Whether it’s time to start studying or for a full-on career change — many Americans are watching employment numbers and stuck on which path to take.
You don’t have to pore over the latest employment reports every month to get a picture of which industries have some longevity. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics did the math for you.
The BLS used existing industry employment data to project what growth could look like a decade from now. Among all occupations collectively, the projected job growth rate for 2023-2033 is 4%.
Based on the BLS numbers, the following jobs will see the most growth during that period.
15. Veterinary assistants and laboratory animal caretakers
Employment level in 2023: 118,200 jobs in total
Projected employment level in 2033: 141,100 jobs in total
Projected employment level change from 2023 to 2033: 22,900 additional jobs — which is an increase of 19.4%
Median annual wage: $36,440
Workers in these positions are often tasked with assisting in day-to-day, routine animal care for veterinarians and scientists. They most often work at animal hospitals, research laboratories and clinics.
This job usually requires on-the-job training in addition to a high school diploma or equivalent.
14. Home health and personal care aides
Employment level in 2023: 3,961,900 jobs in total
Projected employment level in 2033: 4,782,400 jobs in total
Projected employment level change from 2023 to 2033: 820,500 additional jobs — which is an increase of 20.7%
Median annual wage: $33,530
Home health and personal care aides help patients with extra needs live their daily lives. They assist in monitoring the conditions of people with disabilities or chronic illnesses — often full-time, but part-time positions exist as well. They may work in group homes, day service programs or right in a patient’s home.
These workers don’t need a fancy degree, often just a high school diploma or equivalent.
13. Financial examiners
Employment level in 2023: 65,500 jobs in total
Projected employment level in 2033: 79,200 jobs in total
Projected employment level change from 2023 to 2033: 13,800 additional jobs — which is an increase of 21%
Median annual wage: $84,300
Don’t confuse financial examiners with financial planners or others in the personal finance sphere — they instead work with businesses in the finance and insurance industries, or with government at the federal or state level. They work to ensure these entities are complying with laws pertaining to their financial transactions.
Examiners often need a bachelor’s degree and time training under a superior.
12. Actuaries
Employment level in 2023: 30,200 jobs in total
Projected employment level in 2033: 36,800 jobs in total
Projected employment level change from 2023 to 2033: 6,600 additional jobs — which is an increase of 21.8%
Median annual wage: $120,000
Actuaries typically work for insurance companies, but may also work as consultants who travel to meet clients. Their responsibilities entail analyzing the economic costs of risk and uncertainty by using financial theory, mathematics and statistics.
Most will need a bachelor’s degree and certifications.
11. Occupational therapy assistants
Employment level in 2023: 47,500 jobs in total
Projected employment level in 2033: 58,100 jobs in total
Projected employment level change from 2023 to 2033: 10,600 additional jobs — which is an increase of 22.3%
Median annual wage: $67,010
Occupational therapists assist patients with different illnesses or injuries to develop day-to-day skills that let them live independently. Occupational therapy assistants help occupational therapists with routine tasks like prepping treatment rooms. They typically work at hospitals, nursing care facilities and occupational therapists’ offices.
Occupational therapy assistants usually need an associate’s degree and a state-issued license.
10. Operations research analysts
Employment level in 2023: 123,300 jobs in total
Projected employment level in 2033: 151,600 jobs in total
Projected employment level change from 2023 to 2033: 28,300 additional jobs — which is an increase of 23%
Median annual wage: $83,640
Most of these analysts work full-time in office settings, using mathematics and logic to help solve complex issues, which may vary depending on the institution they work for. Some may also travel to work with different clients.
They’ll usually need a bachelor’s degree in a related subject like applied mathematics, but some employers may require a master’s degree.
9. Physical therapist assistants
Employment level in 2023: 108,500 jobs in total
Projected employment level in 2033: 136,000 jobs in total
Projected employment level change from 2023 to 2033: 27,500 additional jobs — which is an increase of 25.4%
Median annual wage: $64,080
While occupational therapist assistants focus on helping patients develop daily living skills, physical therapist assistants help patients relearn how to move their bodies and manage pain after an illness or injury. Assistants help set up equipment and other tasks, often in a physical therapist’s office or hospital settings.
