These Are the Most In-demand Jobs During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Monica Jackson
Published Aug 9, 2024


You've probably seen the terrible news about the staggering 30 million Americans who've lost their jobs because of the COVID-19 pandemic. The industries with the biggest COVID-19 related job losses include restaurants and bars, tourism and hospitality and personal services. You might be wondering if there are any industries that are hiring. Whether you've lost your job because of the pandemic or you're looking to re-enter the workforce, here are some of the most in-demand jobs right now.

Specialty Cleaners


Businesses that have reopened or that have stayed open throughout the COVID-19 pandemic are required by local and state government officials to maintain a heightened level of sanitation and cleanliness. Their usual housekeeping staff who takes out the trash and tidies the magazines might not have the training, supplies or equipment to sanitize a doctor's office waiting room, patient care rooms or an office cafeteria. Specialty cleaners use hospital-grade cleaning agents and may be suiting up in biohazard gear in order to protect themselves from COVID-19 exposure and exposure to the strong cleaning chemicals.

Nannies


Many schools are going to do 100% virtual learning for the 2020-21 school year. As a result, there will also be no latchkey or after-school programs for kids to go to while their parents are at work. Kids who usually ride a bus will be home during those hours, too. This leaves a lot of parents in a bind. Parents whose work takes them outside of the home may wonder what their options are for childcare. Childcare centers have closed or reduced their capacities, and they usually only serve children who are infants to age five. If you're looking for a job, have CPR and first aid certification and a background check, consider being a nanny or childcare provider. You could even offer your services to two or three families, watching up to six children in one of their homes or in yours.

Warehouse Worker


Warehouses and distribution centers are working 24/7 in order to keep up with all the online orders people are placing. With stores restricting capacity and people reducing their shopping trips in order to lessen their risks, people are turning to online ordering for essentials and wants. From groceries and hygiene products to jigsaw puzzles and games, people are buying more online than ever. This means that warehouses can barely keep up with the work. They're hiring workers to drive forklifts, fulfill orders, pack orders and more. Keep in mind that these jobs can be physically intense, and you'll need to pass a background screening and drug test.

Delivery Drivers


Once those orders are packed at the warehouse, they enter a shipping and distribution system. UPS, FedEx and Amazon are all hiring delivery drivers. If you have a CDL, you'll have a higher chance at getting one of these jobs. Even if you don't have a CDL, you may still be able to get work as a delivery driver. Restaurants, small businesses and nonprofit and community services organizations are hiring people to drive minivans with deliveries. You could deliver for Meals on Wheels to seniors, delivery orders for restaurants or be the last-leg delivery person for Amazon packages.

Personal Shopper


People need groceries, but they might not want to or be able to do their own grocery shopping. There are several companies you can do freelance or gig work for as a personal shopper. Once you have an account, you pick and choose which jobs you want to do. You get paid based on the driving distance and the number of items in the order. Many of the customers will tip you, too. You can drop off the items in a no-contact manner according to the customer's instructions. If you like shopping, have reliable transportation and need to fill odd spans of time, this is a good option.

Online Tutor


If you have at least a bachelor's degree, you could do online tutoring. This is also an excellent choice for professionals who are furloughed or retired. With K-12 schools and many colleges, career centers and universities going mostly or all online for the 2020-21 school year, students won't be able to get in-person help from their instructors. If you're certified as a teacher, especially a special education or gifted teacher, you'll have many opportunities to work remotely with students who need specialized instruction on an hourly basis.

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