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.
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
