Alabama’s job market is booming, and many sought-after opportunities exist across several significant business sectors. The Alabama Committee on Credentialing and Career Pathways (ACCCP) has recently developed a list of the most flourishing professional fields found in the Yellowhammer State. Co-chaired by the Alabama State Superintendent of Education and the Chancellor of the Alabama Community College System, the ACCCP has seven regional members appointed by the governor who work annually to pinpoint regional and statewide in-demand occupations, career pathways, and credentials of value.
This essential work provides data needed by young adults and graduates entering the workforce to determine which career path they should choose. Unsurprisingly, these markets are diverse, in-demand, and thriving across not only Alabama but also the entire country. The fact that these fields are so successful in the state shows the strength of Alabama’s employment offerings and yet another reason why residents and recent graduates are finding dream jobs right here at home.
Medical and Health Service Managers
In Alabama, healthcare is an economic leader with robust employment opportunities in virtually every community. Birmingham is Alabama’s largest city and healthcare hub, but the state also features a vast amount of smaller local hospitals, specialized facilities, medical centers, and same-day clinics. As an innovator in the healthcare industry, Alabama’s healthcare sector will continue to evolve and grow. With this growth, Medical and Health Service Managers become more critical to company success. These administrators design, direct, and manage medical and health services in specific offices or entire facilities. Day-to-day operations are key to both productivity and continued knowledge of procedures, further highlighting the need for skilled workers in this career path. Medical and health service managers need a bachelor’s or master’s degree and earn between $99K-$160K annually.
Industrial Engineers
From automotive manufacturing to aerospace, Alabama’s industrial sector is vital to the state’s economy. Additionally, numerous other industrial businesses are prospering in Alabama, including those in chemical manufacturing and steel production. With ample opportunities available, industrial engineers are highly sought after in the state. While industrial engineers wear many hats, some of their responsibilities include the development of job assessment programs, identifying and removing wastefulness in manufacturing processes, and devising efficient systems that integrate various elements essential for production. Regardless of industry, engineers keep Alabama moving forward. Industrial engineers need a bachelor’s degree in the subject and can expect an average salary of 88k per year with the salary range in Alabama being $60K-$100K.
Construction Managers
As an innovative, business-friendly Alabama continues to grow, develop, and lead the country in numerous ventures, the need for construction managers has never been higher. Construction management professionals assist in both individual and business-related projects of varying scopes by managing the expenditures, quality of materials, building schedules, and safety protocols. Handling such projects means preparing and following project budgets, hiring and managing staff, and coordinating with other workers and managers. With a plethora of new projects on the horizon, new construction managers in Alabama will continue to be needed. Employees in this field earn a mean salary of $88K, and the pay range in Alabama is $53K-$120K depending on experience. Construction managers generally have an associate or bachelor’s degree in construction, in addition to several years of experience.
Management Analysts
Success brings the need for efficiency, especially in major industries with many moving parts. Management analysts, also known as management consultants, help Alabama companies improve and maximize productivity. Working in a fast-growing field, management analysts assemble and organize business data to increase effectiveness and profit. The problem-solving employees can find a rewarding, limitless career assisting Alabama businesses in becoming the best versions of themselves. Management analysts, on average, earn over $90K and can make up to $100K with experience. Most of these positions require a bachelor’s or postgraduate degree, depending on the specialty.
Software Developers & Software Quality Assurance Analysts & Testers
A bourgeoning tech hub, Alabama has the right combination of business environment and technical ecosystem to attract companies from an array of industries. As the operations increase, specialties continue to be needed, including those skilled in software development and software quality assurance. Huntsville, Birmingham, and Mobile have all seen a heightened desire for professionals who can work in software and quality assurance (QA) for aerospace, defense, automotive technology, and much more. Developers generate computer applications with detailed responsibilities and monitor original systems in command of networks. Meanwhile, QA analysts and testers design and perform software checks to recognize snags and better understand how the software performs. Each position ensures safety, quality, and advancement for tech businesses. The mean salary for these careers is $98K, while the range is $55K-$160K. A bachelor’s in science is generally required, as is testing experience.
Registered Nurses
Due to stability, medical advancements, and an emphasis on innovative treatment, Alabama is at the forefront of superior healthcare and its constantly changing needs. The state has consistently shown a steadfast dedication to refining and enhancing healthcare for all in the many initiatives related to improving health and wellness, minimizing health inequality, and creating more access to quality care. Supply simply cannot keep up with demand, so healthcare employers are persistently hiring employees by proposing incredible benefits and competitive pay. This challenge is evident in nursing, where the need continues to rise with both an increased population and an expanded need for specialized care. Nursing is fundamental in all healthcare, but the field is also showing particular growth in areas such as hospice, home healthcare, and geriatric care. An associate degree or bachelor’s degree in nursing is required, and the mean salary for Alabama nurses is $59K annually.
Human Resources Specialists
With so many businesses either flocking to or beginning in Alabama, it is natural to see an uptick in human resources (HR) positions. Human resources specialists have several responsibilities, but they mainly focus on recruiting, training, and retaining employees. HR is also responsible for many important aspects of company policy, including knowledge of benefits, compensation, and termination policies. Alabama’s business progress and expansion means human resources are a required need for nearly every company in this state. A bachelor’s degree in management is required for this position, and the average salary is $59K. The pay range for human resources specialists in Alabama is $39K-$79K.
Accountants & Auditors
Alabama’s advantageous business climate continues to thrive due to its strong economy, low taxes, and favorable business policies. In turn, Alabama’s finance sector has developed its presence through large national institutions, such as Regions, BVBA Compass, and Protective Life Insurance. An excelling finance sector means a strong demand for accountants and auditors across the state who can create and review financial records, spot dangers or opportunities, and offer solutions to any finance-related issues. Alabama accountants and auditors have a bevy of opportunities in multiple sectors, depending on interest or professional goals. Accountants and auditors can expect a mean salary of $59K with potential pay up to $70K with experience. Applicants will need a bachelor’s degree in accounting or finance.
Learn More about Alabama Opportunities
For information on what is happening in the Alabama job scene as well as reasons why so many people and companies are moving here for business, visit here.