The job landscape is constantly changing, so it makes sense that people value stability and growth in their chosen line of work.
Whether you’re looking to make a career change or just getting started in your first job, you may be searching for a role that’s projected to grow despite shifting work trends. Use this list to help future-proof your career and gain insight into 30 of the fastest-growing jobs of the decade.
Note: We’ve used data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics to provide information on the jobs and industries projected to grow the fastest from 2021 to 2031. All median salary and growth rate information reported is from the Occupational Outlook Handbook and based on 2021 median pay.
- Nurse practitioners
- Wind turbine service technicians
- Restaurant cooks
- Data scientists
- Information security analysts
- Statisticians
- Animal caretakers
- Medical and health services managers
- Physician assistants
- Solar photovoltaic installers
- Physical therapy assistants
- Occupational therapy assistants
- Home health aides
- Derrick operators
- Speech-language pathologists
- Operations research analysts
- Behavioral disorder, substance abuse and mental health counselors
1. Nurse practitioners
Nurse practitioners are the fastest-growing occupation, with an above-average growth rate of 46%. These healthcare professionals coordinate with doctors or work independently to provide healthcare services to patients. Most nurse practitioners offer preventative and primary care such as performing health diagnoses and prescribing medicine.
- Projected growth rate: 46%
- Median salary: $123,780
- Education: Masters degree, national certification and previously registered nurse license in state of practice
- High employment locations: Texas, California, New York, Florida and Tennessee
2. Wind turbine service technicians
With projected growth at a fast 44%, wind turbine service technicians, or wind techs, are projected to be the second fastest-growing job this decade. A wind tech’s main responsibilities involve the installation, maintenance and repair of wind turbines.
Aspiring wind techs can find opportunities around the nation with a steady salary that don’t require a four-year degree.
- Projected growth rate: 44%
- Median salary: $56,260
- Education: Associates degree or technical school certificate, as well as 12 months of training
- High employment locations: Texas, California, Oklahoma, Kansas and North Dakota
3. Restaurant cooks
Restaurant cooks typically don’t need a formal education to become one, and on-the-job training will generally teach you what you need to know. That said, many people choose to pursue culinary training through a professional institution, vocational program or apprenticeship.
- Projected growth rate: 37%
- Median salary: $29,120
- Education: No formal education
- High employment locations: California, Texas, Florida, New York and Ohio
4. Data scientists
Using data software and programming, data scientists’ careers revolve around transforming raw data into interpretable information. Data scientists analyze, visualize and report their findings and consult on analytical techniques used to solve problems.
- Projected growth rate: 36%
- Median salary: $100,910
- Education: Bachelor’s degree
- High employment locations: California, New York, Texas, North Carolina and Illinois
5. Information security analysts
Information security analysts are important to protecting computer networks and systems for organizations. Because of the threat of cyberattacks, organizations need professionals to develop security best practices and stay up to date on information technology and security trends.
- Projected growth rate: 35%
- Median salary: $102,600
- Education: Bachelors degree
- High employment locations: Virginia, Texas, Florida, New York and Maryland
6. Statisticians
Statisticians are in demand in fields such as business, healthcare, government and engineering for their ability to analyze data and problem solve. To develop their expertise, statisticians generally need to pursue a masters or doctorate in a quantitative field.
- Projected growth rate: 31%
- Median salary: $96,280
- Education: Masters degree
- High employment locations: Maryland, California, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania and North Carolina
7. Animal caretakers
If you’re passionate about working with pets, animal caretaking may be the career for you. As an animal caretaker, you’re tasked with feeding, grooming, training and exercising animals, and you typically don’t need more than a high school diploma or any experience to perform this job.
- Projected growth rate: 29%
- Median salary: $28,730
- Education: High school diploma or equivalent
- High employment locations: California, Texas, Florida, New York and North Carolina
8. Medical and health services managers
Managers of medical and health services are responsible for directing and coordinating the health services for healthcare facilities, groups or departments. They’re also known as healthcare administrators or healthcare executives and must manage services according to changing regulations and technology.
- Projected growth rate: 28%
- Median salary: $101,340
- Education: Bachelors degree
- High employment locations: California, Texas, Florida, New York and Massachusetts
9. Physician assistants
Working in collaboration with doctors and surgeons, physician assistants provide medical examinations, diagnoses and treatments. PAs typically need a master’s degree, and job candidates often need experience in patient care before applying to a graduate program.
- Projected growth rate: 28%
- Median salary: $121,530
- Education: Masters degree
- High employment locations: California, New York, Texas, Pennsylvania and Florida
10. Solar photovoltaic installers
In addition to wind power, solar is another fast-growing source of energy and jobs. Solar photovoltaic installers are responsible for assembling and maintaining all types of solar energy systems.
- Projected growth rate: 27%
- Median salary: $47,670
- Education: High school diploma or equivalent
- High employment locations: California, Texas, Arizona, New York and Florida
11. Physical therapy assistants
Physical therapy assistants help people with injuries or illnesses recover their movement ability and help manage any pain associated with recovery. Before becoming a physical therapy assistant, all states require that you earn an associate’s degree and a license or certification obtained by passing the National Physical Therapy Exam.
