15 jobs that didn’t exist 15 years ago

AVERAGE WAGE: $21.59 per hour One of the early success stories of the pandemic was the spike in sales of Peloton fitness bicycles, which allow users to virtually re-create the experience of

taking a spinning class at their local gym. But that product wasn’t the only option that surged. The online fitness market grew from $11.39 billion in 2021 to $16.15 billion in 2022,

according to the Business Research Company. Those numbers are projected to continue to grow over the next three years. PODCAST PRODUCER WHY IT STARTED: The true-crime investigation _Serial_ 

brought podcasting to mainstream audiences in 2014; the format overall first arrived in 2004. AVERAGE WAGE: $30.90 per hour Many podcasts aim to make you feel like you’re listening to a

good conversation between friends. The truth is it takes plenty of work to make those discussions sound so natural, and producers are the ones responsible for managing most of that

preparation. Depending on the show, a producer’s responsibilities can include booking the guests, giving the hosts guidance on topics of conversation, helping with the technical side of

recording the show, and assisting with finances and promotion. RIDE-SHARE DRIVER WHY IT STARTED: Uber launched in March 2009. AVERAGE WAGE: $18.22 per hour Driving for ride-share services

such as Uber and Lyft offers the flexibility to work when you want, an option that appeals to many older adults. For example, according to one report, 84.8 percent of Uber’s drivers are 41

or older. To qualify as a driver for most ride-booking services, you will need a driver’s license with a clean record, automobile insurance and a car that is less than 10 years old. Getty

Images SOCIAL MEDIA INFLUENCER WHY IT STARTED: Facebook, YouTube and Twitter launched in the mid-2000s. AVERAGE WAGE: $33.15 per hour If you’ve been building up followers on your social

media accounts, as many “grandfluencers” have, it might be time to consider making some money from them. You will need some entrepreneurial skills because there are several ways to earn

money as an influencer. For example, some influencers with large followings negotiate deals with companies to promote their products in sponsored posts. Some sites also enable you to receive

some revenue from advertising that runs alongside your posts. SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGER WHY IT STARTED: Facebook, YouTube and Twitter launched in the mid-2000s. AVERAGE WAGE: $23.75 per hour

Social media platforms can be among the most effective ways for businesses and organizations to connect with customers, but it takes savvy to make that communication happen. Social media

managers plan, design and schedule posts for platforms such as Instagram and TikTok to promote a company’s products, services and overall identity. For example, having created a sassy

identity with the memorable “Where’s the beef?” commercials in the ’80s, Wendy’s has translated that type of irreverence into a Twitter account with more than 3.9 million followers. VIRTUAL

ASSISTANT WHY IT STARTED: The term first appeared in 1996, but the COVID-19 pandemic made the role more popular. AVERAGE WAGE: $21 per hour If you have experience working as an

administrative assistant but would prefer not having to go into the office, virtual assistant could be the job for you. In addition to being able to work from home, most virtual assistants

can choose whether to take the role as gig work, an independent contractor or in a part-time or full-time staff position.