Physical therapist assistants usually need an associate’s degree and a license or certification.
8. Computer and information research scientists
Employment level in 2023: 36,600 jobs in total
Projected employment level in 2033: 46,000 jobs in total
Projected employment level change from 2023 to 2033: 9,400 additional jobs — which is an increase of 25.6%
Median annual wage: $145,080
Computer and information research scientists conduct research and work as designers, inventors and theorists to improve existing technology and create new technology. They do problem-solving and develop advancements in computer hardware and software.
They’re usually required to have at least a master’s degree in computer science or a related field, but according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, some government positions may only require a bachelor’s degree.
7. Physician assistants
Employment level in 2023: 153,400 jobs in total
Projected employment level in 2033: 197,100 jobs in total
Projected employment level change from 2023 to 2033: 43,700 additional jobs — which is an increase of 28.5%
Median annual wage: $130,020
Physician assistants work under the supervision of physicians to examine, diagnose and treat patients. Most work full time in medical facilities like hospitals, outpatient clinics, physicians’ offices and other health care settings.
Physician assistants need a master’s degree and must get licensed by the state they work in.
6. Medical and health services managers
Employment level in 2023: 562,700 jobs in total
Projected employment level in 2033: 723,300 jobs in total
Projected employment level change from 2023 to 2033: 160,600 additional jobs — which is an increase of 28.5%
Median annual wage: $110,680
Medical and health services managers do the behind-the-scenes work at health care facilities like hospitals, nursing homes and group medical practices. They do the planning, directing and coordinating of business activities for health care providers.
These managers will need a bachelor’s degree and possibly additional education. They’ll also need some prior work experience in an administrative or clinical role at a health care facility.
5. Information security analysts
Employment level in 2023: 180,700 jobs in total
Projected employment level in 2033: 239,800 jobs in total
Projected employment level change from 2023 to 2033: 59,100 additional jobs — which is an increase of 32.7%
Median annual wage: $120,360
Information security analysts often work for computer companies, consulting firms or business and financial companies. They plan and implement different security measures to guard computer networks and systems for companies.
These analysts usually need a bachelor’s degree in a computer science field plus work experience. Some employers may also look for professional certifications.
4. Data scientists
Employment level in 2023: 202,900 jobs in total
Projected employment level in 2033: 276,000 jobs in total
Projected employment level change from 2023 to 2033: 73,100 additional jobs — which is an increase of 36%
Median annual wage: $108,020
Data scientists use various tools and techniques to gather valuable information from data for companies, like patterns and trends.
They usually need a bachelor’s degree in mathematics, statistics or computer science. Some employers may require a master’s or doctoral degree. It may also take some years of working in data analytics before officially becoming a data scientist.
3. Nurse practitioners
Employment level in 2023: 292,500 jobs in total
Projected employment level in 2033: 427,900 jobs in total
Projected employment level change from 2023 to 2033: 135,500 additional jobs — which is an increase of 46.3%
Median annual wage: $126,260
Nurse practitioners coordinate patient care and can also provide health care. They may work at hospitals, physicians’ offices, clinics or other health care facilities.
Nurse practitioners need a master’s degree, a state license and to pass a national certification exam.
2. Solar photovoltaic installers
Employment level in 2023: 25,000 jobs in total
Projected employment level in 2033: 37,000 jobs in total
Projected employment level change from 2023 to 2033: 12,000 additional jobs — which is an increase of 48%
Median annual wage: $48,800
Solar photovoltaic installers assemble, set up and service systems that convert sunlight into energy, like rooftop solar panels.
They usually need a high school diploma, but others may take technical classes too. Installers typically get on-the-job training for up to one year.
1. Wind turbine service technicians
Employment level in 2023: 11,400 jobs in total
Projected employment level in 2033: 18,200 jobs in total
Projected employment level change from 2023 to 2033: 6,800 additional jobs — which is an increase of 60.1%
Median annual wage: $61,770
Wind turbine service technicians help repair and maintain wind turbines. They typically work full time and can be on call during weekends and evenings.
These technicians usually receive on-the-job training and can also need a postsecondary nondegree award.
