15 of the Fastest Growing Careers in the U.S. (+ Salaries)
11 min read
Choosing the right career path is one of the most important decisions you’ll ever make. In an ever-evolving world, however, it is critical to choose a path that can provide some measure of job stability now and in the future. One of the best ways to provide that stability is to choose one of the fastest-growing jobs as your career option.
In this post, we will explore career options that experts predict will continue to be some of the fastest-growing jobs in the United States in the coming years. We will also look at some of the educational and skill requirements you may need if you want to stand out in an increasingly competitive labor market.
Why it makes sense to choose one of the fastest-growing careers
Of course, you might wonder why you should choose one of these job options. After all, you may have your heart set on an entirely different career path – and that is great! But before you commit to any field of college study, it can be helpful to research that career path’s long-term viability.
The reality is that the world of today is dramatically different than it was decades ago. New technologies and other discoveries have fostered entirely new industries, while many once-popular jobs are no longer in great demand.
By understanding which jobs have the greatest potential for growth in the coming years, you can better ensure that you pursue a career path that provides the best opportunity for employment growth, advancement, and prosperity throughout your working years.
And though there are no guarantees that any job or industry will continue to grow forever, choosing one of these fastest-growing jobs may be one of the best career decisions you ever make.
15 of the fastest-growing jobs for the future
1. Nurse Practitioner
Median Salary: $125,900 per year
Education Needed: Master's degree
Est. Growth Rate: 45% (through 2032)
The role of a nurse practitioner is expected to be one of the fastest-growing jobs over the next decade, with great salary prospects for those who choose this career path. Of course, jobs in the healthcare industry are among the most future-proof of all employment options since there will always be a need for medical care.
Nurse practitioners are allowed to conduct a variety of medical tasks that go well beyond traditional nursing. They perform physical exams, diagnose medical conditions, order tests and procedures, write prescriptions, and coordinate referrals. These professionals can also be found in a variety of medical specialties, including everything from pediatrics and school health to emergency care and geriatrics.
2. Wind turbine service technician
Median Salary: $57,000 per year
Education Needed: Postsecondary nondegree award, on-the-job training
Est. Growth Rate: 45% (through 2032)
Wind turbine technicians handle installment, repair, and regular maintenance for the nation’s many wind turbines. Since the wind turbine industry is a growing sector of the economy, it only makes sense that there would be a growing demand for personnel to service those green energy machines. Additional government investment in the sector could spark even greater growth in the years to come.
3. Data scientist
Median Salary: $103,000 per year
Education Needed: Bachelor’s degree
Est. Growth Rate: 35% (through 2032)
If you love numbers and enjoy working in an analytical environment, this could be a great career choice for you.
Data scientists use their mathematical and analytical skills to manage data, identify relevant trends, and create business solutions for their employers. As business becomes more data-centric, these types of analytical roles will be increasingly in demand, so the expected growth trend could accelerate as the economy continues to evolve.
4. Information security analyst
Median Salary: $112,000+ per year
Education Needed: Bachelor’s degree
Est. Growth Rate: 32% (through 2032)
IT security personnel can be expected to continue to be among the most in-demand professionals in the coming decades, as threats to computer networks continue to become more and more sophisticated.
These security pros are on the front lines of the cyber war, crafting security protocols, protecting invaluable data, and creating disaster recovery plans to manage incursions. Without them, no private or government entity would ever be safe from cyber threats.
5. Statistician
Median Salary: $98,000 per year
Education Needed: Master’s degree
Est. Growth Rate: 32% (through 2032)
For those who enjoy working with data, this profession can be truly rewarding. A statistician is adept at analyzing data in all its forms, identifying data trends and key details, and then compiling that information in a way that allows it to be effectively used for strategic planning, metric assessment, and other business or societal purposes. With Big Data expected to be an increasingly important part of the U.S. economy, statistician jobs are likely to be even more important in the next few decades.
6. Web developer
Median Salary: $77,000 per year
Education Needed: Bachelor’s degree
Est. Growth Rate: 30% (through 2031)
It is not surprising that web developer jobs are also expected to be in high demand well into the future. The internet is everywhere these days, and the number of websites that need to be constructed, upgraded, and maintained continues to grow by leaps and bounds.
Current job growth projections are based not only on the expansion of the industry but also on the anticipated need to replace workers who will be approaching retirement age over the next ten years.
7. Medical and health service manager
Median Salary: $104,000 per year
Education Needed: Bachelor’s degree
Est. Growth Rate: 28% (through 2032)
There are currently an estimated 480,000 medical and health service managers in the United States. These well-compensated managers fulfill vital roles in the healthcare industry where they help to plan and coordinate healthcare providers’ business activities. That role typically requires them to be based in hospitals, clinics, and similar healthcare-focused sites.
As the U.S. population continues to grow, healthcare jobs like these will be increasingly needed to manage the business side of the health service industry.
8. Logistician
Median Salary: $77,000 per year
Education Needed: Bachelor’s degree
Est. Growth Rate: 27% (through 2031)
If you have ever wondered who is responsible for coordinating a business supply chain, then wonder no longer. That job typically falls to professional logisticians – trained analysts who devote their careers to evaluating and coordinating all the many elements that contribute to a lean and efficient supply chain.
