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LEHIGH VALLEY HOT CAREERS 2026-2027
The economic success of our region and the vitality of our community depend on a strong, well-informed, and skilled workforce. This Hot Careers Guide was developed by the Lehigh Valley Economic Development Corporation in collaboration with Lehigh Valley employers to inform students, educators, and community stakeholders about the region’s most in-demand careers. The guide provides a clear visual representation of career opportunities in the region and serves as a resource for career exploration. The occupations included are among the most common in Lehigh Valley job postings, employ at least 95 people, and/or were suggested for inclusion by local employers. Thank you to all our partners for your contributions and expertise. For more information, visit: lehighvalley.org/career-pathways lehighvalley.org/talent-supply-initiative/ careerlinklehighvalley.org/career-pathways/search
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Learn more about
In-Demand Careers in Key Job Sectors
Lehigh Valley Talent Strategies Efforts
LEHIGH VALLEY POPULATION
TOTAL LABOR FORCE
Source: Census Population Estimates, 2025
Source: JobsEQ, ACS 2020-2024
708,794
TOP SOFT SKILLS
364,803
EMPLOYMENT BY INDUSTRY
Communication Cooperation/Teamwork Customer Service Organization Detail-Oriented Adaptability/Flexibility Problem Solving Self-Motivated Ability to Work in a Fast-Paced Environment Maintain Interpersonal Relationships Source: JobsEQ (July 2025 - June 2026)
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LEHIGH VALLEY HOT CAREERS • 2026-2027
Source: JobsEQ, 2026 Q1
Lehigh Valley Hot Careers
ADVANCED MANUFACTURING
Education Level
Production, Maintenance & Logistics
General Business Operations
High School Diploma or Equivalent
Science, Technology, Engineering & Math
Administrative Assistants Customer Service Representatives Office Clerks Office Managers Sales Associates
Assemblers Food Batchmakers & Bakers Forklift Operators Machine Operators Maintenance Mechanics & Repair Workers Material Handlers Production Workers Quality Control Inspectors Warehouse Associates
$ - $$$
$ - $$$ CDL Drivers CNC Machinists & Machinists Electricians Maintenance Supervisors Production Supervisors Tool Makers Welders
Certificate or Specialized Training
$$$ - $$$$ Accounting Clerks Automation Engineering Technicians Desktop Support Technicians
Associate Degree
Bachelor Degree
Human Resources Specialists Marketing Specialists Sales Analysts Sales Managers Sales Representatives
Material Planners Operations Managers Production Managers Supply Chain Analysts & Planners
$$$ - $$$$$
$$$ - $$$$$
Master/ Doctoral/ Professional Degree
$$$ - $$$$$ Engineering Managers
= more than 500 job postings in the past year Click the occupation to learn more For more information about Lehigh Valley careers, visit lehighvalley.org/hotcareers
$$$ Accountants & Auditors Computer Network Managers Engineers Electrical Mechanical Industrial Graphic Designers Software Developers
For more information about specific occupations, visit onetonline.org
$$$$$ ANNUAL SALARY RANGES $ $$ $$$ $$$$ $$$$$
$20,000 - $35,000 $35,000 - $50,000 $50,000 - $75,000 $75,000 - $100,000 More than $100,000
Source: JobsEQ (July 2025–June 2026), U.S. Department of Labor O*NET and employer feedback for education levels. LEHIGH VALLEY HOT CAREERS • 2026-2027
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Lehigh Valley Hot Careers
ARCHITECTURE & CONSTRUCTION
Education Level
General Business Operations
High School Diploma or Equivalent
Administrative Assistants Office Clerks Office Managers
Construction Laborers* Equipment Operators Maintenance Workers Painters* Roofers*
$$$
$$$ Architectural & Engineering Drafters
