The Future of Jobs:  30 Fastest-Growing Jobs and Careers

What are the fastest-growing jobs and what earning potential do they have?

Many of us are taught to follow our dreams and study what we’re interested in to find a fulfilling career. Career fulfillment is very important. However, it is equally as important to be realistic regarding the job market and what kind of jobs can provide financial stability in our ever-shifting society. 

Amidst the rapidly-advancing technological landscape, some of the fastest-growing jobs might be in their early stages or might still need to be conceptualized!

Netflix aside, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) forecasts that motion picture projectionists—those who operate the movie screening equipment in theaters—have the highest growth rate from 2020 to 2030, with a 70% projected growth rate! This is far from the highest-paying job at around $29,000 a year, but it’s nice to know that movie theaters are projected still to be part of our culture in 10 years.

Fastest Growing Jobs That Typically Require a Degree 

For job seekers interested in working in the corporate space, having a degree will provide them with better chances of obtaining a role. In many cases, a bachelor’s degree is all you need. Still, more specialized roles or industries may require additional degrees such as a master’s degree, a doctorate, or specialized training/industry certifications. 

1. Information Security Analysts

Predicted Growth: 33% over the next 10 years.

Information security analysts ensure that assets, people, and information remain secure. These analysts review networks for possible threats and security breaches. 

Salary Range: According to US News, the average salary range is from $78,440 – $132,890

2. Nurse Practitioners

The U.S. National Library of Medicine defines a nurse practitioner (NP) is a nurse with a graduate degree in advanced practice nursing. This type of provider may also be referred to as an ARNP (Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioner) or APRN (Advanced Practice Registered Nurse). Types of health care providers is a related topic 

Predicted Growth: Nurse practitioners are within the top five predicted fastest-growing jobs with a projected growth rate of 52%.

Salary Range: The average nurse practitioner’s salary is $111,680, according to the U.S. BLS as of May 2020.

3. Physician Assistants

Physician assistants practice medicine on teams with physicians, surgeons, and other healthcare workers. 

Predicted Growth: BLS states that the employment of physician assistants is projected to grow 31% from 2020 to 2030.

Salary Range: US News Estimates that PAs make between $95,730 to $135,220 annually.

4. Massage Therapists

Massage therapists provide services to clients to manipulate the muscles and other soft tissues of the body. 

Predicted Growth: The employment of massage therapists is projected to grow 32% from 2020 to 2030.

Salary Range: Salary.com estimates that the salary range typically falls between $49,474 and $63,486.

5. Community Health Workers

Community health workers promote wellness by helping people adopt healthy behaviors. 

Predicted Growth: The employment of community health workers is projected to grow 17% from 2020 to 2030.

Salary Range: Recruiter.com estimates that a community health worker will usually earn a compensation of around $28,010 and $70,790 based on level of experience.

6. Private Detectives 

Private detectives and investigators search for information about legal, financial, and personal matters.

Predicted Growth: The employment of private detectives and investigators is projected to grow 13% from 2020 to 2030.

Salary Range: BLS notes that a private detective earns between $32,130 and $98,070 annually.

7. Commercial Pilots

Commercial pilots fly and navigate airplanes, helicopters, and other aircraft. 

Predicted Growth: The employment of commercial pilots is projected to grow 13% from 2020 to 2030.

Salary Range: Salary.com estimates that the base salary for Airline Pilot ranges from $124,801 to $162,701.

8. Airfield Operations Specialists

Airfield operations specialists ensure the safe takeoff and landing of commercial and military aircraft. 

Predicted Growth: Recruiter.com estimates that demand for Airfield Operations Specialists is expected to go up, with an expected 900 new jobs filled by 2029. This represents an annual increase of 0.94 percent over the next few years.

Salary Range: BLS notes that airfield operation specialists make between $30,770 and $81,910.

9. Aircraft Mechanics

Aircraft mechanics and technicians repair and perform scheduled maintenance on aircraft.

Predicted Growth: Overall employment of aircraft and avionics equipment mechanics and technicians is projected to grow 11 percent from 2020 to 2030, faster than the average for all occupations, according to BLS.

Salary Range: Salary.com estimates that the base salary for Aircraft Mechanic (Jet) ranges from $79,777 to $103,226, with an average base salary of $91,579.

