The Hot 45: A Look at Arkansas’ In-Demand Occupations for 2025-26
By Arkansas Next on Tuesday, November 4, 2025
Each year, the Arkansas Division of Workforce Services (DWS) releases their “Hot 45” list, revealing the most in-demand occupations in the state. These are occupations that currently have or are projected to have a large number of open positions within an industry sector that has or will have a significant impact in the state.
For many students, choosing an occupation in which they will easily find work after graduation is enough-said!
High Skill
OCCUPATION
TOTAL ANNUAL OPENINGS
General and Operations Managers
3,495
$87,730
Registered Nurses
2,017
$77,720
Elementary School Teachers
944
$54,400
Secondary School Teachers
874
$58,820
Accountants and Auditors
853
$75,720
Medical and Health Services Managers
811
$101,100
Financial Managers
706
$128,690
Management Analysts
687
$80,610
Market Research Analysts and Marketing Specialists
643
$54,140
Clergy
643
$71,970
Project Management Specialists
591
$92,490
Human Resources Specialists
571
$61,630
Buyers and Purchasing Agents
542
$82,630
Middle School Teachers
488
$56,700
Software Developers
442
$100,380
Moderate Skill
OCCUPATION
TOTAL ANNUAL OPENINGS
Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers
3,420
$56,570
Nursing Assistants
2,937
$33,350
Bookkeeping, Accounting, and Auditing Clerks
1,518
$43,320
Teaching Assistants
1,389
$33,300
Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses
1,011
$52,540
Preschool Teachers
779
$37,000
Medical Assistants
769
$38,060
Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics
627
$47,900
Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers
533
$50,010
Dental Assistants
452
$40,730
Hairdressers, Hairstylists and Cosmetologists
365
$30,480
Physical Therapist Assistants
328
$64,020
Computer User Support Specialists
295
$51,809
Firefighters
253
$43,870
Medical Records Specialist
170
$46,430
Basic Skill
OCCUPATION
TOTAL ANNUAL OPENINGS
Fast Food and Counter Workers
10,107
$27,010
Cashiers
5,987
$27,000
Stockers and Order Fillers
4,907
$34,920
Retail Salesperson
4,811
$33,070
Farmers, Ranchers and Other Agricultural Managers
4,054
N/A
Waiters and Waitresses
3,832
$29,380
Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, Hand
3,544
$35,530
Office Clerks
3,520
$39,320
Home Health and Personal Care Aides
3,311
$27,520
Janitors and Cleaners, Except Maids and Housekeeping Cleaners
2,597
$31,580
Customer Service Representatives
2,597
$40,530
Cooks
2,186
$30,970
Receptionists and Information Clerks
1,986
$33,740
First-Line Supervisors of Food Preparation and Serving Workers
1,753
$35,910
Childcare Workers
1,670
$27,600
