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Harnessing AI for efficiency: Artificial Intelligence is automating routine tasks and driving innovation across industries, making AI literacy a must-have skill for the modern professional.
Mastering remote collaboration: AI-powered tools are solidifying the future of remote work by streamlining communication and boosting productivity for flexible, distributed teams.
Advancing sustainability goals: Emerging technologies are optimizing energy and waste management, providing new opportunities to build eco-friendly and resilient career paths.
If you’re on the hunt for a high-paying career, are looking for your next opportunity, or just want to improve your job skills, AAA has just the thing! As part of your membership, you’re entitled to free help with Career Assistance. From modernizing your resume to connecting with recruiters, AAA offers you the guidance you need to empower your profession and stay on top of growing career trends.
Beyond roadside assistance and handy travel resources, we’re here to support you in a variety of life’s most important areas. So today, we’re breaking down the best careers skills to learn in 2026 and highlighting the rising job trends that are set to change the trajectory of the workforce in the year ahead.
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Indeed’s 2026 U.S. Jobs and Hiring Trends Report states that job openings are poised to stabilize, but may not grow much, and unemployment is likely to rise, but not alarmingly so. The field of healthcare is expected to remain in demand with the nursing career trend staying high, while significant new growth is expected in the areas of AI, cybersecurity and green energy. Most notably, Indeed shares that regional dynamics will matter this year; where you live and what you do will matter for your professional prospects. Additionally, Forbes states that a “skills-first” revolution is expected to nudge out college degrees.
It is no surprise that technology continues to dominate career conversations. However, the specific roles are changing. While coding remains valuable, the fastest growing career trend in tech is moving toward Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) specialists.
As businesses integrate AI into everything from customer service to supply chain management, they need experts who can build, manage and ethicize these systems. We aren't just talking about building robots; we are talking about:
AI ethics officers: Ensuring algorithms are fair and unbiased.
Prompt engineers: Crafting the right inputs to get the best outputs from generative AI.
Data detectives: finding stories and insights within massive datasets.
If you are looking for the best career skills to learn, getting comfortable with AI tools—even if you aren't a developer—is at the top of the list.
While tech gets the headlines, healthcare remains the backbone of the economy. The nursing career trend is showing zero signs of slowing down. With an aging population and a greater focus on preventative care, the demand for nurses is skyrocketing.
But the role of a nurse is also changing. By 2026, we expect to see a surge in telehealth nursing. This combines clinical expertise with digital skills, allowing nurses to monitor patients remotely. It is a perfect example of how high-tech and high-touch are merging.
For those seeking stability and purpose, healthcare remains a top industry for nursing jobs and beyond. The need for compassionate care is one thing AI simply cannot replace.
Those seeking a high-paying career may want to head toward technology. And with the fastest growing career trend in tech being AI, a survey from Resume Template lists software, data analysis, cybersecurity, project and product management, QA, workflow automation, technical writing and data communication as the most in-demand hard skills for 2026.
The most in-demand soft skills include accountability, critical thinking, time management, attention to detail and adaptability.
How do remote work trends affect career? It’s a question many ask. And according to a new report, the remote and hybrid work model will define the 2026 workplace.
Insights show that most remote-capable employees are currently working in a hybrid or exclusively remote role, and the ability to work hybrid is what most remote-capable employees want. Consider:
Six in 10 employees with remote-capable jobs want a hybrid work arrangement
About one-third prefer fully remote work
Less than 10% prefer to work on-site
Despite some companies steadily increasing the required number of days in the office, the remote work trend will remain dominant throughout the year.
For 2026, salary trends will continue to vary across industries. Retail and healthcare will resume lower merit increases than other industries at 2.9% and total increases of 3.4% and 3.3%, reflecting the challenges these industries face. Conversely, high-tech sectors, financial services and energy (especially green energy) anticipate the highest total salary increases for 2026 at 3.7%.
2026 is the year of AI transformation, where 2025 was the year of AI experimentation. No matter the role or job level, AI fluency will be a baseline enterprise skill throughout the year. Consider that job postings requiring AI literacy have risen more than 70% from a year ago, according to Ryan Roslansky, CEO of LinkedIn. And the continued push for AI literacy comes from data showing that companies with AI capabilities outperform competitors by two to six times in total shareholder returns.
So, what are the best career skills to learn to stay competitive?
Digital literacy: Understanding how to use digital tools effectively.
Emotional Intelligence (EQ): The ability to understand and manage your own emotions and those of the people around you. Machines are bad at empathy; humans excel at it.
Critical thinking: The ability to analyze information objectively and make a reasoned judgment.
Adaptability: The willingness to unlearn old methods and learn new ones.
No matter what’s ahead for you in terms of career, AAA has the free tools and programs you need to help you land a new job or strengthen your existing skills. We partner with resources that specialize in career transition services and provide you with support for everything from resume building and networking to interview preparation. With trusted help in six key areas, AAA’s member-exclusive career services work together to give you a complete toolkit for career growth.
Navigating these trends can feel overwhelming. You might be wondering, "Where do I even start?" or "Is my resume ready for 2026?"
This is where your AAA Membership becomes your secret weapon.
AAA has partnered with INTOO, a leader in career development, to offer members exclusive access to career resources. This isn't just a generic job board; it is a suite of tools designed to help you navigate the modern workforce.
Interview prep
Skill building
Cover letter and resume builders
Job boards
Professional networking guide
Social media integration
Whether you are looking to capitalize on the nursing career trend, break into the tech industry or simply negotiate a better salary in your current role, these resources provide expert support at no additional cost to your membership.
Discover more career trend ideas and dive deeper into career trend forecasting with this free, member-exclusive service now.
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Sign up to get member-exclusive benefits like career assistance and more.
