Other Services
2007 unemployment rate: 4.1%
Peak unemployment rate during Great Recession: 10.0%
Change of unemployment rate during Great Recession: 143.9%
2020 unemployment rate: 2.8%
Forecasted recession peak unemployment rate: 6.8%
The jobs in this field are not paid quite like the ones in the previously mentioned sectors, but unemployment rates are relatively low in the event of a recession.
Animal Care Worker
Median hourly wage: $11.51
Median annual wage: $23,950
Animal care workers provide care for animals in kennels, zoos, animal shelters, veterinary clinics, pet stores and various other places. Their tasks include feeding, grooming, bathing, and training pets and other animals as well as observing behavioral changes that might be caused by an illness or injury.
To become an animal care worker, you need a high school diploma, love for animals and experience working with them. Job opportunities in this sector are projected to grow faster than the average growth across all occupations, revealed the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Auto Mechanics and Body Shops
Median hourly wage: $19.87
Median annual wage: $41,330
No matter how much you try to postpone it, if your car breaks down, you have no other choice but to take it to the car shop for repairs, recession or not. You can’t drive without breaks or transmission, can you? Not to mention that buying a new car during an economic downturn is not exactly the smartest move.
That being said, individuals working in auto mechanics and body shops will have their hands full even if times are harder. While this job can be physically demanding, in terms of education, you only need a college degree; industry certification and training in auto body repair is a plus and could bring you a higher paycheck.
Broadcast and Sound Engineering Technician
Median hourly wage: $20.99
Median annual wage: $43,660
Broadcast and sound engineering technicians are responsible for the electrical equipment that provides sounds and images for television, radio, movie and recording studios. Job growth in this sector is expected to increase by 9 percent in the next ten years, much faster than the average growth for all occupations. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, this demand will be generated by the need of businesses, schools, and entertainment industries to improve their audio and video capabilities.
Computer Support Specialist
Median hourly wage: $25.70
Median annual wage: $53,470
The Internet must go on. And computer support specialists can make this happen. These individuals are there to fix problems with software, computers, or peripherals such as printers or scanners and make sure users can perform their activities smoothly. Overall employment in this field is projected to grow 8 percent from 2019 to 2029, much faster than the average across all occupations, stated BLS.
To become a computer support specialist you need an associate’s degree or bachelor’s degree. Being a help-desk support job, you might also need to work night shifts.
Interpreter
Median hourly wage: $24.00
Median annual wage: $49,930
The definition of an interpreter is “a person who provides an oral translation between speakers who speak different languages”. Given the growing number of non-English speakers in the United States, demand for skilled translators and interpreters is quite high. In fact, due to globalization, employment in this field is expected to see a 17 percent growth by 2026. To become an interpreter, you need a college degree and fluency in English and another language, according to the Department of Labor.
Check out 18 Things You Should Never Do at Work For Your Own Good.
