On the hunt for a job you can build a career around? One key to long-term employment is choosing a future-proof role—one likely to remain in demand as industries evolve. In today’s constantly shifting job market, finding work that will still be thriving years from now can be challenging. Below are 15 occupations identified by the Cognizant Jobs of the Future Index (CJFI) as showing strong signs of sustained growth. While no forecast is certain, these roles demonstrate momentum and relevance for the coming years. Median and average pay figures are cited where available from sources such as the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Glassdoor and PayScale.
Genetic Counselor
Getty Images
2017 median pay: $77,480
Genetic counselors interpret genetic information and advise individuals and families about inherited conditions, disease risk and testing options. Their work supports prevention, early detection and informed health decisions—helping patients and clinicians tailor monitoring or lifestyle choices. Although the CJFI recorded a 19.4 percent drop in Q3 2018, the overall 2018 trend included a strong net gain driven by earlier surges. The BLS projects 29 percent growth for this occupation through 2026, reflecting increasing use of genetic testing and personalized medicine.
Video Game Designer
In 2018, video game design saw 101.6 percent job growth. Getty Images
Average pay (via Glassdoor): $73,182
Video game designers create interactive experiences across consoles, PCs and mobile devices, and increasingly in augmented and virtual reality. The industry’s rapid innovation and sustained consumer demand fueled significant CJFI growth in 2018. The BLS doesn’t track “video game designer” as a single title, but related occupations—software developers and multimedia artists—show strong projected growth. While high-budget console development can make early entry competitive, web- and mobile-based gaming continue to offer opportunities for newcomers.
Transportation Supervisor
The year-over-year job growth in 2018 was 204 percent. Getty Images
Average pay (via Glassdoor): $54,261
Transportation supervisors coordinate logistics for people and goods—designing routes, scheduling vehicles and managing drivers to ensure timely, efficient movement. As e-commerce and complex supply chains expand, demand for skilled logistics and transportation coordination rises. The CJFI reported a dramatic 204 percent year-over-year job growth in 2018; the BLS does not track this specific title but logistics and supply chain roles remain critical to modern commerce.
Fashion Designer
According to the CJFI, the fashion designer position saw a huge 147.7 percent year-over-year growth in 2018. Getty Images
2017 median pay: $67,420
Fashion design now incorporates computer-aided design and digital tools alongside traditional creativity. New technologies have lowered barriers for designers and enabled rapid iteration, while entertainment and streaming content broaden demand for costume and specialty designers. Although the BLS projects modest growth for fashion designers overall, the CJFI recorded substantial year-over-year gains in 2018, suggesting niche opportunities—especially in costume design and digital fashion—may expand faster than historical averages indicate.
Personal Care Aide / Caregiver
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, this position will see 41 percent growth through 2026. Getty Images
2017 median pay: $23,130
Personal care aides assist older adults and people with disabilities with daily living tasks and basic health monitoring. An aging population—particularly the sizable Baby Boomer generation—drives sustained demand for caregiving services. The BLS projects 41 percent growth through 2026, creating millions of new jobs. CJFI data also showed substantial growth in 2018, underscoring caregiving as a highly stable, essential occupation.
UX Designer
UX designers and engineers combine human psychology with technology to ensure the user can figure out how a product works without too much effort. Getty Images
Average pay (via Glassdoor): $90,697
User experience (UX) designers blend psychology, design and technology to make products intuitive and satisfying. As devices and digital services proliferate, businesses prioritize clear, frictionless experiences to retain customers. CJFI metrics showed healthy growth for UX roles in 2018. While the BLS does not list UX developers separately, the discipline’s cross-functional value keeps it highly relevant across industries.
Robotics Engineer
According to the CJFI, robotic engineering saw a 44.84 percent year-over-year job growth in 2018. Getty Images
2017 median pay: $85,880 (mechanical engineers)
Robotics engineers design, program and integrate automated systems used in manufacturing, logistics and many other sectors. With automation enabling cost savings and productivity gains, demand for robotics expertise grows. The CJFI recorded appreciable growth in 2018, and related fields tracked by the BLS—such as mechanical engineering—also show positive outlooks.