- Projected growth rate: 24%
- Median salary: $49,180
- Education: Associates degree
- High employment locations: Texas, Florida, California, Ohio and Pennsylvania
12. Occupational therapy assistants
Occupational therapy assistants help patients who need help recovering and maintaining the skills necessary to go about daily life. Under the guidance of occupational therapists, assistants in this profession lead therapeutic activities for developmental disabilities, socialization and mobility.
- Projected growth rate: 25%
- Median salary: $61,520
- Education: Associates degree
- High employment locations: Texas, Ohio, California, Pennsylvania and Florida
13. Home health aides
As the population of adults age 65 and older grows rapidly, there’s a larger demand for home healthcare services. Home health aides help people with chronic illnesses or as well as people who need assistance with daily life. In addition to assisting with daily activities, they also administer basic healthcare such as monitoring vital signs.
- Projected growth rate: 25%
- Median salary: $29,430
- Education: High school diploma or equivalent
- High employment locations: California, New York, Texas, Pennsylvania and Minnesota
14. Derrick operators
Oil and gas derrick operators rig and operate derrick equipment, which is used to dig oil wells and push drills into the ground. Derrick operators are also involved in a variety of activities that maintain, monitor and control oil derricks. These jobs are in demand in the mining, oil, gas extraction and construction industries.
- Projected growth rate: 11.6%
- Median salary: $47,230
- Education: High school diploma
- High employment locations: Texas, Louisiana, Colorado, New Mexico and Kansas
15. Speech-language pathologists
Speech-language pathologists help people with communication and swallowing disorders, you’ll need at least a masters degree and a clinical license. Also known as speech therapists, they’re involved with the assessment, diagnosis and treatment of children and adults with issues such as stuttering.
This role may work in healthcare facilities to treat patients with a cleft palate, Parkinson’s disease or autism spectrum disorder and patients who have had a stroke or brain injury. An alternative route for this career is to provide counseling and programs in schools.
- Projected growth rate: 21%
- Median salary: $79,060
- Education: Masters degree
- High employment locations: California, Texas, New York, Illinois and Florida
16. Operations research analysts
Using advanced mathematical and analytical techniques, operation research analysts are tasked with solving complex problems in various industries. Operations research analysts have analytical skills that can be applied to health care, business, logistics and science.
A bachelors degree in operations research or another quantitative field is needed to get started, but those with graduate degrees will be more attractive candidates.
- Projected growth rate: 23%
- Median salary: $82,360
- Education: Bachelors degree
- High employment locations: California, Virginia, Florida, New York and Maryland
17. Behavioral disorder, substance abuse and mental health counselors
Counselors for substance abuse, behavioral disorders and mental health offer treatment for people who have mental or behavioral problems that interfere with their lives. They evaluate and assess problems such as addiction or alcohol use disorder and provide treatment and education for recovery.
You’ll typically need a bachelors degree and clinical license to become a counselor, but requirements may vary from a certification to a masters degree, depending on the state.
- Projected growth rate: 22%
- Median salary: $48,520
- Education: Bachelors degree
- High employment locations: California, New York, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts and Texas
More of the fastest-growing jobs
None of the above careers catch your eye? Here are some other careers growing faster than the average.
| Occupation | Projected job growth | Median pay |
|---|---|---|
| Ushers, lobby attendants and ticket takers | 41% | $24,440 |
| Motion picture projectionists | 40% | $29,350 |
| Athletes and sports competitors | 36% | $77,300 |
| Umpires, referees and other sports officials | 32% | $35,860 |
| Web developers | 23% | $78,300 |
| Taxi drivers | 12% | $37,540 |
| Logisticians | 28% | $77,030 |
| Respiratory therapists | 14% | $61,830 |
| Epidemiologists | 26% | $78,830 |
| Actuaries | 21% | $105,900 |
| Genetic counselors | 18% | $80,150 |
| Interpreters and translators | 20% | $49,110 |
| Phlebotomists | 10% | $37,380 |
Fastest-growing industries
The future of jobs in America will be influenced by the fastest-growing industries in the nation. Based on Bureau of Labor Statistics data, we determined the main industries for growth over the decade to help you choose your next career path.
Healthcare
The number of adults 65 and older grew quickly during the last decade as Baby Boomers aged. As a result, the demand for healthcare and mental health services is expected to increase.
Take a look at this overview of growth in health-related industries below to see where you might find a stable career.
- Home healthcare services: 54% growth
- Outpatient care centers: 38% growth
- Offices of other healthcare practitioners: 31% growth
- Medical and diagnostic laboratories: 27% growth
- Other ambulatory healthcare services: 27% growth
Technology and data science
As the world and work become more dependent on technology and data, the demand for professional services and skills in this industry likely won’t slow down. Companies desire skills such as cloud computing, artificial intelligence and analysis to help run businesses, solve problems and make strategic decisions.
Consider a job in one of these fast-growing industries.
- Computer systems design and related services: 21% growth
- Software publishers: 20% growth
Bottom line
Many factors such as salary, job security and personal interests can help determine your career path. It’s important to consider the advantages that ample job growth and opportunity may provide for your career.
Benefits such as career stability and longevity and a consistent income can be very attractive in a constantly changing job landscape. Ultimately, your job should prioritize your values for work, life and finances.
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