10. Commercial Divers

Commercial divers work below the surface of the water, using surface-supplied air or scuba equipment to inspect, repair, remove, or install equipment and structures.

Predicted Growth: Recruiter.com estimates that demand for Commercial Divers is expected to go up, with an expected 790 new jobs filled by 2029. This represents an annual increase of 2.57 percent over the next few years.

Salary Range: BLS estimates that commercial divers make between $37,130 to $160,110 annually.

11. Data Scientists

Data scientists design innovative uses for new and existing computing technology and analyze large datasets to organize and present statistically relevant information.

Predicted Growth: BLS estimates that the employment of computer and information research scientists is projected to grow 22% from 2020 to 2030.

Salary Range: Glassdoor estimates that the salary range for a data scientist is between $90,000 and $174,000.

12. Physical Therapists 

Physical therapists help injured or ill people improve movement and manage pain.

Predicted Growth: BLS estimates that the employment of physical therapists is projected to grow 21 percent from 2020 to 2030.

Salary Range: Salary.com notes that the average Physical Therapist (PT) salary in the United States is $94,801 as of July 26, 2022, but the range typically falls between $87,701 and $102,501.

13. Physical Therapy Assistants

Physical therapists supervise physical therapist assistants and aides to help patients regain movement and manage pain after injuries and illnesses. 

Predicted Growth: BLS estimates that employment of physical therapist assistants and aides is projected to grow 32% from 2020 to 2030.

Salary Range: US news estimates that physical therapist assistants make between $48,260 and $70,800.

14. Speech-Language Pathologists

Speech-language pathologists assess, diagnose, treat, and help to prevent communication and swallowing disorders in children and adults.

Predicted Growth: BLS estimates that employment of speech-language pathologists is projected to grow 29% from 2020 to 2030.

Salary Range: Salary.com notes that the salary range typically falls between $80,337 and $95,102.

15. Home Health Aides

Home health and personal care aides monitor the condition of people with disabilities or chronic illnesses and help them with daily living activities.

Predicted Growth: BLS estimates that employment of home health and personal care aides is projected to grow 33% from 2020 to 2030.

Salary Range: US News estimates that the salary range for home health aides is between $23,560 to $31,280.

16. Training and Development Managers

Training and development managers plan, coordinate, and direct skills- and knowledge-enhancement programs for an organization’s staff.

Predicted Growth: BLS estimates that the employment of training and development managers is projected to grow 11% from 2020 to 2030.

Salary Range: Salary.com notes that the salary range typically falls between $111,729 and $145,845.

17. Phlebotomists

Phlebotomists draw blood for tests, transfusions, research, or blood donations.

Predicted Growth: BLS estimates that employment of phlebotomists is projected to grow 22% from 2020 to 2030.

Salary Range: Salary.com notes that the salary range for a phlebotomist typically falls between $33,280 and $41,263.

18. Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Manager

DEI managers foster work environments that support diversity and inclusion on all levels.

Predicted Growth: Indeed.com notes that DEI job postings increased by 123% between May and September 2020 alone. 

Salary Range: CNBC noted that PayScale found median pay to be between $84,000 and $126,000.

19. Machine Learning Engineers/ Computer and Information Research Scientists

These roles design innovative uses for new and existing computing technology. 

Predicted Growth: BLS notes that employment of computer and information research scientists/machine learning engineers is projected to grow 22% from 2020 to 2030.

Salary Range: Salary.com notes that the base salary for Machine Learning Engineer ranges from $106,728 to $133,550.

20. Statisticians

Statisticians analyze data and apply computational techniques to solve problems.

Predicted Growth: BLS estimates that the overall employment of mathematicians and statisticians is projected to grow 33% from 2020 to 2030.

Salary Range: US News estimates that statisticians make between $68,810 and $121,800 annually.

21. Medical Records and Health Information Specialists

Medical records and health information specialists organize, manage, and code health information data.

Predicted Growth: BLS estimates that the employment of medical records and health information specialists is projected to grow 9% from 2020 to 2030.

Salary Range: Salary.com notes that the base salary for Health Information Specialist ranges from $36,379 to $69,260.

22. User Experience Researchers

UX researchers develop, create, and test website or interface layout, functions, and navigation for usability.

Predicted Growth: BLS estimates that the employment of UX researchers/digital designers is projected to grow 13% from 2020 to 2030.

