30 Recession Proof Jobs for 2023 (with Safe Industries)

By Reid - August 11, 2022

Recession Proof Jobs

Recession-proof jobs might be a bit of a fantasy, but they are out there. An economic downturn is bound to affect everything it touches, but some industries perform far better than others. Here’s a list of our top industries and jobs that fare best during troubling times.

Questions Answered:

What is a recession?
List of recession proof industries (and jobs)
How to recession proof your current career
Worst jobs to have during a recession

What is a Recession?

Before we go much further, it’s important to define what a recession is. The National Bureau of Economic Research (NBER) says a recession is a decline in economic activity that lasts an extended period, sometimes months, but up to years.

Recessions can happen for all sorts of reasons. Sometimes it’s due to a country’s excessive debt, inflation, or deflation. Other times it’s due to a sudden economic shock like a country might face during a pandemic or natural disaster. Most often, though, it’s due to various factors that individuals have no control over.

Recession-Proof Jobs (and Industries)

During a recession, it’s common for people to lose work because companies are producing and selling less than before. Some industries, though, are considered recession-proof and will hardly feel the economic downturn. Let’s zoom in on a few that you can tweak your resume to fit.

1. Healthcare Industry

Even if a country’s economy suddenly declines, those in the healthcare field typically do alright. No matter what happens, people will still get sick or injured and need medical care. Of course, some parts of the healthcare industry do better than others.

You'll likely still be in business if you’re a trauma nurse or X-ray technician. But, if you’re a plastic surgeon specializing in elective procedures, you might struggle.

Example Jobs:

Personal Care Aide
Nurse Practitioner
Physical Therapist
Diagnostic Medical Sonographer
Occupational Therapy Assistant

2. Federal Employees

Working for the government always has its perks, and one of them is typically being safe during an economic downturn.

Even when other industries start to collapse, the country still needs government services. Court systems, the military, and working for the post office all tend to provide greater job security during a recession than working in the private sector.

Example Jobs:

Postal Service Mail Carriers
Office Clerks
Census Taker
_Court Reporter
_

3. Public Safety

Police officers, firefighters, and even security guards tend to be safe from job loss during a recession. Sometimes they’re in even higher demand as crime rates tend to rise when the economy goes bad.

Example Jobs:

Police Officers
Correctional Officers
Firefighters

4. Education

Children don’t stop going to school when recessions hit, making teaching or school administration a safe bet. Of course, college professors and other academics are usually in a good place too.

It’s common for those who lost or can’t find jobs to go back to school in hopes of making themselves more valuable to the employers that are still hiring.

Example Jobs:

School Teachers
Janitors or Custodians
Special Education Teachers
Coaches

5. Grocery/Food Production

We all have to eat, even when times are tough! So, grocery store employees are almost always safe from job loss.

It’s not just checkers and baggers that maintain their positions, though. Food manufacturers, especially for staple items like milk, rice, and bread, also tend to be fine.

Example Jobs:

Warehouse Director
Cashiers
Buyers
Store Managers

recession proof jobs quote

6. Lawyers

Some areas of law may struggle during a recession, but most legal professionals make it out unscathed. Unfortunately, things like crime and divorce can be more common in periods of economic uncertainty. Attorneys specializing in those areas are usually indispensable, even during a recession.

Example Jobs:

Paralegals
Court reporters
Legal Assistants
Lawyers

7. Debt Counselors

Obviously, job loss leads to debt for many, so debt counseling services are in high demand during a recession. Becoming a debt counselor or credit specialist is a good choice in the event of a downturn.

Example Jobs:

Collections Representative
Call Center Manager
Accounts Collector

8. Funeral Services

Sadly, death doesn’t stop during a recession, and grieving families still need help laying their loved ones to rest. Whether as a funeral director, embalming specialist, or gravedigger, those with jobs in this area will likely be fine in a recession.

Example Jobs:

Funeral Attendant
Embalmer
Sales Manager

Related:

How To Recession-Proof Your Current Job

Maybe finding a recession-proof job isn’t an option based on your skill set. Don’t fret. There are plenty of things you can do to ensure you survive a recession without much of a negative impact.

Start by asking yourself what you bring to the table that no one else can. Do you have experience in a specific area? Do you have a skill that your coworkers don’t? Maybe you know a second language or how to work a particular machine.

Essentially, think beyond your current job title. Try to be creative so that when push comes to shove, and your job’s on the line, you can convince your employer you’re too valuable to let go.

Develop a Side Hustle

Whether it’s driving for Uber or opening up an Etsy store, side hustles can help make ends meet if you do lose your job. Sometimes they even blossom into a new career!
Plus, side gigs can act as a creative outlet, which can help when things get rough. Mental health is hugely important during a recession, especially if you’re out of your regular work.

Work Your Network

Keeping up with colleagues and peers is a good idea for career progress in general. During a recession, it can be vital.
The truth is, you can do everything at work right and still lose your current job. Staying active in your network can help you find a new position much faster if things take a turn for the worst.

Continue your Education

Take advantage of certifications and continuing education opportunities when they arise.
Sitting through the six-hour health and safety seminar might seem like a drag, but being a certified health and safety person at work might save your place during a recession. Certifications can be costly, and employers don’t want to lose their investments.
Plus, extra education or certifications never looks bad on a resume if it comes down to that.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How can I make extra money in a recession?

The best way to make extra money during a recession will depend on your individual circumstances and skills, but here are a few ideas if you are ever put in that situation:

Offer freelance or part-time services
Sell items online
Rent out a room on Airbnb
Offer pet-sitting or dog-walking services
Rent out your car

Wrapping Up | Recession Proof Jobs

When all is said and done, a real recession-proof job might be more fiction than fact, but there are things you can do to help yourself when the economy’s out of whack. To recap our top industries:

Healthcare
Federal Employees
Public Safety
Education
Food Production
Lawyers
Debt Counselor
Funeral Services

You can search for a job in specific industries known to fare better than others, or you can make yourself indispensable at work. Either option is better than doing nothing. Good luck out there!

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Tags: Recession proof jobs, recession proof industry, jobs during a recession, what jobs are recession proof, worst jobs during recession, recession proof jobs 2023, recession proof careers

Author: Reid is a contributor to theJub. He's an employment and marketing enthusiast who studied business before taking on various recruiting, management, and marketing roles. More from the author. | Author Profile