These experts can be found in virtually every industry, managing product life cycles, directing material and supply allocations, building relationships with suppliers and clients, and constantly working to improve every aspect of logistics planning and operation.
9. Physician assistant
Median Salary: $126,000+ per year
Education Needed: Master’s degree
Est. Growth Rate: 27% (through 2032)
The job of a physician assistant is taxing and involves everything from examining and diagnosing patients to treating their ailments. These healthcare professionals perform these duties while collaborating with physicians in almost every area of modern healthcare.
As a result, you can find them in primary care, family medicine, psychiatry, emergency room settings, and throughout the entire health industry. In many smaller locales, physician assistants end up serving as the primary providers at clinics where doctors are only available a few times a week.
10. Physical therapist assistant
Median Salary: $62,000 per year
Education Needed: Associate degree and certification/license
Est. Growth Rate: 26% (through 2032)
A physical therapist assistant, or PTA, works in physical therapy environments under the supervision of trained therapists. They typically work directly with patients, helping them to implement therapy plans devised by professional physical therapists. To do that, these assistants need to be educated in treatment strategies and have a fundamental knowledge and understanding of therapy equipment and other tools.
11. Solar photovoltaic installer
Median Salary: $45,000 per year
Education Needed: High school
Est. Growth Rate: 22% (through 2032)
Wind turbine technicians are not the only ones benefiting from the push for renewable energies. As it turns out, another occupation is expected to enjoy a similar level of growth in the coming decade: solar photovoltaic installers, or solar PV installers. These technicians are responsible for installing solar panel systems that are expected to produce a growing portion of the world’s energy in the coming decades.
The educational requirements are far less than some of the other jobs on this list, as installers may only need a high school diploma to land a job. Alternatively, there are classes available at some community colleges and tech schools for those who want to be even better prepared. Since most installations are completed outdoors, this can be a great job choice for those who do not want to work in an office setting.
12. Epidemiologists
Median Salary: $78,000 per year
Education Needed: Master’s degree
Est. Growth Rate: 27% (through 2032)
Epidemiologists play a vital role in public health, studying the causation and effects of diseases in the human population. These professionals investigate health concerns, identify disease vectors and risks, and work to develop prevention and treatment strategies to combat serious illness. They’re often affectionately referred to as disease detectives.
13. Operations research analyst
Median Salary: $85,000 per year
Education Needed: Bachelor’s degree
Est. Growth Rate: 23% (through 2032)
Operations research analysts make their living by providing businesses with data-based solutions that can enhance productivity and profitability. The job is typically preferred by people who love math and who enjoy using numbers and other data to solve complex problems. These analysts pride themselves on their ability to sift through data to find possibilities for real-world business improvement.
14. Software Developer
Median Salary: $127,000
Education Needed: Bachelor’s degree
Est. Growth Rate: 25% (through 2032)
Also known as programmers or coders, these tech-savvy professionals are responsible for writing and maintaining the computer code that powers so much of our technologically advanced society. A software developer’s duties can range from software design to programming, deploying new systems, or maintaining programs over time. These professionals typically work in office settings, as part of a team of similarly skilled programmers.
15. Computer and Information Research Scientists
Median Salary: $136,000 per year
Education Needed: Master’s degree
Est. Growth Rate: 23% (through 2032)
The role of the computer and information research scientist involves a range of scientific endeavors designed to spark technological innovation. These scientists work to develop new computational methods that solve problems for a variety of industries.
Sometimes, the job requires them to identify new ways to use existing software and other technology. At other times, it requires them to push the boundaries of existing knowledge by seeking advances in fields like artificial intelligence, Big Data, quantum computing, and other emerging technologies.
Other fastest-growing careers to consider
While most of this list is focused on professions with earning potential of more than $45,000 per year, it is important to note that there are other types of jobs that are also expected to grow rapidly in the next several years. We are listing these jobs as a group since most of them offer substantially lower pay than the positions we chose to highlight. For example,
Venue ushers, ticket takers, and lobby personnel jobs are expected to increase by 41%. The median pay is only $24,000 though.
Restaurant cook jobs may increase by 30%, with a median salary of $30,000.
Animal caretaker jobs could grow by 30% as well. They earn a median salary of just over $28,000.
Animal trainers will also see increased demand, with a 27% increase in jobs and a median salary of $31,000.
Identify a practical dream job
When it comes to choosing a career, it is sometimes not enough to identify your dream job. You also need to be practical and ensure that you choose a job that can survive an ever-changing economy. If any of the fastest-growing jobs highlighted in this post appeal to your career desires, then there is a good chance that you can enjoy the best of both worlds: a dream job that can continue to remain in demand well into the future!
Regardless of your chosen career path, you will need a compelling resume to land those all-important interviews. Be sure to get your free resume review today and learn more about how our expert resume professionals can help ensure that your resume makes the right impression for your job search needs.
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Written by
Ken Chase, Freelance Writer
During Ken's two decades as a freelance writer, he has covered everything from banking and fintech to business management and the entertainment industry. His true passion, however, has always been focused on helping others achieve their career goals with timely job search and interview advice or the occasional resume consultation. When he's not working, Ken can usually be found adventuring with family and friends or playing fetch with his demanding German Shepherd. Read more resume advice from Ken on ZipJob’s blog.
