Computer and information research scientists, heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers, and sales engineers remain among the top two hardest-to-fill jobs by sector, according to the American Staffing Association’s second-quarter skills gap index. The index tracks hard-to-fill occupations in the US.

New to the list of 170 hardest-to-fill jobs since the last report are audiologists, podiatrists, and electronic home entertainment equipment installers and repairers.

“With the number of job openings in the US reaching record highs, the skills gap continues to be a challenge affecting all sectors of the economy,” said ASA President and CEO Richard Wahlquist. “For staffing companies, the ASA Skills Gap Index can play an important role in the development of strategies needed to help clients succeed despite growing talent shortages in the workforce.”

The two hardest-to-fill jobs in each staffing industry sector are:

Engineering, IT, and scientific:

• Computer and information research scientists
• Computer systems engineers/architects

Healthcare

• Audiologists
• Podiatrists

Industrial

• Heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers
• Electronic home entertainment equipment installers and repairers

Office/clerical and administrative

• Repair shop or parts store salespeople
• First-line supervisors of retail sales workers

Professional/managerial

• Sales engineers
• Sales representatives, wholesale and manufacturing, technical and scientific products

The ASA Skills Gap Index, which uses a hiring indicator developed by CareerBuilder. The index is updated twice a year, after the second and fourth quarters.