Let’s be honest—the world of work is changing fast. Technology is everywhere, people want more flexibility, and the old rules about resumes and degrees are being rewritten.
Here at Northland Staffing Solutions, we see these changes every day. We work with incredible people and companies in light industrial, event staffing, cleaning, and clerical roles. Let’s talk about what’s really happening out there and what it means for you.
The Big Picture: What Everyone’s Talking About
Your Skills Matter More Than Your Diploma: Here’s good news—81% of companies now hire based on what you can actually do, not just what’s on your degree. Can you prove you’ve got the skills? You’re in the game.
Technology is Your Teammate, Not Your Replacement: AI and automation aren’t stealing jobs. They’re tools that make your job easier. The people winning are those who learn to work alongside these technologies.
Flexibility Is Expected: Whether it’s flexible shifts or understanding when life happens, companies that get this keep their best people.
Good Workers Are Hard to Find: If you’re reliable and skilled, you’ve got options. Employers are competing for talent, which means better pay and benefits.
Light Industrial: Where the Real Work Gets Done
Manufacturing is growing steadily—1.7% in 2026 and 2.6% in 2027.
Let’s Talk Money: Manufacturing workers are making an average of $29 an hour, and those numbers keep climbing because companies are struggling to find good people.
You Don’t Need to Be a Tech Genius: About half of manufacturers are adding AI and automation, but 81% of the work still needs human hands and brains. You just need to be comfortable with scanners, tablets, and inventory systems. If you can handle a smartphone, you can learn these tools.
Work When It Works for You: Many companies offer premium pay for night, weekend, and holiday shifts—more options for everyone’s schedule.
Real Career Material: Data centers, biotech labs, and EV plants need trained, skilled professionals. There are actual career paths here.
Why Temp Work Makes Sense: For companies, Light Industrial temporary staffing handles seasonal peaks without long-term commitments. For workers, you get immediate income, learn new skills, and explore different companies before deciding where to land permanently.
Event Staffing: Behind Every Great Event
The event industry is booming—heading toward $3.5 trillion globally by 2033.
Quality Over Quantity: Event organizers want people who show up on time, communicate well, and care about doing a good job. One reliable professional beats five mediocre ones.
Jack-of-All-Trades Wanted: Events aren’t simple anymore. One minute you’re handling registration, the next you’re helping with tech support. If you can roll with the punches, you’re exactly what organizers need.
Tech is Your Friend: About 62% of event companies use smart scheduling platforms that track everything in real-time. Fewer mix-ups, better communication.
Virtual + In-Person = Your Reality: With 123 million hybrid events happening, staff who can handle both the venue and online attendees are gold.
Perfect for Flexible Work: Events are temporary by nature. Perfect for temporary event staffing hires and candidates alike. If you like variety and schedule control, event staffing lets you pick and choose while building experience.
Cleaning Industry: Essential, Professional, and Growing
This industry is heading toward $800 billion globally by 2035.
Everyone Wants Good Cleaners: There’s a serious shortage—about 350,300 job openings yearly with 3% growth expected. That means better pay, better benefits.
Not All Cleaning is Equal: Cleaning a hospital, biotech lab, or data center requires real training in safety protocols, specialized equipment, and compliance. This specialized work pays better and offers career advancement.
Green is the New Standard: Companies are investing in eco-friendly products, water-saving technology, and sustainable practices.
Technology is Changing the Game: By 2026, 80% of major cleaning companies will use digital platforms for scheduling, quality checks, and tracking.
Health is Priority One: The antimicrobial coatings market alone is hitting $20.1 billion by 2026. This focus means more investment in the industry.
Flexibility When You Need It: Temporary Cleaning staffing positions let companies handle busy seasons without overwhelming regular staff, while workers find schedules that work around their lives.
Clerical and Administrative: More Strategic Than Ever
While some traditional clerical jobs are declining (7% for general clerks), administrative professionals who adapt are thriving.
Your Role is Bigger Now: Today’s admin professionals coordinate projects, manage budgets, support HR, and help with strategic planning. The job has grown up, and so has the pay.
