15 Secure Jobs for Recent College Graduates to Consider

If you're considering your future career, the chances are good that job security is a top factor.

One 2022 survey found that students consider job security the most important attribute of a potential job. Unemployment rates in the U.S. may be low, but it's still hard to beat the knowledge that your chosen career path is a safe bet!

Even better, many of the best secure jobs for recent college graduates are both exciting and rewarding. Some can even put you on the fast track to a lucrative long-term career.

Whether you're starting your freshman year or you're a recent grad, here are a few great career options with high job security.

1. Registered Nurse

Registered nurses, or RNs, are a crucial part of any healthcare team. These experts provide patient care while assisting other RNs, doctors, and medical teams.

Job Description

An RN's typical duties will depend on where they work. Things like the clinic size, the RN's specialty, and the patient type can make a huge difference. RNs may work in schools, hospitals, physicians' offices, and other healthcare settings.

In general, RNs will have to do all or most of the following:

• -Monitoring and assessing patients
• -Carrying out treatment plans
• -Evaluating and modifying treatment plans
• -Educating patients and families about treatment plans
• -Setting up and monitoring medical equipment
• -Documenting patients' medical records and current symptoms
• -Preparing patients for treatment
• -Assisting with procedures
• -Administering treatments and medications
• -Ordering clinical exams
•  

As you can likely guess, a registered nurse's schedule may look different from day to day!

Education and Training

To become an RN, students can follow a few different pathways.

Most often, students will need to begin with an associate's or bachelor's degree in nursing. These programs always include clinical experience. Students work under licensed medical professionals to work with patients hands-on.

Next, graduates need to pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) and get licensed in the state where they want to work. Additional training and certification may be necessary, depending on the state you live in.

RNs can also focus on specific areas. With further training, RNs can specialize in pediatric, surgical, or neonatal nursing, for example.

Job Outlook

Registered nurses are always in demand, making this a great choice for long-term job stability. Experts predict this job to grow faster than the average for all occupations. In addition, unemployment rates for RNs tend to be low.

As of May 2022, the average pay for an RN was over $80,000. In general, the rewarding work with patients often means RNs have high job satisfaction.

2. Nurse Practitioner

If you're interested in nursing but want to further your career options, consider becoming a nurse practitioner, or NP. These are registered nurses who have gone through additional education and training.

Job Description

Nurse practitioners' extra training allows them to perform more healthcare duties than a registered nurse. In addition to the RN duties above, NPs may also do the following:

• -Diagnose and treat different chronic conditions
• -Prescribe medications
• -Creating treatment plans
• -Perform initial patient exams
• -Operate various medical equipment
• -Interpret and evaluate test results
• -Communicate test results to patients and families
•  

Though their duties overlap with RNs, NPs function more like physicians. They have more independence and can create and carry out their own treatment plans. After working as an RN for a while, becoming a nurse practitioner is a great way to increase your earning potential and further your skills.

Education and Training

Nurse practitioners often start out as RNs, but not always.

All NPs need two to four years of further education than an RN. They must have a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree or a doctorate.

Beyond this, NPs must get additional board certification depending on their specialty of choice. They also need to get a license in the state where they want to work.

Job Outlook

Experts expect the need for nurse practitioners to rise much faster than the average, and unemployment rates are low. Even better, NPs can expect a mean annual wage of $124,680.

Because they work to improve patients' health and lives like RNs do, NPs often have high job satisfaction as well.

3. Dentist

Experts recommend that patients see a dentist at least once every six months, which is why this job has such great job security. As the growing population of aging adults starts needing more dental care, dentists will be in even higher demand.

Job Description

Dentists work to clean, preserve, and protect their patients' teeth. The duties of a dentist may include the following:

• -Removing tartar and plaque
• -Deep cleaning or scaling the teeth and gums
• -Analyzing X-rays and other imaging
• -Measuring and making models of patients' teeth
• -Fitting dental appliances such as braces
• -Filling cavities
• -Applying sealants
• -Screening patients for oral diseases and infections
• -Removing chipped or cracked teeth
• -Prescribing medications
• -Educating patients about their conditions and oral health best practices

While dentists can do a great deal for a patient's teeth, they may have to refer patients to a specialist for certain conditions.

