Many essential jobs in health care, transportation, and retail are available right now. During this pandemic, new jobs have emerged as essential.
Essential jobs used to only mean first responders, but as the world was exposed to a crisis, jobs like truck drivers, postal workers, pharmacists, nurses, and grocery store workers joined the fray.
Here, we will look at a few essential jobs that you should consider applying for if you are looking for work.
Essential Jobs DESCRIPTION
Many essential jobs are common everyday health care and retail positions that, until the quarantine and this pandemic, many never thought of as crucial. However, when the world stopped, they kept going, and many companies needed extra hands.
Here are some essential jobs that are looking for new talent.
Grocery Store Worker
The shutdown of most businesses left the grocery stores open to having to deal with the panicked populace. Grocery workers are employed in supermarkets to cashier, stock, and ensure that the population of their communities can get the supplies they need to survive.
Pharmacists
The next place that saw an influx of foot traffic was the pharmacy. Unsure if everything was going to shut down, people stocked up on medication. Pharmacists and pharmacist techs help fill prescription medications, as well as stock over-the-counter medications.
Nurses
Nurses help doctors and treat patients. They also handle administrative tasks like patient file management.
Truck Drivers
The supply chain is bolstered by truck drivers who hit the roads and make deliveries. They are charged with the safe transportation of their given loads while maintaining safety measures.
Postal Worker
The US postal service, like other delivery services, saw an increase in packages because everyone was ordering online. Thus, there are many jobs available in this field. Postal workers deliver mail packages, as well as handle selling stamps. Some post offices even handle passport applications.
Duties
Each essential job will have specific duties based on the industry. All are tasked with abiding by state and federal safety guidelines, as well as customer service.
Grocery Store Workers
- Stocking goods
- Maintaining cleanliness
- Cashier
- Curbside delivery
Pharmacists
- Answering questions
- Filling prescriptions
- Stocking over-the-counter drugs
- Maintaining cleanliness
- Cashier
Nurses
- Treating patients
- Assisting the doctor
- Administering medication
- Running tests
Truck Drivers
- Transporting goods
- Unloading goods
Postal Workers
- Delivering mail & packages
- Maintaining safety measures
- Passport applications
Average SALARY
There are varying levels of salary in every occupation. Experience, education, and other factors like company size play a role, as well. Here is a look at typical average salaries for each of the essential jobs we are discussing.
Grocery Store Worker
Depending on the position you are applying for and the state you are in, the average salary may vary. Grocery store workers work on an hourly scale, and typically, this salary can range from $7.25 – $10 per hour.
Pharmacists
This profession’s salary is also dependent on the company and the state. Pharmacists can make between $22K and $150K.
Nurses
Nurses can be a general practitioner or specialized, so the salary depends on that, as well as their experience. The average take-home salary in the profession can range from $50K to $90K.
Truck Drivers
Truck drivers bring home between $28K and $70K a year on average.
Postal Worker
Postal workers tend to work on an hourly pay scale. These essential workers can make between $16 and $29 per hour.
Qualifications and EDUCATION Needed
Several of these positions will require licensing or degrees. Nurses and pharmacists will have to go to school and get a degree or certification in the field.
Truck drivers will need a driver’s license and certification from an accredited driving school. Postal workers and grocery stores will require an application, as well as all the typical identification needed to apply for work in the US.
How To APPLY
If you are looking for jobs in these or any other essential fields, then checking out any of the online job sites is the first step. Indeed is one of the best sites you can check out.
Summary
Essential jobs are plentiful right now, and with unemployment rising, they may just be the answer to solving this problem. Hopefully, all the information above has helped you in your search.