The 10 fastest growing jobs of the future
If you want a job likely to outlast the AI boom, a Bureau of Labor Statistics report has some suggestions
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The current job market is stressful, with long-term unemployment on the rise and AI triggering mass layoffs.
To future-proof your career, you might start with a report from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). It recently released projections showing the jobs expected to grow the most in the next decade, finding that the healthcare sector will see the greatest expansion. "Employment growth in this sector is expected to be primarily driven by both the aging population and the growing prevalence of chronic conditions, such as heart disease, cancer, and diabetes," the BLS wrote in the report.
And while the AI boom is triggering some job cuts, the BLS projects that "demand for artificial intelligence-based systems, data processing, software development, research services, and associated consulting services are expected to drive the need for workers in both the professional, scientific, and technical services sector and the information sector."
Continue reading to see the 10 industries poised for the most growth between 2024 and 2034 — and what you can earn working in those fields.
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#10: Physician assistants
Physician assistants are projected to grow by 20% between now and 2034, adding 33,200 new jobs with a 2024 median pay of $133,260.
2 / 10
#9: Operations research analysts
Operations research analysts are projected to grow by 21% between now and 2034, adding 24,100 new jobs with a 2024 median pay of $91,290.
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#8: Actuaries
Actuaries are projected to grow by 22% between now and 2034, adding 7,300 new jobs with a 2024 median pay of $125,770.
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#7: Physical therapist assistants
Physical therapist assistants are projected to grow by 22% between now and 2034, adding 24,500 new jobs with a 2024 median pay of $65,510.
5 / 10
#6: Medical and health services managers
Medical and health services managers are projected to grow by 23% between now and 2034, adding 142,900 new jobs with a 2024 median pay of $117,960.
6 / 10
#5: Information security analysts
Information security analysts are projected to grow by 29% between now and 2034, adding 52,100 new jobs with a 2024 median pay of $124,910.
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#4: Data scientists
Data scientists are projected to grow by 34% between now and 2034, adding 82,500 new jobs with a 2024 median pay of $112,590.
8 / 10
#3: Nurse practitioners
Nurse practitioners are projected to grow by 40% between now and 2034, adding 128,400 new jobs with a 2024 median pay of $129,210.
9 / 10
#2: Solar photovoltaic installers
Solar photovoltaic installers are projected to grow by 42% between now and 2034, adding 12,000 new jobs with a 2024 median pay of $51,860.
10 / 10
#1: Wind turbine service technicians
Wind turbine service technicians are projected to grow by 50% between now and 2034, adding 6,800 new jobs with a 2024 median pay of $62,580.