AI Does the Boring Stuff: Yes, AI helps with emails and routine tasks. But 83% of managers pay MORE for people who use AI smartly while bringing human judgment and relationship skills. Technology isn’t replacing you; it’s making you more valuable.
Specialized Roles are Booming: Medical secretaries are growing 22%. Customer experience specialists and executive assistants with strategic responsibilities are in high demand.
Temporary Positions Have Their Place: Big project coming? Someone on leave? That’s when temporary admin/clerical staffing make perfect sense. For workers, these assignments offer variety and industry exposure.
What You Should Actually Do
If You’re an Employer:
- Pay what people are worth—wages are up
- Be flexible with schedules where you can
- Invest in training on new tech and specialized skills
- Partner with Northland Staffing Solutions for demand fluctuations
- Build strong culture—people work where they feel valued
If You’re Looking for Work:
- Show what you can do—skills often trump degrees
- Stay curious and keep learning
- Consider temporary work for experience and networking
- Highlight soft skills—reliability and communication never go out of style
- Find employers offering training and advancement
The Bottom Line
Work in 2026 looks different, but different can be good. Whether you’re in light industrial, event staffing, cleaning, or administrative work, there are real opportunities. Wages are better, career paths are clearer, and companies are treating workers like the valuable assets they actually are.
At Northland Staffing Solutions, we’re here to help make sense of all this. Need to staff up quickly? Looking for your next opportunity? We’ve got the expertise, the connections, and honestly, we just like helping people find the right fit.
Your Questions Answered (FAQS)
Healthcare (home health aides, medical assistants), skilled trades (electricians, HVAC techs), tech jobs (software developers, cybersecurity), and in our world—light industrial, event staffing, cleaning, and administrative work—especially if you’ve got the right skills and can work with technology.
AI is helping more than hurting. About 88% of companies use AI in hiring now, and while some basic tasks are automated, AI creates demand for workers who use these tools effectively. In manufacturing, 81% of work still needs actual humans. Winners are people who combine AI skills with critical thinking and people skills.
Healthcare is #1—over 2.3 million new jobs expected by 2033. Tech and professional services are fastest-growing. Manufacturing is steady at 1.7% growth. The cleaning industry is marching toward $800 billion globally by 2035. Events are projected to hit $3.5 trillion by 2033.
Absolutely. 81% of companies now hire based on skills, not degrees. 94% say they trust demonstrated abilities more than a diploma. This is especially true in light industrial, technical, and administrative roles. Some specialized positions might still want degrees, but the trend is clear—show what you can do.
For companies: flexibility for busy seasons and special projects without long-term commitments, plus “try before you buy” with potential permanent employees. For workers: immediate income, explore different companies, build skills, schedule flexibility, and sometimes transition to permanent positions. Win-win.
Manufacturing workers average $29-35 per hour. Entry-level starts around $16-18 per hour. Specialized environments (data centers, biotech, advanced manufacturing) can pay $25-40+ per hour. Premium pay for nights, weekends, and holidays increases earnings further.
Digital tools (Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, project management software), AI literacy, communication, organization, adaptability, and customer service. Admin pros who can coordinate projects, manage budgets, use CRM systems, work with AI tools, AND bring that human touch are most valued. Specialized skills can bump salary up 83%.
Yes! Especially in specialized environments—healthcare facilities, data centers, biotech labs, manufacturing plants. These need trained professionals who understand compliance, specialized equipment, safety protocols, and sanitation standards. This means better career paths, higher pay, and actual professional development.
Quality over quantity is the big shift. Organizers want reliable, professional, well-trained staff. Technology is everywhere—real-time tracking, smart scheduling. With 123 million hybrid events, you need both in-person and virtual capabilities. Cross-trained staff who can do multiple jobs are worth their weight in gold.
Mixed. Basic clerical jobs are down 7% due to automation. But specialized administrative roles are booming. Medical secretaries up 22%. Executive assistants, customer experience specialists, project coordinators—strong demand and higher salaries. The trick is expanding your skills and embracing technology.
Ready to figure out your next move? Whether you’re building a team or finding a job, Northland Staffing Solutions is here to help. We know these industries inside and out, and we’re really good at matching the right people with the right opportunities. Let’s talk—give us a call today.
