cashiers

The employment rate for Cashiers is projected to decrease significantly at a national level, but the state of New York is expected to see an additional 37,000 Cashier jobs added to the labor force by 2030. That’s a projected 16% increase over the next decade statewide. As the economy continues to bounce back after the COVID-19 pandemic, customers are returning to storefront shopping, and that means cashiers are still a valuable and much-needed role for businesses.

A Cashier’s primary responsibility is to process transactions and handle money in all forms. However, it’s important to note that Cashiers are also hired in conjunction with other roles and responsibilities such as sales, food service, stocking, and cleaning. This entry-level position requires little to no previous experience but a willingness to provide great customer service and learn how to handle money responsibly.

General Office Clerks

The employment category of General Office Clerk is projected to grow 9% over the next decade in the state of New York. This office job is a good choice for those wanting to enter a growing administrative field. This category includes a large variety of positions, including clerk roles from medical offices to legal offices. Most businesses with an office space will likely have one or multiple positions to fill for clerical duties. Those duties include bookkeeping, filing, data entry, and answering phone calls.

Little experience is required for those wanting to become a General Office Clerk. As with most jobs, training and shadowing fellow employees is the usual course of action for new hires. Higher education is available for individuals who would like a formal school experience. Jefferson Community College, Monroe Community College, and Ulster County Community College each offer programs surrounding clerical services in-state.

Most community colleges offer courses or certificate programs in Microsoft Office and additional office administrative skills, but you may also consider pursuing an Associate’s Degree in Business Administration as well.

New York Employment and Job Seeking Resources

If you’re in the market for a new job and don’t know where to begin, or it’s been a while since you’ve touched your resume, take advantage of local career resources. The New York Department of Labor has invested time and money into creating programs and partnering with local organizations to provide a wealth of education and assistance for job seekers. You’ll find a collection of state-specific resources to help you get started in the list below.

JobZone

The New York Department of Labor runs the state’s virtual career resource website, JobZone. This online resource helps New Yorkers chart their career path by giving jobseekers a way to explore careers, assess their personal financial needs, search for jobs, and organize all the necessary employment documentation. The website’s unique employability self-assessment walks individuals through a series of questions about their goals, experience, skills, and availability. After completing the quiz, the participant is given an “employability score” based on how well their profile matches their targeted occupation. Learn more by visiting the JobZone webpage or calling the New York DOL at (518) 457-9000.

New York Career Centers

Statewide career centers are another great resource provided by the New York DOL. Over 93 locations serve local communities through group workshops, one-on-one career guidance, resume building, and job search strategies. The events calendar is packed full of opportunities to visit job fairs, attend informational sessions, and take classes. Not only do they assist people experiencing unemployment, but many also specialize in providing services for youth, veterans, and the formerly incarcerated. Visit the DOL’s virtual career assistance webpage to find a Career Center near you or call (518) 457-9000.

New York State Job Bank

The New York State Job Bank is a collection of over 250,000 job postings across the state. Job seekers can create an account to keep track of the work opportunities they find while using the website’s search engine. Employers can post job openings, and anyone looking for work can post their resume to advertise their interest in a specific role. Recent legislation approved by Governor Kathy Hochul has allowed the DOL to create a public awareness campaign to promote the Job Bank to the public, generating more interest from employers and job seekers to develop a robust career resource for the state. You can email the Job Bank directly at [email protected] or call the DOL at (518) 457-9000.

New York State Library

The New York DOL has partnered with the New York State Library to offer career services online and through library career centers. Select locations have Job Information Centers available for the public, providing services such as resume assistance, education, career development, citizenship information, GED assistance, and web resources. Visit the New York State Education Department website to find a library near you, or call Statewide Library Services at (518) 474-7196.

Workforce1 Career Centers

With roughly 40% of the state’s population residing in the New York City metropolitan area, this resource was selected for those needing career assistance in and around the city. Explore career paths with Career Discovery NYC, sign up for education and training experience with Access Training, and search for job openings with the NYC Small Business Services search engine. It’s important to note that some services are only available to those who meet federal and salary requirements, so be sure to check if you are eligible. Learn more by visiting the virtual Workforce1 Career Center and find the contact information for a location near you, or fill out a Workforce1 Services inquiry form online.

New York Resume Writing Resources

It can be challenging to write your resume in a way that catches the attention of hiring managers. Especially if you have gaps in work history or a limited amount of experience, using free resume resources or hiring the services of a resume writer are smart investments of time and money. These writing professionals have the knowledge and skills to craft a resume that stands out among fellow applicants. Here are some resume writing resources available in New York.

