Top 10 most popular jobs of 2020

Here's a list of the most searched jobs on careers.govt.nz in 2020. Particularly popular are policing, teaching and health sector jobs that help people. Five of the top 10 jobs have skill shortages but there are plenty of jobs with better opportunities that aren’t on the list.

Research by the Tertiary Education Commission (TEC) showed that students chose similar popular jobs as their future career choice. This highlights the need for greater awareness about the range of lesser-known careers available.

1. Police officer

Police officer was also the most popular job in 2018 and 2019.

Police officers prevent and solve crime, keep the peace, and respond to criminal activities and emergencies.

• Police officer

2. Registered nurse

Registered nurse became the second most popular job, overtaking psychologist.

Registered nurses assess, treat and support people who are sick, disabled or injured, in hospitals, clinics, rest homes, and nursing homes.

• Registered nurse

3. Psychologist

Psychologist remained in the top three.

Psychologists diagnose, treat, and work to prevent a wide range of psychological and general health problems affecting adults, adolescents, and children.

• Psychologist

4. Paramedic

Paramedic moved up from sixth place in 2019, overtaking accountant and secondary school teacher.

Paramedics assess and treat people who are seriously ill or injured, and transport them to hospital if necessary.

• Paramedic

5. Accountant

Accountant remained as the fifth most popular job.

Accountants provide accounting services to companies, organisations and individuals. Accountants also prepare financial statements and forms, and advise clients on financial aspects of business.

• Accountant

6. Electrician

Electrician moved up from last place in 2019.

Electricians test, install, maintain and repair electrical systems and equipment.

• Electrician

7. Secondary school teacher

Secondary school teacher was still a favourite, moving down from fourth place in 2019.

Secondary school teachers plan, prepare and teach one or more subjects to students between the ages of 13 and 18.

• Secondary school teacher

8. Architect

Architect remained popular, moving down from seventh place in 2019.

Architects plan, design and advise on the construction and alteration of buildings and other structures.

• Architect

9. Early childhood teacher

Early childhood teacher remained at number nine.

Early childhood teachers educate and care for young children in kindergartens, kōhanga reo or childcare centres. Kōhanga reo kaiako also help children learn te reo Māori and tikanga Māori (culture and customs).

• Early childhood teacher

10. Real estate agent

New to the list, real estate agent had the largest increase in searches compared to 2019.

Real estate agents arrange property and house sales for clients.

• Real estate agent

The top 10 jobs have opportunities ranging from average to good. Five of the top jobs – accountant, early childhood teacher, electrician, clinical psychologist and registered nurse (aged care) – are on Immigration New Zealand’s skill shortage lists, which means they are in high demand.  

While several jobs with skill shortages appear in the top 10 list, there are plenty of other jobs with skill shortages in industries such as construction, food and fibre and information technology. For example, there are better opportunities for roles such as software developer (software engineer) than police officer as the profession is larger and has a shortage of workers.

Find out more about jobs in industries with skill shortages.

• Get ahead with a career in construction
• Grow your future in the food and fibre sectors
• Information technology jobs

Research commissioned by the Tertiary Education Commission (TEC) in 2019 found that the majority of young school children aspired to a narrow range of stereotypical career choices. These included the top 10 jobs of police officer and teacher plus other high-profile roles such as sportsperson and social media influencer.

Viewed alongside the top 10 list the results highlighted the need for greater awareness about not only well-known and respected careers but also the huge variety of lesser-known careers available in New Zealand.

Nina Ive, manager strategic engagement, explains what the TEC is doing to increase career choice options.

"Our new Inspiring the Future programme aims to raise career aspirations by introducing school students to everyday workers in their community at an interactive event. Students learn about different jobs and why the role models love doing them, as well as how they got into the job and any challenges they faced along the way.

"People who volunteer to be a role model for Inspiring the Future not only give back to the local community but are also a positive inspiration for young people."

• Inspiring The Future website – sign up to become a role model

• Job profiles - information about job opportunities
• Immigration NZ website - skill shortage list checker