The United States Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) recently released its projections for the fastest-growing jobs from 2019-2029. Currently, the BLS is anticipating that the U.S. will experience an increase in employment from 162.8 million in 2019 to 168.8 million by 2029; that’s a 6.0 million increase. While this increase is happening at a slower rate than the growth from 2009-2019, it is still a promising sign as we move past the mass layoffs that resulted from the COVID-19 pandemic.

The healthcare and social assistance sector is projected to bring in the most jobs (with 6 out of the top 10 being within healthcare). This trend is not new, as healthcare is typically an industry that is always growing due to its consistent need. To break it down further, we’ve listed the top 10 fastest-growing jobs below.

1. Wind turbine service technicians

Wondering what a wind turbine service technician even is? Don’t feel bad if you don’t know. This job is not one that typically falls under everyone’s radar.

Role: Wind turbine service technicians are responsible for installing, maintaining, and repairing wind turbines. This role is typically a full-time position that requires employees to be able to work outside and at great heights.

Education level: This role requires employees to attend a technical school and participate in on the job training.

Median salary: As of 2019, the median salary was $52,910 per year.

Employment growth: The employment for this role is projected to grow at a rate of 61% over the next decade, which is exceptionally higher than any other job on the list, primarily due to the increase in demand for eco-friendly resources.   

2. Nurse practitioners

Again, this job doesn’t come as a surprise due to the consistent growth the healthcare industry experiences. Unlike the aforementioned job role, this one requires a more substantial background in education.

Role: The primary role of a nurse practitioner is to coordinate patient care while often offering primary and specialty care to patients as well. Nurse practitioners can also work in a variety of different fields in the healthcare field. If you’re unsure of where you’d fit in best, check out our article here.

Education level: Before becoming a nurse practitioner, applicants must have a Master’s degree and have special certification for whichever state they will be working in. They will also need to complete a certification exam.

Median salary: According to BLS, nurse practitioners can make around $115,800 per year.

Employment growth: While it is significantly lower than the previous job listed, this role’s employment projection is predicted to increase by 45%, which is still significantly higher than the average.

3. Solar photovoltaic (PV) installers

While the title sounds complex and confusing, the role is actually more common than you may think.

Role: PV installers install and maintain solar panels on homes, frequently traveling to client locations to assemble these panels.

Education level: These employees require a minimum of a high school diploma or its equivalent. Technical school is an option, but it is not required, and there is often on-the-job training involved in the beginning stages.

Median salary: The median pay in 2019 for this role was $44,890 per year.

Employment growth: Still growing at an above-average rate, this option is expected to increase by 51%.

4. Home health and personal care aides

Healthcare strikes again with one of the top spots for the fastest-growing jobs of the decade. However, this specific role is much broader as it can be within a variety of specialties and sectors of healthcare.

Role: Personal health aides most often provide daily assistance and care to those with disabilities or illnesses. They most frequently visit clients in their homes, but they can also work within group homes or daycare centers.

Education level: A high school diploma is most common among these applicants, but certifications can be obtained for those who wish to work for certified agencies.

Median salary: The median salary for this occupation is $25,280.

Employment growth: This occupation is also projected to grow at a faster rate than average at 34% anticipated growth.

5. Statisticians

If math is your strongest subject, a statistician may not be a bad career choice for you.

Role: A statistician’s role revolves around analyzing data and applying various mathematical techniques to solve complex problems. These roles often exist within government or private sectors.

Education level: This role typically requires a Masters’s degree, but it isn’t unheard of for applicants only possessing a Bachelors’s degree to get the job.

Median salary: The median salary is currently listed as $92,030.

Employment growth: Growth is currently projected at 33%, which is still faster than the average growth rate.

6. Occupational therapy assistants

Occupational therapy is a field of healthcare that specializes in providing patients with the necessary care to promote and practice the independent functionality needed for daily living and working.

Role:  It is an occupational therapy assistant’s job to provide these healthcare services for patients through evidence-based research to develop the best healthcare approach.

Education level: Because this role falls into the healthcare field, each state regulates the practices and procedures of occupational therapy assistants so requirements may vary. However, each occupational therapy assistant will need an associate’s degree from an accredited program.

Median salary: As of May 2019, the median pay was $59,200.

Employment growth: An anticipated 32% increase may not seem like a lot compared to the previous roles, but it is still faster than average.

7. Medical and health service managers

This occupation is where leadership, strategic planning, and a passion for healthcare all come together.

Role: Medical and health service managers frequently work in an office environment directing, planning, and coordinating the business-side of healthcare facilities.

Education level: Before heading into this role, prior healthcare experience coupled with a Bachelors’s degree is preferred to begin. Many workers also choose to pursue a Master’s degree later on.

Median salary: The median pay in 2019 for this role was listed as $100,980.

Employment growth: Part of the reason behind the growth in the healthcare industry is due to the increased life-span. Some experts believe that this is why this role, and many similar roles, are projected to grow at a rate of 32% over the next decade.

8. Physician assistants

Physician assistants (PA)s have grown increasingly popular as a desired occupation over the past few years on top of growing as an employment option within the job market.

Role: Similar to doctors, nurses, and medical technicians, PAs work within hospitals and other medical offices to provide care for patients and practice medicine.

Education level: All PAs must possess the proper licenses and many roles also require a Master’s degree.

Median salary: The current median salary for PAs is $112,260.

Employment growth: This occupation is projected to grow at 31% over the next decade.

9. Information security analysts

If you’re tech-savvy, this could be a viable career path.

Role: An information security analysts’ top priority is to protect a client or organization’s network and systems through planning and implementing security measures. They typically work for computer companies, consulting firms, and financial institutions.

Education level: This role will require a Bachelor’s degree related to computer science.

Median salary: As of 2019, the median salary for this role is $99,730 per year.

Employment growth: This role is also growing faster than average at a predicted rate of 31%.

10. Physical therapists assistants

Much as you might have guessed, another healthcare role has landed on the list.

Role: Physical therapists assistants work closely with patients under the supervision of a physical therapist to assist patients in regaining movement or comfort following injuries or medical procedures.

Education level: Physical therapists assistants typically need to have completed their Associate’s degree from an accredited program along with a license or certification, depending on the state and the regulations.

Median salary: A physical therapist assistant can make up to $48,990 per year based on the median salary.

Employment growth: This occupation is only projected at a 29% growth over the next decade, but it will still perform above average.

These are simply a few of the fast-growing occupations that are going to grow even more over the next decade. If you’re unsure of what steps to take next in your career, these may provide a few viable options. Our team at BrandResumes can offer much more than just options, we can also help you strengthen your resume and your LinkedIn profile. If you’re looking to assess your needs for any of these jobs, feel free to schedule a consultation with one of our expert resume writers here. Good luck!