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30 Growing Occupations For The Next Decade

MJ Staff May 24, 2023

In today’s world, going to college and having a good resume with a lot of relevant work experience is no longer guaranteed to get you a good job. Because of that fact, prospective job seekers may want to search for jobs in a field where there are a growing number of opportunities.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics has projected which careers are the most likely to grow the most between 2018 to 2028. Check out the fastest-growing professions for the future right here:

Professional security analysts make sure a company is safe from hackers. Credit: Shutterstock

30. Information Security Analysts

Information security analysts install software, and they ensure that a company’s firewalls are in working order. This job is to ensure that a company does not suffer from cyber attacks. The median annual wage for information security analysts is $98,350.

Security analysts help keep computers safe. Credit: Shutterstock

In 2018, there were 112,300 jobs available for information security analysts. By 2028, there will be a need for 147,700. This is an increase in 35,500 new jobs that will be created.

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Vocational nurses typically help the elderly. Credit: Shutterstock

29. Licensed Practical & Vocational Nurses

Practical and vocational nurses usually care for people who are sick, especially the elderly. They may not have the same qualifications as a registered nurse. Typically, an LPN has at least two years of training and will work directly under a physician. They typically earn around $46,240 per year.

Vocational nurses train for years and work directly with doctors. Credit: Shutterstock

In 2018, there were 728,900 LPN jobs that existed. By 2028, the Bureau of Labor Statistics projected that there will be 807,000 jobs in the field. This is an additional 78,100 jobs over a 10-year period.

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Computer support specialists help people learn how to use technology. Credit: Shutterstock

28. Computer User Support Specialists

In today’s world, nearly everyone owns a computer, smartphone, and/or a tablet. People are still in need of technical support now more than eve because of that. A computer user support specialist helps with tech support. They tend to earn a median salary of $50,980.

IT support specialists often work on the phone as customer service representatives. Credit: Shutterstock

In 2018, there were 671,800 computer user support specialist jobs that existed. By 2028, the Bureau of Labor Statistics projected that there will be 742,700 jobs in the field. This is an additional 70,900 jobs over a 10-year period.

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Professional plumbers are needed for both homes and businesses. Credit: Shutterstock

27. Plumbers, Pipefitters & Steamfitters

Nearly every homeowner has hired a plumber before, and people will continue to need their help forever. The same goes for professional pipefitters and steamfitters. On average, plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters earn a salary of $53,910 per year.

Pipefitters install necessary plumbing into buildings. Credit: Shutterstock

In 2018, there were 500,300 jobs for plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters that existed. By 2028, the Bureau of Labor Statistics projected that there will be 568,600 jobs in the field. This is an additional 68,200 jobs over a 10-year period.

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Carpenters help to put up framing in new house construction. Credit: Shutterstock

26. Carpenters

Carpenters deal with woodworking in a variety of fields. They help to build houses, furniture, and so much more. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, carpenters earn an average of $46,590 per year.

Carpenters often build furniture. Credit: Shutterstock

In 2018, there were 1,006,500 jobs for carpenters. By 2028, the Bureau of Labor Statistics projected that there will be 1,086,600 jobs in the field. This is an additional 68,200 jobs over a 10-year period.

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There are a number of different computer-related occupations available. Credit: Shutterstock

25. Computer Occupations (Other)

Earlier in this list, we already mentioned information security analysts and computer support specialists. Those two descriptions do not cover every other computer occupation. The Bureau of Labor Statistics has thrown all other jobs into a category of “computer occupations, all other”. On average, these types of jobs pay a median salary of $90,270.

Tech services is a growing industry. Credit: Shutterstock

In 2018, there were 412,800 jobs for all other computer occupations. By 2028, the Bureau of Labor Statistics projected that there will be 455,000 jobs in the field. This is an additional 42,200 jobs over a 10-year period.

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Physicians’ assistants work together with doctors to help treat patients. Credit: Shutterstock

24. Physician assistants

Physician assistants are medical professionals. They have more education and training than a nurse, but not quite as much as a doctor. Physician’s assistants work directly under a doctor, and usually work in a hospital or private practice. They earn an average of $108,610 per year.

Sometimes, assistants work in private practice. Credit: Shutterstock

In 2018, there were 118,800 jobs for physician assistants. By 2028, the Bureau of Labor Statistics projected that there will be 155,700 jobs in the field. This is an additional 37,000 jobs over a 10-year period.