Education and Training

All dentists start by obtaining a bachelor's degree. This degree doesn't need to be in any specific field, but certain fields can give you a leg up when you move on to the other requirements. Chemistry and biology degrees, for example, give students a great background in things they'll need to know as a dentist.

Aspiring dentists should then take the Dental Admission Test (DAT) to get into dental school. Higher scores give you a better chance of acceptance.

Next, students will need to attend dental school. Most programs take four years.

The options for dental doctorate degrees are Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) or Doctor of Medicine in Dentistry (DMD). Both involve the same curriculum and schooling, so there's no real difference between them.

After graduation, students must get a valid license in the state where they want to practice dentistry.

Job Outlook

Dentistry is a low-stress profession with a great job outlook. In the U.S., the median annual wage for dentists is $159,530. Experts predict low unemployment rates continuing into the future, and employment should grow about as fast as the average for all jobs.

4. Data Scientist

The modern world is generating huge stores of data, both online and offline. The role of the data scientist is to turn that raw data into something users can understand. Because industry leaders are leaning on these experts for help, data scientists can expect long-term job stability.

Job Description

The duties of a data scientist may involve multiple fields. Expertise in statistics, computer programming, and machine learning can help.

Though a data scientist's work will differ from job to job, here are a few duties they can expect to carry out:

• -Assessing the accuracy and effectiveness of data
• -Mining data from various data sources
• -Processing and cleaning data
• -Using statistical learning models to analyze data
• -Communicating their analysis to stakeholders in user-friendly language
• -Collaborating with stakeholders to use data for problem-solving
• -Staying on top of industry and tech trends
• -Creating prediction systems
• -Working with machine learning algorithms
• -Proposing strategies to tackle industry challenges

As you can see, successful data scientists need great math and computer skills, but they also need crucial soft skills like communication.

Education and Training

The education requirements for a data scientist can vary. Most employers will require a bachelor's degree in data science, computer science, or programming.

More important than a student's degree choice is their training. During and after college, data scientists must grow their skill set either on their own, on the job, or through further coursework.

As mentioned above, data scientists need a foundation in math, statistics, machine learning, and programming. In addition, applicants should have hands-on experience working with databases and big data.

Taking an internship, undergoing a programming boot camp, or applying for related entry-level work are all steps in the right direction.

Job Outlook

Data science is a new but fast-growing career, with experts predicting a whopping 35% growth from 2022 to 2032. Because the skills and background for this career are so demanding, salaries are often high. The median annual data scientist salary is $103,500.

5. Physical Therapist

Physical therapists are experts in rehabilitative care. They work with patients who need help managing pain or injuries.

Due to the growing older population, physical therapy is in high demand. As adult generations age, more people than ever will need physical therapists to help them stay mobile later in life.

Job Description

Physical therapists can work in a wide range of settings. Often, they'll work in hospitals, medical clinics, schools, or sports clinics. No matter where they work, they'll need to perform a few key duties:

• -Consulting with patients to learn about their condition
• -Reviewing and maintaining patient records
• -Diagnosing mobility issues through observation
• -Creating tailored goals and treatment plans
• -Modifying treatment plans as needed
• -Teaching patients stretches and strengthening exercises
• -Performing hands-on therapy as needed

Because their work focuses on mobility and activity, the average day for a physical therapist requires a lot of movement. These experts are often on their feet, making physical therapy a great career for anyone who wants to merge their passion for helping others with a more active lifestyle.

Education and Training

Aspiring physical therapists need a medical background.

Students should begin by earning a bachelor's degree in a related field. Health science, sports, and biology are good choices.

The next step is a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program. Some schools allow you to do a "3+3 program," which means you'll do three years of undergrad and then a three-year DPT program.

Regardless of what you choose, you'll then need to take the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE). Once you pass, you'll need to get a license to practice in your state.

Residency and fellowship programs can help you further your training and find a specialty. They can also make you a more competitive job applicant.

Job Outlook

As mentioned above, physical therapy is in high demand and will continue to be so. Experts project employment to grow faster than average at a rate of 15% over the next decade. The median annual wage for a physical therapist is $97,720.

