Are you concerned that automation or advancing technology might put your job at risk? While experts warn that many roles susceptible to automation could decline, not all occupations face the same outlook. Jobs in health care, technology, social services, business, finance and renewable energy are expected to see some of the fastest growth over the next decade.
Population aging, expanded insurance coverage and rising demand for medical services are among the key drivers increasing the need for health-care professionals. As health services expand, they create demand for administrative and support roles—boosting jobs in information technology, data security and financial management as well.
Below are 50 occupations projected to grow rapidly and remain in strong demand, along with key facts about each job. All employment statistics are sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
50. Food and Beverage Serving Worker
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Total jobs: 5,406,600
Projected growth (2018–28): 14%
Median salary: $21,750
Education: None
Bottom line: Food and beverage workers perform a variety of tasks in restaurants and other dining establishments, including customer service, food preparation, cash handling, cleaning and stocking. Many positions are part-time or shift-based, and the occupation has a relatively high rate of injury and illness.
49. Personal Care Aide
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Total jobs: 3,253,000
Projected growth: 36%
Median salary: $24,020
Education: High school diploma
Bottom line: With the U.S. elderly population growing, demand for personal care aides is rising. These aides assist people with disabilities or chronic illness in daily activities—bathing, dressing, household chores, transportation and meal preparation—providing nonmedical support in private homes or group settings.
48. Home Health Aide
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Total jobs: 3,253,000
Projected growth: 37%
Median salary: $24,200
Education: High school diploma
Bottom line: Home health aides provide in-home support to people with disabilities, chronic illness or cognitive impairment. In addition to personal-care tasks, some aides perform basic health-related duties like changing bandages or assisting with braces or prosthetics.
47. Physical Therapist Aide
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Total jobs: 49,800
Projected growth: 23%
Median salary: $26,240
Education: High school diploma
Bottom line: Physical therapist aides receive on-the-job training to support therapists with nonclinical tasks—maintaining treatment areas, moving patients and handling administrative duties—so employers often prefer aides with basic computer skills.
46. Medical Assistants
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Total jobs: 686,600
Projected growth: 23%
Median salary: $33,610
Education: Certificate or diploma in medical assisting
Bottom line: Medical assistants handle both administrative and clinical tasks in clinics and hospitals, including scheduling, record keeping, assisting with exams and preparing specimens. Certificate programs typically last about a year.
45. Veterinary Technologists and Technicians
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Total jobs: 109,400
Projected growth: 19%
Median salary: $34,420
Education: Associate degree (technicians) or bachelor’s degree (technologists) in veterinary technology
Bottom line: Veterinary technologists and technicians assist veterinarians with diagnostics, lab tests, X-rays, nursing care and surgery support. Technologists often work in research labs, while technicians typically work in clinical practice.
44. Phlebotomist
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Total jobs: 128,300
Projected growth: 23%
Median salary: $34,480
Education: Phlebotomy program certificate
Bottom line: Phlebotomists draw blood for tests, transfusions and research and maintain accurate patient records. Many complete a certificate program that typically takes less than a year.
43. Forest Fire Inspectors and Prevention Specialists
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Total jobs: 15,200
Projected growth: 8%
Median salary: $39,600
Education: High school diploma
Bottom line: These specialists assess outdoor areas for fire hazards, enforce fire codes and recommend hazard-reduction measures. Many start as firefighters and receive on-the-job training; some employers prefer a degree in fire science, engineering or chemistry.
42. Medical Records and Health Information Technician
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Total jobs: 215,500
Projected growth: 11%
Median salary: $40,350
Education: Postsecondary certificate in health information technology
Bottom line: Health information technicians organize and secure patient records, coding medical information for reimbursement, research and disease tracking. Accurate recordkeeping and knowledge of coding systems are central to this role.
41. Massage Therapist
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Total jobs: 159,800
Projected growth: 22%
Median salary: $41,420
Education: Postsecondary certification program
Bottom line: Massage therapists use hands-on techniques to relieve pain and stress, improve circulation and promote relaxation. Training programs often require 500 or more hours and cover anatomy, physiology and therapeutic methods.
40. Solar Photovoltaic Installers
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Total jobs: 9,700
Projected growth: 63%
Median salary: $42,680
Education: High school diploma
Bottom line: Solar PV installers design, assemble and maintain solar panel systems. They plan installations, build support structures, connect electrical components and perform ongoing maintenance. Most receive on-the-job training.
39. Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder and Mental Health Counselor
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Total jobs: 304,500
Projected growth: 22%
Median salary: $44,630
Education: Bachelor’s degree in a related field
Bottom line: These counselors assess and treat individuals facing addiction, eating disorders, behavioral problems or mental health issues. They develop treatment plans, teach coping strategies and may lead outreach or education programs.
38. Marriage and Family Therapist
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Total jobs: 55,300
Projected growth: 22%
Median salary: $50,090
Education: Master’s degree in psychology, marriage and family therapy or a related mental health field
Bottom line: Marriage and family therapists help couples, families and individuals navigate relationship challenges, resolve conflict and develop coping strategies. They may also treat mental or emotional disorders and refer clients to community resources when needed.
37. Wind Turbine Technician
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Total jobs: 6,600
Projected growth: 57%
Median salary: $54,370
Education: Certificate or associate degree in wind energy technology
Bottom line: As wind power expands, technicians who install and maintain turbines are in high demand. Training includes wind energy programs and often additional safety and tower-climbing certifications.
36. Physical Therapist Assistant
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Total jobs: 98,400
Projected growth: 27%
Median salary: $58,040
Education: Associate degree from a physical therapist assistant program
Bottom line: PT assistants work under licensed physical therapists to help patients regain movement and manage pain. Their tasks include therapeutic exercises, patient monitoring and some administrative duties.
35. Occupational Therapy Assistant
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Total jobs: 51,700
Projected growth: 31%
Median salary: $60,220
Education: Associate degree in occupational therapy assistance
Bottom line: Occupational therapy assistants help patients develop and maintain skills needed for daily living and work. They follow treatment plans, monitor progress and teach new skills under the supervision of occupational therapists.
34. Respiratory Therapist
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Total jobs: 134,000
Projected growth: 21%
Median salary: $60,280
Education: Associate or bachelor’s degree in respiratory therapy
Bottom line: Respiratory therapists treat patients with breathing and cardiopulmonary conditions—administering diagnostic tests, developing treatment plans and providing emergency care for events such as heart attacks or drowning.
33. Market Research Analyst
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Total jobs: 681,900
Projected growth: 20%
Median salary: $63,120
Education: Bachelor’s degree in market research or related field
Bottom line: Market research analysts gather and analyze consumer data to help organizations understand who their customers are, what they want and how much they will pay. They use surveys, focus groups and statistical software to forecast trends and advise clients.
32. Cartographer
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Total jobs: 11,800
Projected growth: 15%
Median salary: $64,430
Education: Bachelor’s degree in cartography, geography, geomatics or surveying
Bottom line: Cartographers collect and interpret geographic data to create digital and printed maps. With the rise of interactive and mobile mapping, skilled cartographers remain in demand for planning and GIS applications.
31. Social and Community Services Manager
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Total jobs: 168,800
Projected growth: 13%
Median salary: $65,320
Education: Bachelor’s degree in social work, public or business administration, public health or a related field
Bottom line: Managers oversee programs for community or social service organizations, identifying needs, designing services, supervising staff and handling grants, budgets and outreach activities.
30. Orthotists and Prosthetists
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Total jobs: 9,100
Projected growth: 20%
Median salary: $69,120
Education: Master’s degree in orthotics and prosthetics
Bottom line: Orthotists and prosthetists design, fit and maintain braces and artificial limbs, assess patient needs, take measurements and teach patients how to use and care for their devices.
29. Web Developer
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Total jobs: 160,500
Projected growth: 13%
Median salary: $69,430
Education: Associate degree in web design or a related field
Bottom line: Web developers handle both site design and technical implementation, including performance, traffic management and e-commerce functionality. Employers may prefer candidates with programming and graphic-design skills.
28. Registered Nurse
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Total jobs: 3,059,800
Projected growth: 12%
Median salary: $71,730
Education: Bachelor’s degree in nursing
Bottom line: Registered nurses coordinate and provide patient care, administer medication, perform diagnostic tests and support patients and families. Many nurses specialize in areas such as pediatrics, oncology or geriatrics.
27. Diagnostic Medical Sonographers
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Total jobs: 72,900
Projected growth: 19%
Median salary: $72,510
Education: Associate degree or certificate in sonography
Bottom line: Sonographers operate imaging equipment to produce sonograms for diagnosis. As noninvasive imaging replaces some surgical diagnostics, demand for trained sonographers grows.