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Electricians help fix the wiring in homes and businesses. Credit: Shutterstock

23. Electricians

Professional electricians fix and install electrical wiring in houses and buildings. Typically, electricians work in a union, and can also benefit from the perks that come with it. They earn a median salary of $55,190.

An electrician checking the voltage. Credit: Shutterstock

In 2018, there were 715,400 jobs for electricians. By 2028, the Bureau of Labor Statistics projected that there will be 789,500 jobs in the field. This is an additional 74,100 jobs over a 10-year period.

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Sales representatives often earn a comission when they make a sale. Credit: Shutterstock

22. Services Sales Representatives

There are all kinds of retail jobs, and not all of them earn a healthy salary. When the Bureau of Labor Statistics mentions services sales representatives, they are specifically mentioning the careers where salespeople create leads to sell services and earn commission for private businesses. On average, service sales representatives earn $54,550 per year.

Sometimes, sales reps work over the phone. Credit: Shutterstock

In 2018, there were 1,060,600 jobs for service sale representatives. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projected that there will be 1,137,000 jobs in the field. This is an additional 76,400 jobs over a 10-year period by 2028.

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Construction managers give instructions to contractors. Credit: Shutterstock

21. Construction Managers

Construction managers ensure that building projects are completed up to code and in a timely manner. They are usually managing a team of contractors. Usually, they have years of training as well as a college degree. They earn a median salary of $93,370.

Managing a construction site is a lot of responsibility. Credit: Shutterstock

In 2018, there were 471,800 jobs for construction managers. By 2028, the Bureau of Labor Statistics projected that there will be 518,000 jobs in the field. This is an additional 46,200 jobs over a 10-year period.

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In the future, there will be even more of a need for truck drivers. Credit: Shutterstock

20. Heavy & Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers

Any day of the week, you can hop on a highway in the United States and spot a tractor-trailer truck driver. These people have to take long road trips to transport goods from place to place. With the growing popularity of online shopping, the need for truck drivers is not going away any time soon. On average, they earn $43,680 per year.

Women can be truck drivers, too. Credit: Shutterstock

In 2018, there were 1,958,800 jobs for truck drivers. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projected that there will be 2,058,500 jobs in the field by 2028. This is an additional 99,700 jobs over a 10-year period.

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This supervisor is watching extraction construction workers. Credit: Shutterstock

19. First-Line Supervisors Of Construction Trades/Extraction workers

There are a variety of different construction jobs involving other tasks beyond building houses. It is necessary for people to use large machinery to extract natural resources. Supervisors who watch over these sites usually make a median salary of $65,230.

Manager making sure an oil pump is working properly. Credit: Shutterstock

In 2018, there were 662,600 jobs for first-line supervisors of construction trades and extraction workers. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projected that there will be 731,700 jobs in the field by 2028. This is an additional 69,100 jobs over a 10-year period.

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System software developers working on their code. Credit: Shutterstock

18. Systems Software Developers

For anyone who gets a degree in computer programming, they may want to consider specializing in system software development. According to the BLS, they earn a median salary of $110,000.

A knowledge in computer programming will be vital for many jobs in the future. Credit: Shutterstock

In 2018, there were 421,300 jobs for systems software developers. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projected that there will be 463,900 jobs in the field by 2028. This is an additional 42,600 jobs over a 10-year period.

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Physical therapists often help people walk again. Credit: Shutterstock

17. Physical Therapists

Physical therapists help people who have recently become injured, and they need to build strength in their body in order to get back to normal. For a full-time physical therapist with a doctorate degree, they earn a median salary of $87,930.

People often recover fro injuries by working with a physical therapist. Credit: Shutterstock

In 2018, there were 247,700 jobs for physical therapists. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projected that there will be 301,900 jobs in the field by 2028. This is an additional 54,200 jobs over a 10-year period.

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Companies hire a computer systems analyst to help things run smoothly. Credit: Shutterstock

16. Computer Systems Analysts

System analysts are computer programmers who help to build a system to operate smoothly. They are sometimes called a “system architect.” On average, they typically earn a salary of $88,740 per year.

Systems analysts are hired to analyze code. Credit: Shutterstock

In 2018, there were 633,900 jobs for computer systems analysts. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projected that there will be 689,900 jobs in the field by 2028. This is an additional 56,000 jobs over a 10-year period.

