30+ Recession-Proof Jobs To Thrive in Any Economy

A recession can be frightening because struggling companies might lay off employees to stay in business. Not knowing if you will have a job tomorrow adds unnecessary stress.

If you want to avoid this potential anxiety, working a recession-proof job can increase your odds of earning a consistent income through good times and bad.

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Top Recession-Proof Jobs

Taking on a position that is unlikely to be impacted by an economic downturn is a wise choice if you want to maximize your chances of staying employed regardless of the economy’s performance.

We’ve found the best recession-proof jobs to help you make money in any economy.

1. Marketers

If you know how to promote brands, being a marketer might be right up your alley. Gifted marketers can earn more than $100,000 annually as marketing managers, making this one of the most lucrative recession-proof jobs.

A business-related degree is required for certain positions. That said, any real-world experience will help maximize your potential salary.

2. Bankruptcy Attorneys

Sadly, recessions bring an uptick in personal bankruptcies. However, you can help filers navigate bankruptcy and minimize losses.

Along with going to law school, you can specialize in the U.S. bankruptcy code, which has different chapters for individuals and businesses. A background in accounting or finance is also helpful.

3. Divorce Attorneys, Mediators, and Arbitrators

The United States has the third-largest divorce rate, which signals job security for divorce attorneys. You can also help mediate separations between unmarried couples.

This position can be emotionally taxing as emotions between the separating couple run high. You will also work with accountants, psychologists, and social workers to resolve conflicts.

4. Veterinarians

If you love animals, being a veterinarian is one way to give back to your community. Most vets work in private clinics or animal hospitals to treat acute conditions and provide routine checkups.

Traveling to livestock farms or working in zoos are also options if you want a change of scenery.

5. Actuaries

Actuaries help insurance companies assess the potential risk and profitability of policies. You will analyze statistics, create reports, and test proposed policies to determine the potential costs of a payout and the cash reserves a company needs.

Most actuaries work in these sectors:

Health insurance
Life insurance
Pension and retirement benefits
Property and casualty insurance
Public sector benefits (i.e., Social Security, Medicare)

6. IT Workers

The information technology (IT) field is a perennial favorite for earning a high income in our tech-driven society.

While tech startups may flounder, many established businesses need an in-house IT team. This creates a fairly stable opportunity to earn money. Plus, you might even be able to do this job remotely.

7. Physical and Occupational Therapists

Sickness, injuries, and surgeries won’t stop during a recession. As a physical therapist, you can help recovering patients improve their mobility as their body heals.

Getting a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) will give you the highest earning potential. However, for less schooling, you can become a physical therapist assistant and earn approximately $60,740 per year.

8. Real Estate Investors

Home foreclosure rates increase as more households can no longer afford their mortgage payments. Others may sell to move into cheaper accommodations or to pursue a different job.

As a real estate investor, you can own rental property or fix and flip damaged homes. Your income potential depends on the health of the local real estate market, your skills, and the available properties.

9. Public Utility Workers

Depending on your skills and geographic location, well-qualified public utility workers can earn between $80,000 and $90,000.

The highest-paying vocations can help you install, maintain, or repair electrical systems, power plants, and telecommunications.

Entry-level and “helper” positions pay up to 50% less, with an annual salary between $40,000 and $50,000 for most utility jobs.

10. Accountants and Auditors

Accountants, auditors, and bookkeepers are number-savvy and typically have a bachelor’s degree in accounting. However, you may also consider earning special certifications to qualify for more positions.

Your busiest work seasons will be during tax season and quarterly audits.

11. Insurance Professionals

Being an insurance underwriter, provider, or appraiser can be less rigorous than being an actuary, although many basic tasks overlap. Most insurance professionals handle life, health, or property and casualty policies.

Your primary role is deciding if an applicant qualifies for coverage and what their premium should be. You will analyze the risk factors with the assistance of automation software.

12. Law Enforcement

Police officers and detectives help keep the public safe. Prior experience as a first responder or corrections officer is helpful.

Pursuing a criminal justice field of study in college can lead to job opportunities as well.

Social work is a noble way to help children and struggling adults improve their lives. Initially, most entry-level positions require a bachelor’s degree.

Specializing in a specific field can help you find better opportunities with a particular agency that matches your interests.

14. Judicial Workers

There are many possibilities for working in civil or criminal courts at the local, state, or federal level. Judicial law clerks, for example, can help judges research similar cases and prepare legal documents.

Most judicial worker positions require a bachelor’s degree or higher.

15. Educators

Whether you teach at the elementary, middle school, or high school level, teachers and substitute teachers are present in every community. The pay potential varies by state and grade level.

You can start teaching after receiving a bachelor’s degree and completing your student teaching requirements. Depending on the school district, you may need a master’s degree to teach full-time.

16. Librarians and Archivists

Despite the prevalence of ebooks and Kindle devices, local and school libraries require librarians and archivists.

You will need a master’s degree in library science to be a competitive candidate for jobs in this field.

17. Funeral Workers

Since death is inevitable, funeral directors and workers will also have a reliable income in a recession.

Working in the evenings and on weekends is often required. It’s best to have a flexible schedule.

This occupation requires an associate’s degree in funeral service or mortuary science. Helping survivors through the grief process is also a valuable skill.