6. Speech-Language Pathologist

Speech-language pathologists help their patients develop their speech abilities. They often work with people who have speech disorders or impairments. Because there are so many causes of speech disorders, these experts need a range of skills and training.

Job Description

Speech-language pathologists work with people of all ages. They treat problems with literacy, communication, fluency, swallowing, and speech sounds. They may work in schools, hospitals, or private practices.

These healthcare professionals must be able to tackle a range of duties:

• -Identify speech, language, communication, and swallowing difficulties
• -Create treatment plans for these disorders
• -Maintain patient records
• -Track and analyze patients' progress
• -Help patients learn coping strategies
• -Educate patients and their families on building and maintaining fluency
• -Collaborate with other healthcare professionals
• -Provide rehabilitation for hard-of-hearing or deaf patients

Some speech-language pathologists specialize in specific treatments. They may work only with patients of certain age groups or those who struggle with certain disorders.

Education and Training

A career in speech-language pathology starts with a bachelor's degree. Graduating from college with a degree related to this field, like linguistics, English, language development, or education, can be helpful.

Next, students must obtain a graduate degree in Audiology and Speech Pathology. Graduate students will take coursework in ethics and human development, treatment for communication disorders, and cognitive psychology. In addition, students will get hands-on experience through a clinical practicum.

With a graduate degree, aspiring speech-language pathologists have to pass a special exam. The Praxis exam in speech-language pathology is necessary if you want to earn your state license. You can also earn various board certifications to specialize in areas like swallowing disorders or fluency disorders.

In some cases, employers will also want applicants to have a Ph.D. in speech-language pathology.

Job Outlook

The job outlook for speech-language pathologists hovers at around 19%. This means the field is growing much faster than the average. These professionals earn a median annual wage of $84,140.

7. Web Developer

These days, if a business doesn't have a website, customers might not even know they exist. One survey found that 98% of small business owners have a website, with many prioritizing it as an online storefront or source for brand news.

That's why web developers are so crucial. These experts help create the front and/or back end of websites for different organizations. As the modern world focuses more and more on online interactions, web developers are becoming more essential than ever.

Job Description

Web developers work in code. They may have a career in a marketing, tech, or advertising firm, or they may provide freelance services to clients. In general, these are the duties to expect:

• -Design the user interface and navigation of a website
• -Write code using various programming languages
• -Write code for various applications
• -Help secure websites against potential threats
• -Perform site audits and basic site maintenance
• -Perform website updates as needed
• -Collaborate with various stakeholders
• -Back up files to local directories

In some roles, web developers may also do web design. However, this isn't always the case.

Education and Training

If you're a tech-minded student who loves computers and programming, a web development role may be the best job out of college for you.

Students should consider majoring in a related field for a background in the basics. Web development, computer science, user experience, and web design are all great choices.

More important than a student's choice of degree is their skills. Aspiring web designers should know key coding languages like HTML, JavaScript, and CSS for front-end web development. For back-end web development, students should learn Python, Java, and/or Ruby.

With your degree and skills, you'll want to build a portfolio of work. This shows off your skills and acts as a great addition to any resume.

Job Outlook

As mentioned, web developers are in high demand. Experts predict that hiring for web developers will grow faster than average over the next few years. Web developers can expect to make around $78,580.

8. Information Security Consultant

Websites may help companies grow their brand, but they can also make businesses vulnerable. Cyberattacks are on the rise, with 43% of them targeting small businesses. As a result, cybersecurity expertise is becoming more and more vital, making it a secure field for students in 2023 and beyond.

Job Description

Most cybersecurity experts work at IT, tech, or financial firms. Most of their work focuses on protecting their clients from harmful attacks. They will often do the following:

• -Monitoring clients' systems and networks
• -Check for and address system and network vulnerabilities
• -Doing penetration tests to find possible issues
• -Documenting updates and breaches
• -Developing security measures for their clients
• -Educating clients on security measures and best practices
• -Helping clients set up new security systems

Because cyberattackers are always trying new approaches, information security consultants have their work cut out for them! They must stay vigilant and research new technology and possible threats.