Carpenters* Construction Inspectors Electricians* Heavy Equipment Operators HVAC Technicians* Maintenance Supervisors Plumbers* Superintendents Welders
$$ - $$$
$$$ - $$$$
Certificate or Specialized Training
Associate Degree
Bachelor Degree
Construction & Construction Management
Architecture & Engineering
Accounting Clerks
Alarm Technicians
$$$
$$$
Accountants & Auditors Assistant Project Managers Business Development Representatives Construction Administrators Cost Estimators Operations Managers
Architectural Designers Engineers Civil Electrical Mechanical Project Managers
Construction Project Managers Project Engineers
$$$ - $$$$$
$$$ - $$$$$
$$$$ - $$$$$
Architects Engineering Managers
Master/ Doctoral/ Professional Degree
$$$$ - $$$$$
= more than 500 job postings in the past year Click the occupation to learn more For more information about Lehigh Valley careers, visit lehighvalley.org/hotcareers
For more information about specific occupations, visit onetonline.org
ANNUAL SALARY RANGES $ $$ $$$ $$$$ $$$$$
$20,000 - $35,000 $35,000 - $50,000 $50,000 - $75,000 $75,000 - $100,000 More than $100,000
*Apprenticeships available for noted occupations according to employer feedback. Source: JobsEQ (July 2025–June 2026), U.S. Department of Labor O*NET and employer feedback for education levels. 4
LEHIGH VALLEY HOT CAREERS • 2026-2027
Lehigh Valley Hot Careers
BUSINESS SERVICES
Education Level
General Business Operations
High School Diploma or Equivalent
Creative Services
Professional/ Technical Services
Administrative Assistants Billing Specialists Customer Service Representatives Office Clerks Office Managers Receptionists Sales Associates
Bank Tellers Cleaners Loan Processors Maintenance & Repair Workers Utility Locators
$ - $$$
$ - $$$$ Printing Press Operators
Maintenance Supervisors Real Estate Agents
$$
$$$ - $$$$
Certificate or Specialized Training Executive Secretaries
Accounting Clerks Cable Technicians Desktop Support Technicians
$$$
$$$
Associate Degree
Bachelor Degree
Master/ Doctoral/ Professional Degree
Advertising & Sales Representatives Claims Specialists General Managers Human Resources Managers Human Resources Specialists Project Coordinators Property Managers Purchasing Agents Sales Managers Training Coordinators
Content Writers Graphic Designers Marketing Managers Marketing Specialists Production Directors Social Media Coordinators
Accountants & Auditors Computer Systems Analysts Cybersecurity Engineers Data Analysts Engineers Financial Analysts Insurance Account Managers IT Managers Personal Bankers Software Developers Supply Chain Analysts System Administrators
$$$ - $$$$$
$$$ - $$$$$
$$$ - $$$$$
Management Analysts
Financial Managers Lawyers
$$$$$
$$$$$
= more than 500 job postings in the past year Click the occupation to learn more For more information about Lehigh Valley careers, visit lehighvalley.org/hotcareers
For more information about specific occupations, visit onetonline.org
ANNUAL SALARY RANGES $ $$ $$$ $$$$ $$$$$
$20,000 - $35,000 $35,000 - $50,000 $50,000 - $75,000 $75,000 - $100,000 More than $100,000
Source: JobsEQ (July 2025–June 2026), U.S. Department of Labor O*NET and employer feedback for education levels. LEHIGH VALLEY HOT CAREERS • 2026-2027
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Lehigh Valley Hot Careers
EDUCATION & TRAINING
Education Level
General Business Operations
High School Diploma or Equivalent
Student Support Services
Teaching/Training
Administrative Assistants Cafeteria Workers Janitors Maintenance & Repair Workers Office Clerks Office Managers Receptionists Security Guards
Daycare Workers
Aerobics Instructors
$ - $$$
$
$$
Bus Drivers
Vocational Education Teachers* *Must work toward acquiring PA teaching credentials.
