Job Search Trends by Education Level in 2025: What the Data Tells Us

Online job‑search data offer a window into workforce demand. Using search logs from Jobright (Feb to Apr 2025), we compared the top job titles queried by users at four education levels—PhD, master’s, bachelor’s, and high‑school diploma—to see where interest is surging.

Whether you’re figuring out your next move or simply curious about career trends, this breakdown offers a helpful look into where job seekers are focusing their attention in 2025.

Top Job Titles by Education Level

Let’s take a closer look at the most searched job titles for each education level. Below, you’ll find data-backed breakdowns highlighting what roles are trending among PhD holders, master’s graduates, bachelor’s degree holders, and high school graduates.

PhD

PhD-level job seekers are clearly drawn to intellectually challenging and research-driven roles. The most searched title is Machine Learning with 402 searches, followed closely by Data Scientist (377), Machine Learning Engineer (302), and AI Researcher (267).

There’s a strong focus on innovation, modeling, and experimentation, with roles like Healthcare Data Analyst and Clinical Research Scientist also showing up prominently.

This group also includes interest in leadership and academic pathways, with searches for Project/Program Manager and Higher Education Teaching. Overall, PhD holders appear to be targeting roles where deep expertise and the ability to implement new ideas are central.

Master’s

Job seekers with master’s degrees show a strong preference for applied data and engineering roles. Data Analyst tops the list by a wide margin with 24,408 searches, followed by Data Engineer (17,622), Data Scientist (15,158), and Backend Engineer (12,573).

Notably, Machine Learning and ML Engineer also appear on the list, suggesting a growing appetite for AI roles. There’s also strong interest in Business Intelligence and Python Engineer roles, indicating that master’s holders are aiming to combine tech with business impact.

Bachelor’s

Bachelor’s degree holders are primarily drawn to software engineering and practical development roles. Top searches include Data Analyst with 9,402 searches, Backend Engineer (8,863), Full Stack Engineer (7,528), and Frontend Engineer (6,771).

All of these roles point to a hands-on interest in building applications and infrastructure. Machine learning and programming-focused roles like Python Engineer, Java Engineer, and ML Engineer are also popular, highlighting the value placed on coding skills and automation.

The trends suggest bachelor’s users are aiming for solid, in-demand roles that offer growth potential and skill-based progression.

School

Among those with a high school education, the most searched job title is Data Analyst with 275 searches, reflecting growing accessibility to data-related careers through online learning and certifications.

There’s also notable interest in Customer Service Representative (239), IT Support Specialist (178), and Customer Support (218). What’s common here? They’re all entry-level roles with a mix of tech and communication skills.

Titles like Python Engineer, Machine Learning, and Frontend Software Engineer make the list as well. This points to an emerging curiosity about tech roles, even among those without formal degrees, possibly driven by free resources, bootcamps, or early exposure in school.

The Rising Stars Across All Levels

One striking thing about the data is that despite varying educational backgrounds, some job titles consistently appear across the board.

Data Analyst is a standout, ranking highly in every education category. This highlights the role’s accessibility and wide relevance across industries, as well as the demand for data-literate professionals.

Machine Learning is another major trend, showing up in each group’s top searches. The continued buzz around AI and automation seems to be catching attention regardless of degree. Likewise, roles like Data Scientist, ML Engineer, and Python Engineer appear in multiple lists.

These overlaps suggest that data and AI continue to dominate job‑market interest. Entry into these fields is becoming more accessible. Whether you’re pursuing a PhD or exploring careers with a high school diploma, the tech space offers a wide range of entry points.

Conclusion

Job title search trends reveal more than just what’s popular, they offer insight into how education influences career goals. From academic research roles to practical engineering and entry-level support, people are searching for jobs that align with their skills and aspirations.

Data, AI, and development are not only hot, they’re becoming career anchors across the board. And with the rise of accessible learning tools, these paths are more open than ever before. For anyone eyeing their next career move, upskilling in data and AI remains a winning bet.
Curious about what’s driving all this interest in AI roles? Don’t miss our article Inside the AI Hiring Boom!