Education and Training

IT security pros often start with a bachelor's in cybersecurity. Other good degrees include computer science, computer engineering, or information technology. A background in programming languages like Python and JavaScript is also a plus. 

However, not all information security consultants get a related degree. For graduates who want to learn vital skills fast, cybersecurity boot camps are fast-paced programs that can help.

From there, it's crucial to get experience. Entry-level roles in IT or cybersecurity are good options. These roles also allow you to learn from experienced professionals and to work your way up to mid-level roles.

After a few years as a mid-level cybersecurity expert, industry certifications are the way to go. Becoming a Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP), for example, shows the highest ability in the field. With certifications like this, you'll be better poised to apply for consultant work.

Job Outlook

This fast-growing job will see growth of over 30% over the next few years. In addition, workers enjoy a high medium wage, which is $112,000 as of 2022.

9. Accountant

People will never stop needing financial guidance and help. If you have a good head for numbers, accounting can be a great career choice!

Accountants help their clients manage their finances, budgets, investments, and more. They may work with individuals or businesses, and they can specialize in a wide range of fields.

Job Description

In general, accountants spend all of their time working with money. They must have a keen eye for detail, and they also must be able to translate their technical advice and reports into language their clients can understand. Here are some examples of an accountant's responsibilities:

• -Reconciling payments and bank statements with ledgers
• -Managing income and expenses
• -Preparing budgets and forecasts
• -Processing taxes and returns
• -Generating financial reports
• -Summarizing financial documents for stakeholders
• -Advising stakeholders based on financial options
• -Keeping financial information secure

In addition, accountants often must stay on top of ever-changing state and local laws related to finance. This ensures that their clients remain compliant with all laws.

Education and Training

Choosing a career in accounting requires the right bachelor's degree. Majoring in accounting is a minimum requirement for most accounting jobs, though some states don't require a degree.

During or after graduating college, you can begin applying for work internships or entry-level roles. These early roles can help you develop the soft skills you'll need to further your career.

Many accountants also pursue advanced certifications down the line. This allows them to specialize in areas like public accounting, taxes, or auditing. In addition, becoming a certified public accountant (CPA) can increase your earning potential.

Job Outlook

The accounting field is a stable one, growing about as fast as the average for other jobs. As mentioned above, accountants are always in demand! If you choose to go into this field, you can expect a median annual wage of $78,000.

10. Veterinarian

A huge percentage of Americans own at least one pet, so it stands to reason that vets are in high demand! This profession is great for anyone who loves working with animals, enhancing pets' health and welfare, and helping owners address their concerns.

Job Description

Veterinarians often work alongside a team in animal clinics, hospitals, farms, or zoos. They may perform a wide range of duties:

• -Performing diagnostic tests and interpreting exam results
• -Diagnosing and treating injuries and illnesses in animals
• -Dressing wounds and performing surgery
• -Providing emergency care
• -Reviewing animals' medical histories
• -Creating and analyzing treatment plans and diets
• -Administering vaccines and prescribing medication
• -Educating owners and caretakers about preventative care

Many vets also work to monitor and control the spread of diseases. This may include procedures like quarantines or testing. This is a vital public health service, as some diseases in animals can transfer to human hosts.

Education and Training

Like doctors, veterinarians need years of medical training.

Their education begins in college. In undergrad, students should take coursework related to veterinary science. The best college degrees for vets include animal science, biology, chemistry, and biochemistry.

Next, aspiring vets should apply for veterinary school. There are just over 30 vet schools in the U.S., so successful applications must be competitive. Students with related internship or volunteer experience and high GRE scores are more likely to get in.

Vet school programs often last for four years. After graduation, students will also need to pass a state licensing exam. They will also need to go through continuing education on a regular basis.

Job Outlook

Most veterinarians find their work rewarding. In addition to their efforts to help animals and protect public health, they make a median annual wage of $103,260. In addition, experts predict that the employment of veterinarians will grow by 20% over the next few years, which is much faster than the average for other careers.

11. Teacher

No matter where you live, schools will always need skilled classroom instructors. Teachers make their mark on students of all levels, cultivating their interest in and understanding of the world around them.