$$ - $$$
$$$ - $$$$
Certificate or Specialized Training
Associate Degree
Bachelor Degree
Master/ Doctoral/ Professional Degree
Accounting Clerks Desktop Support Technicians IT Support Specialists
Registered Nurses
Instructional Assistants
$$$
$$$$
$
Accountants & Auditors College & University Department Professionals Human Resources Specialists Operations Managers Project Coordinators
Direct Support Professionals Social Workers/Caseworkers
Coaches Graduate Assistants School Teachers Pre-K Elementary School Middle School High School Career & Technical School
$$$$ - $$$$$
$$ - $$$
$$ - $$$$
Curriculum & Instruction Directors District Administrators School Administrators Superintendents
College Professors Counselors Library Directors School Psychologists Speech-Language Pathologists Substance Abuse Counselors
$$$$ - $$$$$
$$$ - $$$$$
= more than 500 job postings in the past year Click the occupation to learn more
For more information about Lehigh Valley careers, visit lehighvalley.org/hotcareers
For more information about specific occupations, visit onetonline.org
$$$ - $$$$$ ANNUAL SALARY RANGES $ $$ $$$ $$$$ $$$$$
$20,000 - $35,000 $35,000 - $50,000 $50,000 - $75,000 $75,000 - $100,000 More than $100,000
Source: JobsEQ (July 2025–June 2026), U.S. Department of Labor O*NET and employer feedback for education levels. 6
LEHIGH VALLEY HOT CAREERS • 2026-2027
Lehigh Valley Hot Careers
GOVERNMENT, LAW & PUBLIC SAFETY
Education Level
General Business Operations
High School Diploma or Equivalent
Government/ Law
Public Works & Safety
Activities Assistants Administrative Assistants Customer Service Representatives Janitors Office Clerks Office Managers
Court & Title Clerks Library Assistants
Corrections Officers Crossing Guards Groundskeepers Highway Maintenance Workers Lifeguards Maintenance & Repair Workers Police, Fire & Ambulance Dispatchers
$$ - $$$
$ - $$
$ - $$$ Criminal Investigators Deputy Sheriffs EMTs & Paramedics Firefighters Police Officers
Certificate or Specialized Training
$$ - $$$$$ Accounting Clerks
Paralegals & Legal Assistants
Detectives Police Supervisors Treatment Plant Operators
$$$
$$$
$$$ - $$$$$
Accountants & Auditors General Managers Project Coordinators
Social Workers/Caseworkers
Direct Support Professionals Probation Officers
$$$ - $$$$$
$$$
$$ - $$$
Associate Degree
Bachelor Degree
Lawyers Master/ Doctoral/ Professional Degree $$$ - $$$$$ = more than 500 job postings in the past year Click the occupation to learn more
For more information about Lehigh Valley careers, visit lehighvalley.org/hotcareers
For more information about specific occupations, visit onetonline.org
ANNUAL SALARY RANGES $ $$ $$$ $$$$ $$$$$
$20,000 - $35,000 $35,000 - $50,000 $50,000 - $75,000 $75,000 - $100,000 More than $100,000
Source: JobsEQ (July 2025–June 2026), U.S. Department of Labor O*NET and employer feedback for education levels. LEHIGH VALLEY HOT CAREERS • 2026-2027
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Lehigh Valley Hot Careers
HEALTH CARE
Education Level
General Business Operations
High School Diploma or Equivalent
Human Services & Support
Direct Patient Care
Administrative Assistants Food Service Workers Janitors & Housekeepers Maintenance & Repair Workers Office Clerks Office Managers Receptionists Scheduling Coordinators Security Guards
Behavioral Health Technicians Call Center Representatives Caregivers Direct Support Professionals Medical Receptionists Medical Records & Billing Specialists Patient Services Representatives Sterile Processing Technicians
Home Health Aides Ophthalmic Technicians Patient Care Technicians
$ - $$$
$ - $$$
$ - $$
Pharmacy Technicians
Certified Nursing Assistants EMTs & Paramedics Medical & Dental Assistants Phlebotomists
$$
$$ - $$$
Certificate or Specialized Training Accounting Clerks Desktop Support Technicians
Dental Hygienists Licensed Practical Nurses Radiologic Technologists Registered Nurses Respiratory Therapists Sonographers Therapy Assistants Occupational Physical
$$$
$$$ - $$$$
Associate Degree
Bachelor Degree
Master/ Doctoral/ Professional Degree
Accountants & Auditors Computer Systems Analysts Human Resources Specialists Medical & Health Services Managers Outpatient Practice Managers
