2025’s Top Careers: What’s Hot in Hiring Right Now

New year, same hustle and it’s already a busy one.

On the first 2025 episode of The Hirewell Update, we jumped straight into what everyone wants to know: which roles are growing fastest, and what that says about where the job market’s headed. From AI engineers to travel advisors (yes, really), we break down LinkedIn’s “Jobs on the Rise” report and what it means for candidates, hiring managers, and curious onlookers alike.

Let’s just say: the job market isn’t just changing. It’s expanding in directions few predicted.

AI: Still Dominating the Conversation, and the Hiring

We couldn’t start this episode without talking about the big one: artificial intelligence.

AI Engineers

These aren’t just hot roles, they’re shaping the future of how every industry operates. AI engineers are building the tech behind automation, LLMs, and NLP systems. Skills like Python, PyTorch, and prompt engineering are in high demand.

Where? San Francisco, NYC, Boston, and, of course, remote. Nearly 35% of these roles are fully remote, with another 25% hybrid. That flexibility isn’t going anywhere.

AI Consultants

Less code, more strategy. AI consultants help companies figure out how to use all that powerful tech. With ~4.5 years of experience and a solid technical foundation, these pros are becoming must-haves for forward-looking teams. Hybrid setups dominate here too, flexibility matters even in strategy.

A Surprise Comeback: Travel Advisors

In a post-COVID world, travel isn’t just back— it’s booming. And people are done winging it.

That’s where travel advisors come in. They’re curating full experiences, leveraging social media, and offering expert guidance. 80% of them are women. And about 27% are working remotely, so yes, it’s a serious career and a solid side hustle, too.

Also, side note: Emily’s planning her honeymoon with one. (She’s already ahead of the curve.)

Healthcare Is Still Hiring: Enter the Physical Therapist

Demand for physical therapists is climbing, especially in urban centers like New York and Chicago. While remote work isn’t an option here (this role is the definition of hands-on), job security and human interaction make it a fulfilling path for those in healthcare.

Fun fact: nearly two-thirds of physical therapists are women, continuing the trend of female representation in care-based roles.

Sustainability Specialists: Green Jobs, Real Growth

Environmental analyst. Sustainability specialist. Whatever the title, this role is rising fast.

These professionals help organizations assess their social and environmental impact and actually do something about it. With climate tech taking off and new regulations coming from the EU and U.S., this is more than a buzzword. It’s a full-on hiring category.

We’ve seen it ourselves. Climate tech clients are ramping up, and this trend is just getting started.

AI + Everything Else: The Crossover Begins

One theme we kept coming back to? Cross-pollination. AI is bleeding into every industry, from sustainability to healthcare, and it’s raising the bar for technical literacy and adaptability across the board.

Whether it’s learning how AI is changing your field, upskilling into tech, or embracing new roles altogether, flexibility is key. The winners in 2025 will be the ones willing to evolve with the work.

The Takeaway: It’s a Year of Opportunity (If You’re Ready)

Tech is bouncing back. Healthcare remains strong. Green jobs are real. And flexibility, both in mindset and role structure, is a make-or-break factor.

If you’re a job seeker, keep your eye on momentum and upskilling opportunities.
If you’re a hiring leader, know that competition for specialized roles is heating up fast.

And if you’re not sure where you fit yet? You’re not alone. But now’s the time to figure it out.

For deeper insights, fresh trends, and custom hiring help, visit talentinsights.hirewell.com or learn more at hirewell.com.
We’re back for another season of The Hirewell Update, tune in and let’s navigate 2025 together.