Job Description

The duties of a teacher often vary by subject and student age. In general, teachers will be responsible for the following things:

• -Developing lesson plans and giving lessons
• -Supervising students to create a safe, comfortable environment
• -Setting rules and managing student behavior
• -Creating, giving, and grading assignments
• -Recording student grades for progress reports and report cards
• -Working with students one-on-one
• -Creating individualized instruction for students

Though most of a teacher's work is with their students, they often must also attend or lead various meetings with parents, staff, and other educators. This can help them track their students' progress and collaborate on ways to better support them.

Education and Training

Before attending college, many teachers begin getting experience via volunteer work or extracurricular activities that let them work with kids.

In undergrad, there are several different pathways to a career in education.

Many aspiring teachers major in education, whether this is general, primary, secondary, physical, or special education. Other students instead decide to major in the subject they wish to teach.

Education-based degrees often include classroom experience as part of the coursework. On the other hand, students who major in other subjects may go on to get a master's in teaching, a one- or two-year program that focuses on education and practical experience.

Aspiring teachers should then get their state teaching license. Most states require teachers to pass several tests to look for subject knowledge and a background in education.

Job Outlook

Educators of all kinds are in high demand, making this a stable job for college students. The pay for a teacher can vary from around $24,000 to $44,000 depending on the region and school. This may not be one of the highest-paying careers on this list, but education is a rewarding field for anyone who enjoys making an impact on young minds.

12. Social Worker

Social workers are mental health professionals who help people improve their well-being. They may work with issues related to mental and emotional health, education, finance, or family dynamics. For students with a passion for social justice, this may be an exciting career choice.

Job Description

These professionals work with a wide range of people, from children to young teens to adults and families. As a result, they'll also tackle a huge range of situations and may carry out some or all of the duties below:

• -Using interviews and questionnaires to assess client needs
• -Developing therapy, counseling, or treatment plans
• -Keeping records of treatment plans and assessments
• -Providing emotional support and counseling
• -Researching available resources and options for clients
• -Educating clients about their resources and options
• -Advocating on clients' behalf
• -Collaborating with healthcare providers, educators, and law enforcement officers

Successful social workers should feel comfortable in a wide range of work environments. They should also be skilled at finding solutions for complex issues.

Education and Training

Aspiring social workers will earn a degree in social work or a relevant field. Students should also get practical experience while in undergrad. Social work volunteer experience and internships are crucial for gaining insights into the profession.

Many social workers also seek advanced degrees as they further their careers. A two- or three-year master's degree in social work is great for providing extra knowledge and expertise. These programs concentrate on both education and supervised fieldwork.

This further education is ideal for clinical social workers who want to specialize. Some clinical social workers decide to work only in schools or mental health clinics, for example. Others may work only with substance abuse patients or geriatric clients.

Last, social workers need a state license in most, but not all, U.S. states. This requires you to pass an exam and have a certain number of continuing education hours.

Job Outlook

Employment in social work is growing faster than the average for other jobs, with experts predicting almost 64,000 job openings each year over the next decade. The median annual wage for a social worker is a little over $55,000.

13. Psychologist

Like social workers, psychologists work to improve their clients' well-being. However, these experts focus only on their cognitive, emotional, and social well-being. They help give their clients the tools they need to manage addiction, stress, disease, and behavioral issues.

Job Description

There are many different areas of specialty in this field. Focus areas include everything from aviation and forensic psychologists to school or environmental psychologists. As a result, the average psychologist may perform all or only some of these duties:

• -Assessing and diagnosing patients
• -Providing therapy and other treatments
• -Educating patients
• -Referring patients to other experts or clinics
• -Recording and reporting patient progress
• -Conducting studies and collecting data
• -Analyzing data and making conclusions
• -Collaborating with other professionals
• -Ensuring their practices meet ethical standards

In most cases, psychologists will spend the majority of their time working closely with their patients.

Education and Training

As you might expect, the best way to launch this career is to get a degree in psychology. You should also take courses related to any specialty you prefer, like cognitive or developmental psychology.

Research and volunteer opportunities are also important at this stage and beyond. They can make your application for graduate school more competitive.

Aspiring psychologists can get one of two degrees. Either a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) or a Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.) may be ideal, but it depends on your chosen specialty. With both options, you'll likely create a dissertation and get pre-professional experience.

