The Top 100 High-Priority Jobs report identifies the top 100 occupations in the Quad Cities region that are in high demand and pay a living wage.
The report identifies the top high-priority occupations in the QC based on a mix of criteria, including wages, number of workers and concentration of jobs in the local market. These are not simply the highest-paying or most common jobs overall - they represent roles that combine strong demand with sustainable wages.
Key findings
- The top 100 occupations account for an average of 3,300 job openings annually.
- Within these, the report highlights 40 occupations projected to add about 600 new jobs by 2028.
Jobs identified in these categories:
- Construction and Specialized Mechanical
- Education, Counseling and Therapy
- Engineering and Related Occupations
- Information Technology and Communications
- Legal, Clerical and Administrative
- Medical Science and Health Services
- Skilled and Semi-Skilled Labor, and Machine Operators
- And more
How to use this report
To protect the economic stability of our region, it’s critical that Quad Citizens understand the occupational needs of our community and choose education and training pathways that align with these in-demand careers.
This report is a guide, not a prescription. Use it as a reference when making training and employment decisions to maximize your return on investment in education and skills.
Grow Quad Cities will use this data to shape workforce development initiatives moving forward. If your organization would benefit from a deeper dive into this information, click Talk to Us to schedule a meeting.