Robotics Technician
In 2018 robotics technician positions spiked by 84 percent year-over-year. Getty Images
2017 median pay: $56,740 (electro-mechanical technicians)
Robotics technicians maintain, troubleshoot and repair robotic systems and assist engineers with integration and testing. As robots become more common across industries, technicians who can keep systems running and adapt hardware or firmware on the floor are increasingly valuable. CJFI data showed an 84 percent spike in 2018, indicating strong demand for hands-on technical talent.
Mechatronics Engineer
This job saw a 29.03 percent year-over-year growth in 2018. Getty Images
Average pay (via Glassdoor): $103,810
Mechatronics engineers integrate mechanical, electrical and computer systems to design and optimize complex machinery—examples include modern vehicles, drones and automation equipment. Their multidisciplinary skill set fits the trend toward increasingly sophisticated, interconnected systems. CJFI data indicates steady growth since 2016, reflecting expanding demand for professionals who bridge multiple engineering domains.
Data Scientist
This position’s 45.6 percent year-over-year growth in 2018 more than made up for its small downturn in late 2017. Getty Images
2017 median pay: $84,760 (mathematicians and statisticians)
Data scientists analyze complex datasets to identify patterns, diagnose issues and make evidence-based recommendations. They are central to modern decision-making across business, healthcare, policy and technology. CJFI reported substantial year-over-year growth in 2018, and the BLS projects strong growth for related fields such as mathematicians and statisticians, emphasizing the continued need for analytical expertise.
Social Media Strategist / Specialist
The CJFI shows an 84 percent year-over-year job growth in 2018. Getty Images
Average pay (via Glassdoor): $54,115
Social media strategists plan and manage online content and campaigns to engage audiences and build brand reputation. As social platforms influence marketing, sales and public perception, skilled specialists who can target audiences, craft messaging and measure results are in demand. CJFI data recorded strong growth in 2018, and marketing and promotions roles tracked by the BLS project continued expansion in this space.
Alternative Energy Manager
These managers oversee the development and installation of alternative energy sources like wind, solar, biofuel and natural gas. Getty Images
Average pay (via PayScale): $115,533
Alternative energy managers plan and oversee projects that deploy renewable and lower-carbon energy systems—solar, wind, biofuels and more. Economic incentives, corporate sustainability goals and regulatory pressures drive interest in energy transition roles. The CJFI shows rapid overall growth since 2016, with some political-related volatility, but the long-term trend toward cleaner energy suggests continued opportunities.
Sustainability Specialist
Since 2016, this role has seen nearly 400 percent growth. Getty Images
2017 median pay: $82,450 (management analysts)
Sustainability specialists evaluate and improve a company’s environmental performance—reducing energy use, minimizing waste and identifying cost-effective, eco-friendly practices. Corporate interest in sustainability and efficiency, along with regulatory shifts, has driven rapid CJFI growth since 2016. While the field can be influenced by policy changes, its consistent emphasis on cost savings and risk reduction helps stabilize long-term demand.
Career Counselor
In 2018, the career counselor role saw a 53 percent year-over-year growth. Getty Images
2017 median pay: $55,410
Career counselors help people assess skills and interests, explore career paths and navigate training or educational requirements. As job paths become less linear and career transitions more common, demand for guidance increases. The CJFI reported notable growth in 2018, and the BLS projects growth for school and career counselors through 2026—reflecting ongoing need for career planning services in schools, colleges and workforce programs.
Urban Planner
Urban planners saw 72 percent job growth in 2018, and nearly 200 percent growth since 2016. Getty Images
2017 median pay: $71,490
Urban planners shape land use, transportation systems, housing and economic development at the city and regional level. Growing demand for livable, resilient communities and efforts to attract and retain workers contribute to rising employment for planners. CJFI data shows strong recent growth, and the BLS projects continued expansion in urban and regional planning roles through 2026—above the national average—driven by redevelopment, infrastructure needs and population shifts.
These 15 roles reflect a mix of technology, healthcare, sustainability and design careers that align with long-term trends. While market conditions and policy can influence short-term fluctuations, focusing on skills that combine technical knowledge with human-centered problem solving—such as data analysis, systems integration, caregiving, sustainability and user-focused design—will help future-proof your career prospects.