26. Dental Hygienist
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Total jobs: 219,800
Projected growth: 11%
Median salary: $74,820
Education: Associate degree in dental hygiene
Bottom line: Dental hygienists perform preventative oral care—cleanings, X-rays, sealants and patient education—and typically complete multi-year programs at colleges or technical schools.
25. School Psychologist
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Total jobs: 43,470
Projected growth: 15%
Median salary: $76,990
Education: Graduate degree in school psychology
Bottom line: School psychologists assess and treat learning disabilities, behavioral and emotional issues from elementary through high school. They use individual, group and family interventions and increasingly play a role in linking mental health and learning outcomes.
24. Speech-Language Pathologists
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Total jobs: 153,700
Projected growth: 27%
Median salary: $77,510
Education: Master’s in speech-language pathology
Bottom line: Speech-language pathologists diagnose and treat speech, language and swallowing disorders in children and adults, developing individualized therapy plans for conditions that may be congenital, injury-related or age-related.
23. Post-Secondary Teachers
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Total jobs: 1,350,700
Projected growth: 11%
Median salary: $78,470
Education: Master’s or Ph.D. in specialty area
Bottom line: Post-secondary teachers instruct and advise students at colleges, universities and technical schools, conduct research and perform administrative duties. While many positions require doctorates, community colleges often hire candidates with master’s degrees; growth is expected mainly in part-time roles.
22. Psychologist
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Total jobs: 181,700
Projected growth: 14%
Median salary: $79,010
Education: Master’s or doctoral degree in psychology
Bottom line: Psychologists study behavior and mental processes using assessments, interviews and research. They provide therapy, conduct research or consult within organizations to address behavioral and mental health needs.
21. Genetic Counselor
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Total jobs: 3,000
Projected growth: 27%
Median salary: $80,370
Education: Master’s degree in genetics or genetic counseling
Bottom line: Genetic counselors evaluate family and medical histories to assess inherited health risks, advise on testing options and educate patients about genetic conditions. Many counselors specialize in areas like prenatal or cancer genetics.
20. Operations Research Analysts
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Total jobs: 109,700
Projected growth: 26%
Median salary: $83,390
Education: Bachelor’s or master’s degree in business, technical or quantitative field
Bottom line: Operations research analysts use data and analytical methods to solve organizational problems, develop efficient processes and recommend practical solutions to managers.
19. Management Analyst
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Total jobs: 876,300
Projected growth: 14%
Median salary: $83,610
Education: Bachelor’s or master’s degree in business administration
Bottom line: Management analysts (consultants) evaluate organizational structure and processes, recommend improvements and help implement changes to boost efficiency and profitability.
18. Occupational Therapist
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Total jobs: 133,000
Projected growth: 18%
Median salary: $84,270
Education: Master’s degree in occupational therapy
Bottom line: Occupational therapists help patients regain daily living and work skills, assess home and workplace environments and recommend adaptive equipment to improve independence.
17. Civil Engineer
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Total jobs: 326,800
Projected growth: 6%
Median salary: $86,640
Education: Bachelor’s degree in civil engineering or civil engineering technology
Bottom line: Civil engineers design, plan and oversee construction of public infrastructure—roads, bridges, energy systems and more—handling site analysis, permitting, cost estimates and compliance with regulations.
16. Statistician
Canadian Business
Total jobs: 44,400
Projected growth: 31%
Median salary: $87,780
Education: Bachelor’s or master’s degree in statistics, mathematics, economics, computer science or another quantitative field
Bottom line: Statisticians design studies, collect and analyze data, and report conclusions. Their expertise is applicable across sectors including government, health care and research and development.
15. Physical Therapist
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Total jobs: 247,700
Projected growth: 22%
Median salary: $87,930
Education: Doctorate degree in physical therapy (DPT)
Bottom line: Physical therapists assess patients, create individualized treatment plans and use exercises, manual therapy and equipment to restore mobility and reduce pain.
14. Financial Advisor
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Total jobs: 271,700
Projected growth: 7%
Median salary: $88,890
Education: Bachelor’s degree in finance, economics, accounting, business, mathematics or law
Bottom line: Financial advisors help clients with investments, retirement planning, estate strategies and taxes. They monitor accounts, research markets and tailor recommendations to client goals.
