Health Care, Supply Chain, and Security Dominate Entry-Level Positions

Female,Doctor,Holding,Notepad,With,Blue,Background,And,Heart,Related

April 22, 2022

Earlier this month, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that the U.S. added roughly 678,000 jobs in February, dramatically surpassing many economists’ predictions.  Indeed, a quick look at Gray’s database would suggest that this trend may continue.

Job Postings by Month, 2020-2022

 

 

 

1.8 million postings in January were surpassed in February, which saw over 2 million postings.  Year-over-year, total postings were up as well, with February 2022 seeing a 23% increase from 2021.  March saw a slight decline from February, but postings were still up .3% year-over-year. 

With a seemingly robust job market, we wanted to explore what opportunities exist for workers entering the market for the first time.  Exploring our database using the keywords “Entry Level” revealed the following:

 

 

Diesel Technician/Mechanic and Automotive Technician are both in the top 15.  With ongoing supply chain issues, it’s not surprising that these skilled workers remain in demand.  Phlebotomist and Medical Assistant are positions that underscore a theme that we have written about here many times:  health care workers remain in high demand.  Year-over-year from January 1 – March 31, Phlebotomist job opportunities grew 139% and Medical Assistant grew 92%.  In 2021, Medical Assistant didn’t even make our top 15.  Lastly, Insurance Sales Representative and Security Officer ranking fifth and eleventh, respectively, is somewhat striking given the proliferation of media stories regarding rising crime in America. 

This data seems to reveal that despite most parts of the nation returning to pre-pandemic behavior, Covid-19 has affected the jobs market and will likely continue to for some time.  However, acknowledging the needs and opportunities created by this extraordinary time may give new entrants into the jobs market greater power to choose where and how they begin their careers.

 

Gray Associates

Gray Associates, Inc. provides the best available data, software, and facilitated processes to help higher education institutions make high-stakes decisions regarding academic programs, pricing, and locations.

About Gray DI

Gray DI provides data, software and facilitated processes that power higher-education decisions. Our data and AI insights inform program choices, optimize finances, and fuel growth in a challenging market – one data-informed decision at a time.

Related Posts
Subscribe to Our Blog

Don’t miss our latest research and insights

Related Posts

Gray Data

Trends in New College Program Announcements for March 2025

March 2025 brought a wave of new program announcements from colleges and universities — and with them, a clear view of where higher education is heading next. From healthcare and business to cybersecurity and technology, institutions are aligning new offerings with workforce needs while expanding access through online and flexible formats. Explore what these latest announcements reveal about shifting priorities, emerging trends, and the future direction of academic programs.

Read More
Gray Data

Business Analytics Master’s: Boom or Bust?

Should you launch, grow, or rethink your Business Analytics master’s program? Recent data reveals surging student demand, strong career outcomes, and signs of sustained growth. But there’s a catch: regional market saturation could limit your success if not carefully assessed. Discover how national trends, employment metrics, and competitive intensity intersect—and what your institution can do to stand out in this fast-growing, high-stakes program space.

Read More
Gray Data

Higher Education’s Hottest New Program Announcements: What Trended in 2024

Explore the innovative programs colleges and universities are offering in 2024 to meet shifting student interests and workforce demands. From advancements in healthcare and technology to addressing critical societal needs, institutions are expanding their offerings in areas like Artificial Intelligence, Public Health, and Environmental Science. Discover the most notable new programs that are equipping learners with the skills to thrive in a rapidly changing world—and see what’s next on the horizon for higher education.

Read More