Salary Range: Coursera notes that UX researchers make around $88,000 to $134,000 on average in the US.

Fastest Growing Jobs That Typically Don’t Require a Degree

In a world where everything seems to be online and technology-focused, it can be easy to forget just how important trade work is. 

However, this became increasingly clearer amidst the pandemic, and trade work continues to boom. With many people spending more time at home, home renovations and repairs are increasing in popularity, and trade work has become more lucrative than ever, with demand increasing by 100% for drywall finishers and 94% for tile and stone setters. 

23. Wind Turbine Service Technicians

Wind turbine service technicians install, maintain, and repair wind turbines.

Predicted Growth: BLS estimates that the employment of wind turbine technicians is projected to grow 68% from 2020 to 2030.

Salary Range: US News notes that Wind Turbine Service Technicians make between $46,270 and $68,920 annually.

24. Solar Photovoltaic Installers

Solar photovoltaic (PV) installers assemble, set up, and maintain rooftops or other systems that convert sunlight into energy.

Predicted Growth: BLS estimates that the employment of solar photovoltaic installers is projected to grow 52% from 2020 to 2030.

Salary Range: Recruiter.com notes that a solar photovoltaic installer earns an average salary ranging from $32,590 – $64,600.

25. Security + Fire Alarm Installers (Electricians)

Electricians install, maintain, and repair electrical power, communications, lighting, security, fire alarm, and control systems. 

Predicted Growth: BLS estimates that the employment of electricians is projected to grow 9 percent from 2020 to 2030.

Salary Range: Intuit notes that fire alarm technician salaries in California can vary between $25,500 to $100,500.

26. Tile + Stone Setters

Flooring installers and tile and stone setters lay and finish carpet, wood, vinyl, tile, and other materials.

Predicted Growth: BLS estimates that employment of flooring installers and tile and stone setters is projected to grow 6 percent from 2020 to 2030.

Salary Range: Recruiter.com notes that a tile and stone setter can earn average salaries of between $27,390 – $76,620 based on experience.

27. Motion Picture Projectionists

Motion picture projectionists operate the movie screening equipment in theaters.

Predicted Growth: BLS estimates that the employment of motion picture projectionists will grow by 70% from 2020 to 2030.

Salary Range: Salary.com notes that the base salary for Motion Picture Projectionist ranges from $28,466 to $41,932.

28. Ushers, Lobby Attendants, Ticket Takers

Ushers, lobby attendants, ticket Takers Assist patrons at entertainment events by admission tickets and passes from patrons, assisting in finding seats, etc. 

Predicted Growth: BLS estimates that the employment of motion picture projectionists will grow by 62% from 2020 to 2030.

Salary Range: Recruiter.com notes that ushers, lobby attendants, and ticket takers can earn average salaries in a range of $18,070 – $37,100, depending on experience.

29. Cooks

Cooks season and prepare foods, including soups, salads, entrees, and desserts. 

Predicted Growth: BLS estimates that the employment of cooks is projected to grow 26% from 2020 to 2030.

Salary Range: Salary.com notes that the salary range for a cook typically falls between $31,873 and $40,629.

30. Artist Agents and Business Managers

Artist agents and business managers represent and promote artists, performers, and athletes in dealings with current or prospective employers. May handle contract negotiation and other business matters for clients.

Predicted Growth: BLS estimates that the employment of cooks is projected to grow 46% from 2020 to 2030.

Salary Range: Recruiter.com notes that an agent or business manager can receive salaries ranging between $35,840 and $190,500, depending on the level of seniority.

31. Costume Attendants

Costume attendants Select, fit, and take care of costumes for cast members, and aid entertainers. May assist with multiple costume changes during performances.

Predicted Growth: BLS estimates that the employment of cooks is projected to grow 44% from 2020 to 2030.

Salary Range: Recruiter.com notes that a costume attendant can earn average salaries in the range of $24,730 to $93,400 based on experience and talent.

32. Model Makers

Model makers construct full-size and scale wooden precision models of products. Includes wood jig builders and loft workers.

Predicted Growth: BLS estimates that the employment of cooks is projected to grow 39% from 2020 to 2030.

Salary Range: Recruiter.com notes that a wood model maker earns a pay level between $38,380 – $82,710 depending on the level of education.

This article was written by The Salary Project writer, Michele Lando.