JobZone Resume Builder

For those interested in a free DIY approach, the New York DOL’s JobZone has an online Resume Builder designed to refine and reorganize an existing resume or build a new resume using its software. You will need to create a free NY.GOV account to access this tool. Users will be guided through several pages as the builder collects information on qualifications, experience, education, and more. At the end of the process, users can customize the layout and format of the resume before downloading or printing the finished document. Visit the JobZone website or call the DOL directly at (518) 457-9000 to learn more.

Resume Corner

Resume Corner is a New York City company powered by a team of Certified Resume Writers. All of their writers hold master’s degrees and industry-specific certifications, making up a highly qualified team. The company website lists all service prices and claims to have some of the lowest prices in the industry, with packages starting as low as $99. Resume Corner also offers a 30-day guarantee, providing free revisions to resumes that don’t land interviews within 30 days. If you would like to work with the writers at Resume Corner, call (888) 873-7863 or (718) 539-7771 for a free consultation.

Resumes of Buffalo

Byron Dibble is the owner and resume writer at Resumes of Buffalo. With 30 years of resume writing experience and over 10,000 clients helped, Byron works to present the skills and strengths of his clients to impress potential employers. After completing the company’s resume worksheet, customers meet up or talk over the phone with Byron to develop a unique and focused resume. Resumes of Buffalo also offers services for cover letters, thank you letters, career advice, and LinkedIn profile composition. To work with Byron, call (716) 481-7075 or head over to the company website and fill out the contact form.

The Syracuse Pen

Owner Greg Marano founded the Syracuse Pen in 2015.  Greg is a National Resume Writers Association member and has an academic background in education and communication. Clients can have their resume and cover letter revised, updated, or created from scratch. Greg conducts consultations online and over the phone to connect with clients on their career goals. The Syracuse Pen website also has a long list of articles offering free career advice to readers. If you would like to work with Greg, call (315) 622-5113, email [email protected], or fill out the contact form online.

The Virtual Copywriter

Located northwest of Albany, NY, The Virtual Copywriter is a professional resume writing service run by founder Karen Lombardo. Karen offers a wide range of writing services, including resume writing and LinkedIn profile creation. With an alleged interview success rate of 90%, Karen works with her clients to create well-written, engaging resumes. Her emphasis on meeting in person and creating a highly unique resume enables her clients to show up as outstanding applicants. To begin working with Karen, you can call her cell phone (518) 469-8545 or office phone (518) 280-6650, send an email to [email protected], or fill out the contact form on her website.

Resume Writing Services in New York

If you’re looking for more help with creating a resume, we’ve compiled a list of additional resume writing services in New York. We considered cost, turnaround time, and customer feedback in our search for some of the best companies in the state. Take a look at the list below to find a professional resume writer near you.

A-1 Resumes, Inc.-

resumeslongisland.com
516-922-1533
128 Burtis Ave., Oyster Bay, NY 11771

Executive Resume Service+

resumessvcsrockwestchester.com
845-353-2040
48 Burd Street Suite 202, Nyack, NY 10960

Five Star Resume+

fivestarresume.com
844-348-3787
276 5th Avenue Suite 704, New York, NY 10001

Image Resume NYC+

imageresumenyc.com
917-246-8442
New York, NY 10017

New York Resume Writing+

newyorkresumewriting.com
646-706-7267
704-276 5th Avenue, New York, NY 10001

Resume Folks+

resumefolks.com
866-307-1118
477 Madison Ave., New York, NY 10022

Resume Scripter+

resumescripter.com
800-590-1304
244 5th Avenue Suite #237A, New York, NY 10001

Resume That Works+

resumethatworks.com
888-463-7563
100 West 33rd Street, New York, NY 10001

Resume Works NYC+

resumeworksnyc.com
917-710-7471
425 E 110th St. Ste D460, New York, NY 10029-3349

Resume Writers+

resumewriters.com
866-356-2789
68 Jay St. Suite 201, New York, NY 11201

Resume-Riter+

resume-riter.com
212-385-9363
139 Fulton St. Suite 415, New York, NY 10038

Your Resume Partners+

resumewritingservicesnyc.com
212-697-4004
350 Lexington Ave., New York, NY 10016

Read Further

ckleimanstaff headshot

Carolyn Kleiman

Career Coach, Professional Resume Writer

For the last 20 years, Carolyn Kleiman has helped individuals identify and achieve their career goals. Carolyn has held positions in recruiting and training and has helped countless numbers of job seekers craft high-quality resumes and cover letters, prepare for interviews, and eventually land their dream jobs! Carolyn is a Nationally Certified Counselor and a Certified Professional Resume Writer and is a member of the National Career Development Association and Professional Association of Resume Writers & Career Coaches.

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