Medical Technologists Social Workers & Caseworkers Child, Family, School Substance Abuse Counselors
Dietitians & Nutritionists Nursing Supervisors Therapists Occupational Physical Registered Respiratory
$$$ - $$$$$
$$ - $$$
$$$ - $$$$$
Health Care Executives Outpatient Practice Directors
Case Managers Clinical Psychologists Crisis Counselors Pharmacists
Nurse Practitioners Physician Assistants Physicians & Surgeons Speech-Language Pathologists
$$$$$
$$$ - $$$$$
= more than 500 job postings in the past year Click the occupation to learn more For more information about Lehigh Valley careers, visit lehighvalley.org/hotcareers
For more information about specific occupations, visit onetonline.org
$$$$$ ANNUAL SALARY RANGES $ $$ $$$ $$$$ $$$$$
$20,000 - $35,000 $35,000 - $50,000 $50,000 - $75,000 $75,000 - $100,000 More than $100,000
Source: JobsEQ (July 2025–June 2026), U.S. Department of Labor O*NET and employer feedback for education levels. 8
LEHIGH VALLEY HOT CAREERS • 2026-2027
Lehigh Valley Hot Careers
HOSPITALITY & TOURISM
Education Level
General Business Operations Customer Service Representatives Front Desk Agents Front Desk Managers
High School Diploma or Equivalent Preferred
Travel, Tourism, Lodging & Recreation
Food & Beverage Services Bakers Cooks Food Service Managers Food Service Workers
Maintenance & Repair Workers
Cashiers Delivery Drivers Groundskeepers Janitors & Housekeepers Janitorial & Housekeeping Supervisors
Office Clerks
Lifeguards
Receptionists
Ride Operators
Sales Associates Security Guards $ - $$$
$ - $$$
$ - $$
Bartenders
Fitness Trainers
$
$$$
Certificate or Specialized Training Preferred
Accounting Clerks
Chefs & Head Cooks
$$ - $$$
$$$
Associate Degree Preferred
Bachelor Degree Preferred
Accounting Managers
Facility Managers
General Managers
Hotel Managers
Sales Directors Sales Representatives $$$ - $$$$
$$$ - $$$$
= more than 500 job postings in the past year Click the occupation to learn more For more information about Lehigh Valley careers, visit lehighvalley.org/hotcareers
For more information about specific occupations, visit onetonline.org
ANNUAL SALARY RANGES $ $$ $$$ $$$$ $$$$$
$20,000 - $35,000 $35,000 - $50,000 $50,000 - $75,000 $75,000 - $100,000 More than $100,000
Tips are not included in average wages above. Experience can be substituted for education. Source: JobsEQ (July 2025–June 2026), U.S. Department of Labor O*NET and employer feedback for education levels. LEHIGH VALLEY HOT CAREERS • 2026-2027
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Lehigh Valley Hot Careers
LIFE SCIENCES
Education Level
Production, Maintenance & Logistics
General Business Operations Customer Service Representatives Office Administrators
High School Diploma or Equivalent
Office Clerks Office Managers
Science, Technology, Engineering & Math
Assemblers Machine Operators Maintenance & Repair Workers Material Movers Packaging Technicians Quality Control Inspectors Shipping Clerks
$$ - $$$
$$ - $$$ Electronic Technicians Maintenance Mechanics Production Supervisors
Phlebotomists
$$$ - $$$$
$$
Accounting Clerks
Quality Specialists
Chemical Technicians Histotechnologists Laboratory Assistants Laboratory Technicians Radiologic Technologists
$$$
$$$
$$$ - $$$$
Accountants & Auditors Compliance Specialists IT Managers Operations Managers Sales Managers Sales Representatives
Project Managers Quality Control Analysts Quality Control Managers
Chemists Cytotechnologists Engineers Industrial Mechanical Medical Technologists Software Developers
$$$$ - $$$$$
$$$ - $$$$$
$$$ - $$$$$
Certificate or Specialized Training
Associate Degree
Bachelor Degree
Medical Scientists Research Coordinators
Master/ Doctoral/ Professional Degree
$$$$$
= more than 500 job postings in the past year Click the occupation to learn more For more information about Lehigh Valley careers, visit lehighvalley.org/hotcareers
For more information about specific occupations, visit onetonline.org
ANNUAL SALARY RANGES $ $$ $$$ $$$$ $$$$$
$20,000 - $35,000 $35,000 - $50,000 $50,000 - $75,000 $75,000 - $100,000 More than $100,000
Source: JobsEQ (July 2025–June 2026), U.S. Department of Labor O*NET and employer feedback for education levels.
