8 Small Town Jobs In-Demand Right Now

On the hunt for a new job? To help kickstart your search, here's a list of small town jobs that are in constant demand across the country.

Love helping people look their best? Consider a career as a barber or hairstylist. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, overall employment of barbers and hairstylists is projected to grow 19% from 2020 to 2030, much faster than the average for all jobs. No matter where people live, they’ll always appreciate a great haircut.

Are you a wizard in the kitchen? Working as a cook is one of the more common small town jobs. Cooks are needed wherever food is served, so the opportunities are plentiful. While restaurants are the obvious employers, cooks can also find work in various other places, including hospitals, schools, truck stops, and factories.

The job market for cooks is robust, with numerous part-time and shift work options available. This is particularly true if you're open to working nights or weekends. Additionally, working as a cook in a small town allows you to become an integral part of the community, as you'll be providing a service that everyone needs and enjoys.

Want to give back to your community? You’re needed as a companion caregiver. It’s a flexible, part-time job that you can start right away. Caregivers provide companionship and support to older adults, seniors and families in their homes.

You’ll enjoy a lot of variety when you work as a caregiver for an organization like Papa. One day you’ll help someone with grocery shopping and cooking. Next, you’ll teach someone to use basic technology and help them stay connected with family on FaceTime. You will use your life experience and knowhow to help others.

Papa companion caregivers – called Papa Pals – don’t provide medical support or personal care. No healthcare experience is needed to become a Papa Pal.

If you're looking for small town jobs that pay well, consider working as a dental assistant. There's a short training period, and you'll help people smile for a living. Additionally, dental practices are a common fixture in small towns, so you'll likely find at least one or two dentists looking for skilled assistants. This means you'll have a steady demand for your services and the opportunity to build strong relationships within the community. Not only will you earn a decent income, but you'll also contribute positively to the well-being of your neighbors.

Have a specialized skill? Think locksmith, HVAC technician, landscaper, agricultural equipment technician, roofer or stone mason. These are just a handful of in-demand small town jobs. There’s also a constant need for custodians, painters, plumbers and electricians. As a specialist in any of these fields, you will find steady work opportunities, as well as the chance to build lasting relationships with clients who rely on your expertise.

Would you like to combine your love of animals with your flair for style? Wherever people love their pets, they’ll need pet groomers. When you work as a pet groomer, you can do a lot more than make a pup or kitty look fabulous. You can promote healthy pet care. Best of all, being a pet groomer is highly flexible. You can work for yourself, as part of a mobile team, or at a pet store or veterinary clinic.

Do you have untapped creativity? A career in photography could be an ideal outlet. You can choose your area of specialization, from commercial to family photography, and decide when and where you want to work. Do people come to your town to get married? You could also be the local go-to expert for destination weddings.

Do you have a passion for sparkling countertops? You’ll find no shortage of opportunities to work as a cleaner. It can offer flexibility and stability. Besides homes, you can work in offices and facilities such as schools and hospitals.

Exploring jobs in a small town can be a rewarding experience if approached strategically. Start by tapping into your local network; word-of-mouth is a powerful tool. Let friends, family, and acquaintances know you're looking for work, as they may be aware of unadvertised opportunities.

Additionally, visit local businesses in person to inquire about openings and leave your resume, showcasing your proactive approach. Don't overlook local newspapers and community bulletin boards, which often list job postings. Online job portals specific to your region can also be valuable resources. Participating in community events and joining local organizations or clubs can further expand your network, increasing your chances of finding employment. By leveraging these local resources and actively engaging with your community, you can uncover small town jobs that might not be found through conventional job search methods.

Small town jobs offer several benefits, including a lower cost of living, a strong sense of community, and often a better work-life balance. You may experience shorter commutes and a closer connection with your coworkers and clients. Additionally, small towns often provide a safer and more relaxed environment, contributing to a higher quality of life.

Ask anyone who lives in a small town and they’ll tell you they love where they live. There’s nothing like being part of a tight-knit community. Finding a great part-time job in your hometown is an even better feeling.

If the idea of helping others and giving back to your community inspires you, consider becoming a companion caregiver with Papa. As a Papa Pal, you can take your love of small town life to a new level by helping neighbors in a meaningful way, and do it all close to home. 

Interested in working as a part-time companion caregiver? Start by exploring caregiver jobs near you. We’d love to hear from you!