Forget Big Tech: Small businesses will hire nearly 1 million grads in 2026—and some of the hottest roles are gloriously AI-proof

While fresh-faced grads are throwing their hats in the ring for a job at the world’s biggest companies, they could have a good shot at small businesses ramping up hiring. And some of the jobs that they’re recruiting the most for could stand the test of time in the AI revolution.

About 974,000 recent graduates aged 20 to 24 will be hired at small businesses (firms with one to 49 employees) during the 2026 hiring season, from April through September, according to a recent report from payroll and benefits platform Gusto.