4 Recession-Proof Jobs


Someone once said that it takes guts to grow up and accept maturity, to become an adult.

This is particularly important when the economy veers toward hard times and a recession looms.

Here are four recession-proof and decent-paying jobs you should always consider in times of need.

Law enforcement

If there is any job that comes into high demand during slumping economic times, it’s the law enforcement field.

Even though crime can happen anywhere and anytime, it tends to increase in times of economic decline.

Depending on the local laws of your region, you usually only need a high school diploma or a G.E.D. to become a cop. Some cities or states may require a bachelor’s degree. Your required training course could be as short as a few weeks or four months, depending on where you live.

The average police officer makes anywhere between $53,000 to $72,000.

Utility services

People will always need workers to keep the streets clean and public utilities running, especially during a recession.

People will always need garbage collectors, park maintenance people, snowplow drivers, plumbers, electricians, sewer and septic tank workers, and so on. 

Most of these vocations do not require post-high school degrees, but you may require extra certifications, apprenticeships, and training to become a plumber or electrician.

The average salary ranges between $20,000 and $30,000 starting out but increases with experience.

Factory and dock workers

As the world is slowly opening back up, businesses are in dire need of workers who can get their supply chains running and stabilized.

It can take months or years to get a supply chain optimized and running perfectly. So, businesses always need to maintain a steady supply of trained workers.

You only need a high school diploma or a G.E.D. to become a dock worker or a factory worker. The average salary for such work ranges between $23,000 to $42,000.

Waiter or waitress

Being a waiter or waitress is probably not the first vocation on your list of potential jobs if you are looking for one.

But you should consider it if you need work soon.

People love the pomp and circumstance of entering a restaurant or diner, being seated, ordering a meal, and being attended to by a wait staff.

Yes, it is a traditionally low-paying job, but it is now one in high demand as the country continues reopening. The annual wage for waiters and waitresses increased by over 30% since 2022.

Although many employers prefer that you have a high school diploma, it is not necessarily required to work on the wait staff. A waiter or waitress can make as much as $19,000 to $30,000 annually, depending on where you live.