13. Database Administrator
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Total jobs: 116,900
Projected growth: 9%
Median salary: $90,070
Education: Bachelor’s degree in information or computer science
Bottom line: Database administrators design, maintain and secure databases, ensuring data availability, backups and controlled access while working closely with programmers and managers.
12. Veterinarian
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Total jobs: 84,500
Projected growth: 18%
Median salary: $93,830
Education: Doctorate degree in veterinary medicine
Bottom line: Veterinarians diagnose and treat animals, provide vaccinations, perform surgery and advise owners on care. Veterinary careers span companion-animal practice, livestock, zoo work and food-safety roles.
11. Information Security Analyst
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Total jobs: 112,300
Projected growth: 32%
Median salary: $98,350
Education: Bachelor’s degree in a computer-related field
Bottom line: Information security analysts protect networks and systems from breaches, develop security standards, monitor for threats, implement tools like firewalls and help create disaster-recovery plans.
10. Medical and Health Services Worker
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Total jobs: 406,100
Projected growth: 18%
Median salary: $99,730
Education: Bachelor’s degree in health administration
Bottom line: Also known as health-care administrators, these professionals oversee operations of hospitals, clinics and departments—managing budgets, staffing, compliance and the quality of care.
9. Mathematician
Kay Hinton / Emory University
Total jobs: 2,900
Projected growth: 26%
Median salary: $101,900
Education: Master’s degree in mathematics
Bottom line: Mathematicians develop mathematical models and analyze data to solve complex problems across industry, government and academia. Advanced degrees often lead to research and teaching roles.
8. Actuary
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Total jobs: 25,000
Projected growth: 20%
Median salary: $102,880
Education: Bachelor’s degree in mathematics, actuarial science, statistics or a related analytical field
Bottom line: Actuaries assess financial risk using statistics and financial theory, frequently working for insurers and increasingly for other industries that need risk analysis.
7. Software Developers
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Total jobs: 1,365,500
Projected growth: 21%
Median salary: $105,590
Education: Bachelor’s degree in computer science
Bottom line: Software developers design, develop and maintain software systems. They translate user needs into system features, write and test code and handle updates and maintenance; senior developers may act as IT project managers.
6. Physician Assistant
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Total jobs: 118,800
Projected growth: 31%
Median salary: $108,610
Education: Bachelor’s degree in science or health care; master’s degree in physician assistant studies
Bottom line: Physician assistants work under physician supervision to examine, diagnose and treat patients. In some underserved areas they serve as primary providers, and their scope of practice varies by state.
5. Advanced Practice Registered Nurse
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Total jobs: 240,700
Projected growth: 26%
Median salary: $113,930
Education: Bachelor’s degree in nursing; master’s degree in nursing specialty
Bottom line: APRNs—including nurse practitioners, nurse anesthetists and nurse midwives—provide advanced clinical care, often independently, including diagnosing, ordering tests and prescribing medications in many states.
4. Financial Manager
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Total jobs: 653,600
Projected growth: 16%
Median salary: $127,990
Education: Bachelor’s degree in finance, accounting, economics or business administration
Bottom line: Financial managers develop and oversee an organization’s financial strategy, reporting, investments and compliance, advising leadership on financial decisions to meet long-term goals.
3. Computer and Systems Manager
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Total jobs: 414,400
Projected growth: 11%
Median salary: $142,530
Education: Bachelor’s degree in computer or information science
Bottom line: Also called IT managers, these professionals direct an organization’s technology strategy, maintain systems and security and coordinate IT initiatives across departments; larger organizations may require an MBA or advanced degree.
2. Dentist
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Total jobs: 155,000
Projected growth: 7%
Median salary: $156,240
Education: Doctorate degree in dental surgery or dental medicine
Bottom line: Dentists diagnose and treat oral health issues—fill cavities, extract or repair teeth, fit dentures and perform oral surgery—while educating patients on preventive care. Some dentists specialize in pediatrics or public health.
1. Psychiatrist
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Total jobs: 25,630
Projected growth: 16%
Median salary: $220,380
Education: Doctor of Medicine (psychiatry residency)
Bottom line: Psychiatrists are medical doctors specialized in diagnosing and treating mental disorders. They evaluate both physical and mental aspects of conditions, can prescribe medication and may specialize further by completing fellowships in areas like addiction or forensic psychiatry.
Note: All employment data cited are drawn from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.