It is understandable that the job market changes constantly, and people want to be in a position where they can grow.
You may want to find a job that will grow, despite changing work trends. This list will help you future-proof and learn about 30 of today’s fastest growing jobs.
Please note: Data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics was used to determine the industries and jobs that are projected to have the highest growth rates from 2021-2031. The Occupational Outlook Manual provides all the information on median salaries and growth rates. This data is based upon 2021 median wages.
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Nurse practitioners
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Wind Turbine Service Technicians
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Restaurant cooks
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Data Scientist
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Information Security Analysts
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Statisticians
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Animal caretakers
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Managers of medical and health care services
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Physician assistants
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Solar photovoltaic installers
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Physical Therapy Assistants
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Assistants to occupational therapy
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Home Health Aids
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Derrick operators
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Speech Language Pathologists
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Operational Research Analysts
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Mental health, addiction and behavioral disorders counselors
1. Nurse practitioners
The fastest growing occupation is nurse practitioner, which has a growth rate above average of 46%. They may work with doctors to deliver healthcare to patients, or they can provide services independently. The majority of nurse practitioners provide primary and preventative care, including performing diagnoses and prescribing medicines.
- Growth rate projected: 46
- Median salary: $123,780
- Education Master’s degree and national certification, or a registered nurse in the state.
- Locations with high employment: Texas California New York Florida Tennessee
2. Wind turbine technicians
Wind turbine service technicians (or wind techs) are expected to grow at an impressive 44% per year, making them the second-fastest growing occupation in this decade. The main duties of a wind tech are to install, maintain and repair wind turbines.
Wind techs who want to work can get jobs across the country with steady salaries that do not require a 4-year degree.
- Growth rate projected: 44 %
- Median salary: $56,260
- Education: Associate degree or certificate from a technical school, plus 12 months training
- High employment locations:Texas and California. Oklahoma, Kansas, North Dakota, Kansas, North Dakota, North Dakota, Kansas, North Dakota.
3. Restaurant cooks
Most restaurant cooks don’t require a formal degree to be one. On-the-job learning will teach you everything you need to learn. Many people opt to get culinary training at a vocational school, professional institute or through an apprenticeship.
- Growth rate projected: 37
- Median salary: $29,120
- Education Does not have formal education
- Locations with high employment: California (Texas), Florida, New York, and Ohio
4. Data Scientists
Data scientists transform raw data using data software and programming. Data scientists report, analyze and visualize their findings. They also consult about analytical methods used to solve issues.
- Growth rate projected: 36 %
- Median salary: $100,910
- Education: Bachelor’s degree
- Locations with high employment: California (including New York), Texas, North Carolina, and Illinois
5. Information Security Analysts
Information security analysts play a vital role in protecting organizations’ computer systems and networks. Cyberattacks are a threat to organizations, so they need to hire professionals who can develop best practices for security and keep up with the latest information technology trends and cyber security.
- Growth rate projected: 35
- Median salary: $102,600
- Education: Bachelors degree
- Locations with high employment: Virginia (Texas), Florida, New York, and Maryland
6. Statisticians
For their analytical skills and ability to solve problems, statisticians are highly sought after in many fields, including business, health care, government, and engineering. For statisticians to develop their skills, they need to earn a doctorate or masters in a quantitative area.
- Growth rate projected: 30%
- Median salary: $96,280
- Education: Masters degree
- Locations with high employment: Maryland (California), Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, North Carolina and Pennsylvania
7. Animal caretakers
Animal caretaking could be a career choice for someone who loves working with animals. You’ll be responsible for feeding, training, and grooming animals. A high-school diploma is usually all you need to do this job.
- Growth rate projected: 29
- Median salary: $28,730
- Education: A high school diploma or its equivalent
- Locations with high employment: California (Texas), Florida, New York, and North Carolina
8. Managers of medical and health services
Medical and health service managers are in charge of directing, coordinating and managing the services provided by healthcare institutions or groups. Also known as healthcare managers or executives, they must adapt to new regulations and technologies.
- Growth rate projected: 28
- Median salary: $101,340
- Education: Bachelors degree
- Locations with high employment: California (Texas), Florida, New York, and Massachusetts
9. Physician assistants
Physician assistants work in conjunction with physicians and surgeons to provide medical exams, diagnoses, and treatments. Most PAs need to have a Master’s Degree, but job applicants often require experience before they apply for a graduate degree.
- Growth rate projected: 28
- Median salary: $121,530
- Education: Masters degree
- Locations with high employment:New York, Texas and Pennsylvania
10. Solar photovoltaic installers
Solar power is another source of jobs and energy that’s growing fast. Installers of solar photovoltaic systems are responsible for the assembly and maintenance of all solar energy system types.
- Growth rate projected: 27
- Median salary: $47,670
- Education: High school diploma or its equivalent
- Locations with high employment: California (Texas), Arizona, New York, and Florida
11. Physical Therapy Assistants
Physical therapy assistants assist people who have been injured or ill in regaining their ability to move and manage pain. All states require you to have an associate degree, a certification or license obtained through the National Physical Therapy Exam and pass the National Physical Therapy Exam before becoming a certified physical therapy assistant.