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LEHIGH VALLEY HOT CAREERS • 2026-2027
Lehigh Valley Hot Careers
TRANSPORTATION, DISTRIBUTION & LOGISTICS
Education Level
General Business Operations
Administrative Assistants Customer Service Representatives Janitors High School Diploma or Equivalent
Office Clerks Office Managers
Distribution & Logistics
Transportation
Couriers Delivery Drivers Dispatchers
Forklift Operators Maintenance & Repair Workers Material Movers Order Fillers
Sales Associates Talent Acquisition Specialists
Project Planners Quality Control Inspectors Shipping Clerks Warehouse Associates Warehouse Supervisors
$ - $$$
$ - $$$
$$ - $$$
Maintenance Supervisors
Automotive Technicians Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers
$$$$
$$$ - $$$$
Project Coordinators
Operations Managers
Certificate or Specialized Training Accounting Clerks Desktop Support Technicians Associate Degree $$ - $$$
Bachelor Degree
Account Managers Accountants & Auditors General Managers Human Resources Specialists Sales Managers Sales Representatives
Supply Chain Analysts
Training Coordinators $$$ - $$$$$
$$$ - $$$$
= more than 500 job postings in the past year Click the occupation to learn more For more information about Lehigh Valley careers, visit lehighvalley.org/hotcareers
For more information about specific occupations, visit onetonline.org
$$ - $$$$$ ANNUAL SALARY RANGES $ $$ $$$ $$$$ $$$$$
$20,000 - $35,000 $35,000 - $50,000 $50,000 - $75,000 $75,000 - $100,000 More than $100,000
Source: JobsEQ (July 2025–June 2026), U.S. Department of Labor O*NET and employer feedback for education levels. LEHIGH VALLEY HOT CAREERS • 2026-2027
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The mission of the Lehigh Valley Economic Development Corporation is to market the economic assets of the Lehigh Valley and to create partnerships to support the recruitment, growth, and retention of employers and the creation of jobs for people of all skill and education levels.
Our Vision Our vision is of a diverse Lehigh Valley economy that provides economic growth and opportunity for people of all skill and education levels and strengthens all our cities, boroughs, and townships.
Our Location Advantage TORONTO ROCHESTER
SYRACUSE
ALBANY
BOSTON PROVIDENCE
BUFFALO
NEW YORK CITY
LEHIGH VALLEY PHILADELPHIA
HARRISBURG
BALTIMORE WASHINGTON DC
520 N. New St., Bethlehem, PA 18018 Phone: 610-266-6775 • Fax: 610-266-7623 lehighvalley.org
©2026 Lehigh Valley Economic Development Corporation. All Rights Reserved. 10.26 LVEDC Lehigh Valley Hot Careers Template designed by Michelle Chrin. Photo Credits: Ryan Fisher, Joe Cleary Ambitious Engine, and LVEDC
Our Mission