After your doctoral studies, you'll need to apply for a license to practice in your state.

Job Outlook

This field is enjoying faster-than-average job growth and will continue growing for the next several years. The salary for a psychologist varies by specialty, but the median annual salary is $85,330.

14. Architect

Creative, math-minded students might want to consider a career in architecture for a secure job. This field allows workers to make a lasting impression on the shape of buildings and cities, and there's a wide range of options for specialization. Established architects often have opportunities to launch their own firms, making this career path ideal for anyone looking for a more independent job.

Job Description

An architect's duties can vary a great deal.

Professionals may focus on residential, commercial, or industrial architecture. They may do interior architecture, landscape architecture, or restore the existing structure and design of historical buildings. Some architects work in urban planning or focus on sustainable architecture to make buildings more eco-friendly.

However, because they're always responsible for creating sound, well-organized structures, they'll need to spend time doing the following:

• -Making bids on projects they want to build
• -Developing time and cost estimates for building construction
• -Working with clients and other architects to plan projects
• -Designing buildings that comply with local codes and meet client needs
• -Overseeing the ongoing construction of buildings
• -Collaborating with construction professionals during the build

Good architects will also stay up-to-date on the latest design and industry trends. In addition, architects may need to stay on top of changing local laws and zoning requirements.

Education and Training

Successful architects will begin with a Bachelor of Architecture degree. Not all schools offer an accredited program, so it's important to check with the National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB). In many cases, these accredited programs will take five years to complete, not four.

After graduation, most states require young architects to participate in a three-year internship with an experienced architecture firm.

Getting a state license requires proof that you've finished this internship. You'll also need to pass a seven-part exam. With your state license, you'll be able to start applying for architect positions in your area.

Job Outlook

As you might imagine, the salary for an architect varies by specialty. However, the median annual wage is around $82,000. Experts predict that this field will grow a little faster than the average at a rate of 5%.

15. Pharmacist

These healthcare professionals specialize in prescription medicine. As you might guess, the main role of a pharmacist is filling prescriptions, but pharmacists also work with other medical professionals and have an extensive background in healthcare management.

Job Description

Most pharmacists work in a pharmacy, including those in clinics, hospitals, or stores. To serve their clients' needs, they may have to work evenings, nights, and holidays. Here are the duties you can expect from a pharmacy career:

• -Reviewing patients' allergies and medication lists to ensure their safety
• -Evaluating medication doses
• -Retrieving prescriptions
• -Educating customers about their medications
• -Answering questions in person or via message or phone call
• -Administering vaccinations
• -Administering health tests
• -Performing health screenings
• -Contacting and collaborating with insurance companies

In some pharmacies, the pharmacist works alone. In others, pharmacists may also have to supervise other health workers, technicians, or store employees.

Education and Training

Pharmacy students often start with a related science degree. Pre-pharmacy, biology, or chemistry are good options.

To gain admission to a pharmacy school, college grads need to take the PCAT, or the Pharmacy College Admissions test. Higher scores make you more competitive when enrolling in a pharmacy program.

Next, aspiring pharmacists need a Doctor of Pharmacy degree, or a Pharm.D. These programs often take four years, though some offer an expedited three-year program.

Following graduation, you'll need to work through your residency. Often, this process takes two years or longer.

Last, you'll need to get a state license. In most states, this requires you to pass multiple exams. These exams test your general practice knowledge and competency.

Job Outlook

The pharmacy field is growing about as fast as the average for all jobs. Pharmacists tend to experience solid job satisfaction and can expect to make a median annual salary of $132,750.

Try These Secure Jobs for Recent College Graduates

Choosing your career can sometimes feel like a gamble: how do you know which jobs you'll be able to stick with for years to come? Fortunately, the right jobs for recent college graduates are a great place to start your search! Consider the career paths above for high job security, long-term self-improvement, and great job satisfaction.

As you work to navigate college, your career choice, and beyond, Honor Society is here to help. As the most inclusive academic and professional achievement society in the U.S., we help students reach success, showcase their achievements, and network with professionals in their chosen fields. To learn more about what we offer, contact us with questions or become a member today.