- Growth rate projected: 24 %
- Median salary: $49,180
- Education: Associates degree
- Locations with high employment: Texas Florida California Ohio Pennsylvania
12. Assistants in Occupational Therapy
Assistants in occupational therapy help people who are struggling to maintain or recover the daily skills they need. This profession’s assistants work under the supervision of occupational therapists to lead activities that promote mobility, socialization, and developmental disabilities.
- Growth rate projected: 25
- Median salary: $61,520
- Education: Associates degree
- Locations with high employment: Texas (Texas), Ohio, California, Pennsylvania, and Florida
13. The Home Health Aide
The demand for services in home health care is increasing as the number of older adults grows. They can help those with chronic illness or who require assistance in their daily lives. They also provide basic healthcare, such as checking vital signs.
- Growth rate projected: 25
- Median salary: $29,430
- Education A high school diploma or its equivalent
- Locations with high employment: California, New York State, Texas, Pennsylvania, and Minnesota
14. Derrick operators
Operators of oil and gas derricks rig derricks, and use the equipment to push drilling into the earth and dig wells for crude. Derrick operators also perform a wide range of tasks to maintain, monitor and manage oil derricks. The mining, oil and gas extraction, construction, and other industries are all in need of these jobs.
- Growth rate projected: 11.6 percent
- Median salary: $47,230
- High School Diploma
- Locations with high employment: Texas and Louisiana, Colorado New Mexico, Kansas
15. Speech-language Pathologists
You’ll require a minimum of a Master’s Degree and a Clinical License to become a speech-language pathologist. They are also known as speech-language pathologists and they help children and adults who have issues like stuttering.
In this role, you may treat people with autism spectrum disorders or Parkinson’s Disease in healthcare facilities. You might also work to help patients recover from strokes or brain injuries. This career can also be pursued by providing counseling in schools and programs.
- Growth rate projected: 21 %
- Median salary: $79,060
- Education: Masters degree
- Locations with high employment: California (Texas), New York (Illinois), Texas and Florida
16. Analysts of operations research
Operation research analysts use advanced analytical and mathematical techniques to solve complex problems across various industries. Analysts in operation research have analytic skills which can be used to solve problems within the health care industry, business, logistics, and science.
To get started in this field, you will need a bachelor’s degree. Graduate degrees are more desirable.
- Growth rate projected: 23 %
- Median salary: $82,360
- Education: Bachelors degree
- Locations with high employment: California (California), Virginia, Florida and New York
17. Counselors for mental illness, addiction and behavioral disorders
Counselors in mental and behavioral health, substance abuse disorders and behavioral disorders provide treatment to people with mental or behavioral issues that are interfering with their life. These counselors assess and evaluate problems like alcohol or drug abuse disorder, and offer treatment and education to help people recover.
You will need to have a Bachelors Degree and a Clinical License to be a Counselor. However, the requirements can vary by state, from certifications to masters degrees.
- Growth rate projected: 22 %
- Median salary: $48,520
- Education: Bachelors degree
- Locations with high employment:California. New York. Pennsylvania. Massachusetts.
The fastest growing jobs
You don’t like any of these careers? Other careers are growing at a faster rate than average.
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Occupation |
Job growth projection |
Median Pay |
|---|---|---|
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Ushers and lobby attendants |
41% | $24,440 |
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Motion picture projectionists |
40% | $29,350 |
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Sports competitors and athletes |
36% | $77,300 |
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Sports officials, including umpires, judges and referees |
32% | $35,860 |
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Web developers |
23% | $78,300 |
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Taxi driver |
12% | $37,540 |
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Logisticians |
28% | $77,030 |
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Respiratory Therapists |
14% | $61,830 |
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Epidemiologists |
26% | $78,830 |
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Actuaries |
21% | $105,900 |
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Genetic Counselors |
18% | $80,150 |
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Translators and interpreters |
20% | $49,110 |
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Phlebotomists |
10% | $37,380 |
The fastest-growing industries
Jobs in America’s future will be determined by which industries are growing the most quickly. We analyzed Bureau of Labor Statistics statistics to determine the top industries that will grow over the next decade. This information can help you decide your career.
Healthcare
As Baby Boomers aged, the number of older adults grew rapidly during the past decade. The demand for mental and healthcare services will increase as a result.
You can find stable careers in the health industry by looking at this list of industries that are growing.
- Home healthcare services: 54% growth
- Outpatient care centers: 38% growth
- Other healthcare practitioner’s offices: Growth of 31%
- Growth in medical and diagnostic laboratories of 27 percent
- Other Ambulatory Healthcare Services: Growth of 27%
Data science and technology
The demand for professionals and professional skills will likely not slow down as the technology-driven world of work and the increasing dependence on data and technology continues to grow. Cloud computing, analysis, and artificial intelligence are skills that companies want to have in order to run their businesses, solve issues, and make strategic choices.
Take a look at these industries that are growing fast.
- Computer Systems Design and Related Services: 21% Growth
- Software Publishers: 20 percent growth
Bottom Line
Your career can be influenced by many factors, including salary and job security. Personal interests are also important. Consider the benefits that a career with plenty of job opportunities and growth can provide.
In a job market that is constantly evolving, benefits such as stability in your career and a steady income are very appealing. Your job must ultimately prioritize your work values, as well as your life, financial and personal goals.