Happy Workforce Development Month to those who celebrate! I assume that many readers of this blog do. In observance of a critical component of our economy, here is a selection of some of the highest-paying, most in-demand jobs in Northeast Minnesota. These are just a few of the many vocations that workforce development professionals are highlighting for jobseekers across the region. As you will see, there is a lot of job variety and there is something for workers of all educational and experience backgrounds.

The diversity of opportunities is discernible in the table below, which lists the top occupations in demand for each of the 22 occupational groups. The median wages vary from $22,936 a year for Waiters & Waitresses to $115,844 a year for Lawyers. For reference, the median wage in 2024 for all occupations in Northeast Minnesota was $48,694.

Additionally, the typical education required to enter each occupation stretches from a high school diploma or equivalent to a doctoral or professional degree. Thirteen of the most in-demand occupations in their group required only a high school diploma, five typically required a bachelor's degree, three an associate degree, and one a doctoral or professional degree. Most of the occupations in demand involve some sort of on-the-job training. Three typically require long-term training and 14 short-term training.

Further emphasizing the plethora of in-demand occupations offering high wages, Table 2 shows the top-ten highest-paying jobs in the highest demand category in Northeast Minnesota. What stands out is that of the 10, only one (General & Operations Managers) typically requires a bachelor's degree. The other nine typically ask for a high school diploma or equivalent, an associate degree, or a postsecondary non-degree award, also referred to as vocational training or apprenticeship. Granted, becoming a supervisor usually requires some pre-existing related experience, but with around two years of education or training, jobs that pay an average of around $80,000 a year are theoretically accessible to much of the workforce. And oftentimes many of those jobs will allow you to "earn while you learn".

Workforce development has gotten increased recognition over the past couple years for the crucial role it plays in a healthy and vibrant economy. Preparing and connecting workers to local opportunities is always important but is especially so in a tight labor market such as the one we are in currently. So, thank you to all of those working in workforce development. You are helping individuals to improve their lives via rewarding employment while simultaneously helping local businesses meet their hiring needs. I am always amazed by your good work!

If you want to learn more about what our workforce development system can offer to jobseekers and employers, check out the CareerForce website. You are also invited to learn more about the two workforce development organizations, both part of the CareerForce system, that serve the Northeast Minnesota region: City of Duluth Workforce Development and Northeast Minnesota Office of Job Training (JET).

For More Information

Contact Carson Gorecki at carson.gorecki@state.mn.us.