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Business operations specialists help analyze data on how a company runs. Credit: Shutterstock

15. Business Operations Specialists

If you’ve seen the movie Office Space, you might already be familiar with the concept of a business operations specialist. These people typically have an MBA and know how to run a business in the smoothest way possible. On average, they are paid $70,530 per year.

In 2018, there were 1,135,700 jobs for business operations specialists. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projected that there will be 1,207,000 jobs in the field by 2028. This is an additional 71,300 jobs over a 10-year period.

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Nurse practitioners usually work in private practice. Credit: Shutterstock

14. Nurse Practitioners

Most RNs and LPNs work in hospitals, but nurse practitioners are licensed to work independently. They typically earn up to $107,030 per year.

There is a growing demand for nurse practitioners. Credit: Shutterstock

In 2018, there were 189,100 jobs for nurse practitioners. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projected that there will be 242,400 jobs in the field by 2028. This is an additional 53,300 jobs over a 10-year period.

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Health professors are more in-demand in colleges. Credit: Shutterstock

13. Postsecondary Health Specialties Teachers

Professors who teach topics in the medical field earn an average of $97,370 per year. Since there is a growing number of jobs in medicine, it only makes sense that universities would need to hire more professors too.

Most medical professors need to have an extensive background in chemistry. Credit: Shutterstock

In 2018, there were 254,800 jobs for postsecondary health specialties teachers. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projected that there will be 313,900 jobs in the field by 2028. This is an additional 59,100 jobs over a 10-year period.

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There is a growing need for lawyers in the United States. Credit: Shutterstock

12. Lawyers

When most people imagine what lawyers do on a daily basis, they usually imagine people arguing in a courtroom. However, there are many different types of attorneys who represent both individuals and businesses. They may never even step foot in a courtroom because they work preparing legal documents and contracts. Of course, people need to go to law school for three years before they can become a lawyer. They earn a median salary of $120,910.

Lawyers often have to build documents together. Credit: Shutterstock

In 2018, there were 823,900 jobs for lawyers. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projected that there will be 874,000 jobs in the field by 2028. This is an additional 50,100 jobs over a 10-year period.

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Accountants often file taxes for their clients. Credit: Shutterstock

11. Accountants/Auditors

Professional accountants help individual people and companies manage their money. Many people only choose to hire an accountant to help do their taxes. Auditors usually work for the IRS, and help to check tax errors. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median salary for this field is $70,500.

Auditors work for the IRS. Credit: Shutterstock

In 2018, there were 1,424,000 jobs for accountants and auditors. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projected that there will be 1,514,700 jobs in the field by 2028. This is an additional 90,700 jobs over a 10-year period.

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Computer and information systems managers are in charge of the computers in an organization. Credit: Shutterstock

10. Computer and information systems managers

In a large corporation, computer and information systems managers help to direct computer-related work in their organization. This is a high-level management position that pays a median salary of $142,530.

System managers often have to fix any issues that come up. Credit: Shutterstock

In 2018, there were 414,400 jobs for computer and information systems managers. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projected that there will be 461,100 jobs in the field by 2028. This is an additional 46,800 jobs over a 10-year period.

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There is a growing need for surgeons in the United States. Credit: Shutterstock

9. Physicians & Surgeons

We’ve already mentioned that nearly every type of nurse is going to be more in-demand, so it should not be surprising that physicians and surgeons are needed as well. The median annual wage for a doctor or surgeon is $200,890, according to the BLS.

Doctors can work in a hospital or in a private practice. Credit: Shutterstock

In 2018, there were 433,700 jobs for doctors and surgeons. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projected that there will be 467,400 jobs in the field by 2028. This is an additional 33,700 jobs over a 10-year period.

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An administrator speaking with doctors about hospital business. Credit: Shutterstock

8. Medical & Health Services Managers

The medical industry needs managers and administrators just like every other field. These professionals help to run hospitals and medical facilities. The average salary for a medical service manager is $99,730.

Administrators help both nurses and doctors. Credit: Shutterstock

In 2018, there were 406,100 jobs for medical and health service managers. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projected that there will be 477,600 jobs in the field by 2028. This is an additional 71,600 jobs over a 10-year period.

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Managers help lead teams in a business setting. Credit: Shutterstock

7. Managers (Other)

The job title of “manager” is very vague. The Bureau of Labor Statistics has lumped together all other management positions and gave them a median salary of $107,480.