18. Public Transit Workers

Operating a mass transit vehicle lets you keep the local economy moving as you transport passengers to work, school, and more. Public transit workers have one of the most stable, recession-proof jobs.

Most positions require earning a commercial driver’s license (CDL). You might even have to complete on-the-job training.

19. Firefighters, Fire Inspectors, and Investigators

There is a constant need for first responders. Firefighting is physically intensive, and openings can be limited at a particular department. Other positions are volunteer-only.

Consider becoming a wildland firefighter for more adventure and a potentially higher income. This apprenticeship program lasts up to four years, but you can protect large land areas from destruction.

20. Mental Health and Substance Abuse Professionals

You can earn a living by helping clients overcome behavioral, mental, and physical struggles that may stem from addictions or trauma. Sadly, recessions usually lead to an increase in these situations as stress levels increase.

Since mental health is a broad field, you might specialize as an addiction counselor, behavioral disorder counselor, or substance abuse counselor.

21. Corrections Workers

As a corrections officer, you will most likely work in a jail, prison, or youth detention center. Because crime is a constant problem, there is a steady demand for this occupation in all economic climates.

Becoming a bailiff is another possibility. In this position, you work in the courtroom, enforce the court rules, and maintain a safe environment.

Previous experience isn’t usually necessary for local openings, although this job can be physically and mentally demanding. To pursue a federal job opening, you will likely need a few years of relevant experience and special training.

22. Hospice Workers

Being a hospice social worker is a commendable calling if you want to help individuals through the final chapter of their life. There are several different roles you can train for, including personal care and counseling.

Keep in mind, this is a highly emotional job.

23. Auto Mechanics

Being an auto mechanic could be your calling if you enjoy working with your hands.

Most mechanics enroll in a vocational college in addition to high school courses. This advanced training lasts six to 12 months and covers automotive technology, as many vehicles now depend on computer chips and electronics.

To earn more, consider specializing in a particular field. For example, you might become a diesel or electric car mechanic.

24. Credit and Debt Counselors

Becoming a certified credit counselor lets you help people improve their finances. This profession can be easier to qualify for than being a bankruptcy attorney.

No matter what is going on with the economy, credit and debt counselors will always be in demand. This reality makes these some of the best recession-proof jobs.

Counselors are well-versed in these topics:

Basic counseling principles
Bankruptcy
Budgeting
Collections
Consumer rights
Credit
Debt management

Consider the National Foundation for Credit Counseling (NFCC) Counselor Certification Program, which covers the topics mentioned above.

25. Pharmacists and Pharmacy Technicians

As a pharmacist or pharmacy technician, you dispense prescription medication to patients.

Your training will help you determine the proper dosage and ensure there are no contraindications to a patient’s current medication routine.

26. Health Care Professionals

The healthcare field has many high-paying jobs due to constant demand and the special training required.

Many support positions, such as dental assistants and medical technicians, earn approximately $37,000 annually.

Advanced roles such as nursing, general physicians, and specialists require more education but can pay from $80,000 to $200,000 per year.

27. Delivery Drivers

Full-time delivery drivers can work for local businesses or a nationwide package delivery service like FedEx or UPS. You need to be able to lift heavy items and drive a light box truck.

It’s possible to earn more by obtaining a CDL license. Plus, working for a delivery company as a paid W-2 employee usually results in better pay and benefits.

If you prefer a more flexible schedule, you can be an independent contractor and use delivery apps to work part-time. Not only are these some of the best recession-proof jobs, but they are also among the top side gigs.

28. Senior Care Providers

You can provide at-home care to seniors. Depending on the person, you may only need to provide non-medical care. This includes making meals or keeping a tidy home as a home health aide.

However, many need basic medical assistance. As a result, you will need training as a personal care aide. These jobs pay more; you can find local senior care jobs on Care.com.

You will likely need to be state-certified and have CPR certification. Additional qualifications are necessary if your employer receives federal funding from Medicare.

29. Grocery Store Employees

Working in a grocery store lets you enjoy consistent shifts and potentially receive benefits. This type of work can be more secure as households stop buying merchandise before going hungry.

No special training is necessary, but prior retail experience and a willingness to work flexible hours can help you earn a higher starting salary.

30. Child Care Workers

Working parents will continue to need full-day or after-school child care during a recession. You can work for an existing daycare center or offer care directly from your home through Care.com.

Your state may require special certifications and licenses to serve as a worker or run your own nursery. For example, the Child Development Associate (CDA) is a requirement in many states. You will also need to pass a background check.

Related Article: Care.com Review

31. Military and Defense Personnel

The U.S. Armed Forces constantly need personnel and commissioned officers, making these positions recession-proof.

Anticipate earning a base pay of approximately $24,648 (E-2 pay rank) immediately after completing boot camp and technical training.

Newly commissioned officers earn more but must attain a bachelor’s degree. They also need to complete pre-commissioning military leadership training.

Summary

While no career field is entirely risk-free, pursuing recession-proof jobs can help you earn a steady income when others might be considering a career change to seek stability.

Since many of these positions require a specialized degree, you may want to search for college scholarships. This can help you avoid student loan debt and become more competitive in the current job market.