US Jobs Tier List 2026

27 careers Updated May 2026 Ranked by Z-Score
Tier
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Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook 2026, Glassdoor, LinkedIn Jobs Index — May 2026

Ranking Methodology

Median Salary
Total compensation (base + bonus) for mid-level roles. BLS Occupational Outlook + Levels.fyi, 2026.
AI Replacement Risk
Probability of significant role disruption by AI within 5 years. Based on task automation analysis, McKinsey/Oxford 2025 models.
Remote Availability
% of current job postings offering remote or hybrid work. LinkedIn Jobs Index, May 2026.
Work-Life Balance
Composite of reported avg hours/week, schedule control, and burnout rate. Glassdoor + BLS surveys.
Degree Required
Typical hiring bar: None = no degree expected, Optional = degree helps but not required, Required = standard hiring requirement.
Field Growth
5-year projected employment change (%). BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook 2026. Negative = declining, positive = growing field.
Z-Score (composite)
Weighted composite: AI Safety 30% · Salary 25% · Remote 15% · Work-Life 10% · Degree 10% · Growth 10%. Score 0–100 determines tier (S≥76, A≥62, B≥50, C≥38, D<38).