Managers are good at dividing a workload among team members. Credit: Shutterstock

In 2018, there were 1,079,600 jobs for managers. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projected that there will be 1,148,100 jobs in the field by 2028. This is an additional 68,500 jobs over a 10-year period.

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Many businesses need help with market research. Credit: Shutterstock

6. Market Research Analysts & Marketing Specialists

Market research analysts gather data on consumers for the business it works for. They also compare this data to the competition in order to gauge their success. By doing this research, they can help businesses understand what people want to buy, and how to price competitively. On average, they earn $63,120 per year.

Analyzing data is part of researching a market. Credit: Shutterstock

In 2018, there were 681,900 jobs for market research analysts. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projected that there will be 821,100 jobs in the field by 2028. This is an additional 139,200 jobs over a 10-year period.

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There are a growing number of management analyst jobs available. Credit: Shutterstock

5. Management Analysts

A management analyst helps to figure out how a business can run more efficiently. They may decide which managers are successful at leading their teams and what can be done in order to improve results. The median salary for a management analyst is $83,610 per year.

By 2028, there will be 118,300 new management analyst jobs. Credit: Shutterstock

In 2018, there were 876,300 jobs for management analysts. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projected that there will be 994,600 jobs in the field by 2028. This is an additional 118,300 jobs over a 10-year period.

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Financial managers oversee the financial side of a business. Credit: Shutterstock

4. Financial Managers

A financial manager may be in the executive position as the Chief Financial Officer or they could simply lead lower-level accountants in a corporation. The median salary for this position is $127,990.

Analyzing the financial health of a business is a big responsibility. Credit: Shutterstock

In 2018, there were 653,600 jobs for financial managers. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projected that there will be 758,300 jobs in the field by 2028. This is an additional 104,700 jobs over a 10-year period.

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Operations managers oversee other managers in a business. Credit: Shutterstock

3. General & Operations Managers

Unlike the management positions we’ve mentioned already on this list, a General Manager or an Operations Manager is often one step up from a regular manager. For example, there may be a manager in the store of a town, and a general manager overseeing every store in the county or state. This is a lot of responsibility, and their salary is usually an average of $100,930 per year because of that fact.

A general manager is often in charge of a district. Credit: Shutterstock

In 2018, there were 2,376,400 jobs for general and operations managers. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projected that there will be 2,541,400 jobs in the field by 2028. This is an additional 165,000 jobs over a 10-year period.

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App developers design apps for smartphones and tablets. Credit: Shutterstock

2. Application Software Developers

Nearly everyone has used an app on their smartphone or tablet. There is definitely a growing need for people who know how to code application software. The median salary for an app developer is $103,620 per year.

App developers use both design and coding skills. Credit: Shutterstock

In 2018, there were 944,200 jobs for application software developers. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projected that there will be 1,185,700 jobs in the field by 2028. This is an additional 241,500 jobs over a 10-year period.

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There is a growing need for registered nurses in the medical industry. Credit: Shutterstock

1. Registered Nurses

Last and certainly not least, the number one growing job in the United States are registered nurses. Their median salary is $71,730.

Registered Nurses have to study for several years in college. Credit: Shutterstock

In 2018, there were 3,059,800 jobs for management analysts. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projected that there will be 3,431,300 jobs in the field by 2028. This is an additional 371,500 jobs over a 10-year period.

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30 Growing Occupations For The Next Decade

30. Information Security Analysts

29. Licensed Practical & Vocational Nurses

28. Computer User Support Specialists

27. Plumbers, Pipefitters & Steamfitters

26. Carpenters

25. Computer Occupations (Other)

24. Physician assistants

23. Electricians

22. Services Sales Representatives

21. Construction Managers

20. Heavy & Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers

19. First-Line Supervisors Of Construction Trades/Extraction workers

18. Systems Software Developers

17. Physical Therapists

16. Computer Systems Analysts

15. Business Operations Specialists

14. Nurse Practitioners

13. Postsecondary Health Specialties Teachers

12. Lawyers

11. Accountants/Auditors

10. Computer and information systems managers

9. Physicians & Surgeons

8. Medical & Health Services Managers

7. Managers (Other)

6. Market Research Analysts & Marketing Specialists

5. Management Analysts

4. Financial Managers

3. General & Operations Managers

2. Application Software Developers

1. Registered Nurses

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