Workers in These 5 Jobs Could See the Biggest Pay Bumps in 2026

Group 1: Labor Market Shifts - The workplace is experiencing a shift with blue-collar jobs expected to gain prominence over white-collar jobs due to labor shortages and advancements in AI infrastructure [1] - Companies that adapt to these economic changes may find higher-paying job opportunities, particularly in blue-collar sectors [1] Group 2: Retail Workers - Nearly half of U.S. states increased their minimum wages in 2026, which is expected to benefit retail workers, especially new hires who are often minimum wage earners [2] - While the increase in minimum wage may not lead to significant income changes, it is a noteworthy development for the industry [2] Group 3: Construction Workers - The construction industry is facing a labor shortage, with about 20% of workers aged 55 or older, leading to challenges in filling positions as older workers retire [3] - The demand for construction services is anticipated to rise due to the AI boom, which will further exacerbate the shortage of skilled labor [3][4] Group 4: Data Scientists - The rise of artificial intelligence is creating new job opportunities, particularly for data scientists who are essential in managing data for AI models [5] - There is a growing demand for specialized data scientists with skills in managing large language models (LLMs) and machine learning, with most data scientists being under 35 years old, reducing competition from older generations [6] Group 5: Registered Nurses - Registered nurses are positioned to increase their earnings due to favorable conditions stemming from an aging population [7]