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The 17 Most In-Demand Jobs for the Future

LAST UPDATED May 29, 2024
Going Merry

Categories: Applying for Scholarships

The ancient Greek philosopher Heraclitus once said: “the only constant is change.” And this wisdom holds true even for the U.S. labor market. While earning a bachelor’s degree is a step toward establishing a fulfilling and financially stable future, choosing a career path in an ever-evolving job market is just as, if not more, important. 

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the average projected growth for all occupations is 5%. But some industries grow more than others. As a graduate entering a competitive workforce or a current college student trying to decide which major to choose, you might wonder which career paths are in high demand. 

To set you up for success, we’ve compiled a list of the 17 most in-demand, high-paying jobs of the future. Every occupation you’ll find on this list is projected to grow at a rate of 10% or higher over the next decade and has a median salary of $56,000 or more. 

Most in-demand jobs for the future 

As our world recovers from a global pandemic, makes new advancements across industries, and becomes more dependent upon technology, the U.S. job market responds. New industries birth new jobs. Some career paths decline and disappear while others become invaluable. Compiled with data from reputable employment projections, including the BLS, here are the 17 most in-demand, high-paying jobs for the future.

Nurse Practitioner

To the untrained eye, distinguishing between different types of nurses can be difficult. But nurse practitioners (NPs) are much different than the typical registered nurse (RN). Thanks to advanced training, NPs can complete annual check-ups, handle patient care, give vaccinations, and treat minor illnesses. In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, many patients have found NPs a great substitute for their primary care doctor, particularly in non-life-threatening situations.

Physician Assistant

Don’t let the word “assistant” fool you. Being a physician assistant doesn’t mean you’ll be doing administrative tasks. Physician assistants (PAs) are licensed medical professionals who can provide all types of treatments — from prescribing medication to diagnosing illnesses. 

PAs undergo general medicine education and are trained to treat the whole patient, not just one aspect of their health. While there are similarities between NPs and PAs, one notable difference is that PAs don’t need to declare a specialty during their training. 

Information Security Analyst

With cyberattacks on the rise, protecting data has become crucial for companies and governments — and information security analysts are at the frontlines of cybersecurity. As an information security analyst, you’ll plan and execute ways to protect an organization’s computer network and systems. 

As technology evolves and artificial intelligence becomes more intelligent, the job of an information security analyst becomes increasingly important. In this role, you’ll continually innovate, research, and test new ways to prevent hackers from accessing valuable data. 

Medical and Health Services Manager

Healthcare is a popular field on this list. For students who might not want to work directly with patients, a career as a healthcare administrator is an attractive occupation with high growth rates. 

While job duties vary by clinic and specialty, most medical and health services managers are involved in the administrative and planning side of running a healthcare facility. They perform tasks like ordering medical supplies, monitoring budgets, and liaising with insurance providers.

Data Scientist 

In 2023, data is king. More than ever, businesses are focused on optimizing marketing, development, and production based on consumer behavior. But they can’t do that without data science and the folks who collect, analyze, and interpret data to produce valuable insights: data scientists. In addition to analyzing data, data scientists can develop software algorithms and use machine learning, which is why a computer science or coding background can give you a leg up against the competition.

Statistician

Similar to data scientists, statisticians are involved in analyzing and interpreting data. However, statisticians tend to have a stronger math background and are more hands-on in data-gathering. Statisticians approach a problem to determine what type of data is needed to solve it, then work to develop a method of data collection. Today, the largest employer of statisticians is the federal government followed closely by Universities for research purposes.

Software Developer

If you researched top-earning college majors, you likely saw a lot about engineering, math, and computer science. Combining these fields are developers in the field of software engineering. 

Software developers create new computer programs and maintain existing software. Some work independently to develop new programs, while others work for a company to create new products and update older versions of existing software. 

Web Developer

Web developers work to create and maintain websites. Web developers can work directly for a single company or provide their services on a freelance basis to a number of companies. There are three types of developers. Front-end developers focus on the appearance of a website; back-end developers create and innovate upon the technology and algorithms that allow websites to function; full-stack developers do both front-end and back-end work. Web and software development is one field where having a high school diploma in addition to specialized training could be enough. One of the most vital steps to becoming a developer is learning coding languages. 

Logistician

To work as a logistician, you’ll need to have a brain for logic and enjoy solving big-picture puzzles. Logisticians can work in any field and primarily focus on how to optimize and organize a company’s supply chain. This means being intimately involved in all aspects of the creation of a product – from ideation to production to delivery. 

Physical Therapist Assistant

Helping someone get back on their feet after a debilitating accident is both fulfilling and challenging. Physical therapist assistants (PTAs) work alongside physical therapists to help patients rehabilitate and regain movement. 

PTAs can be hands-on with patients, providing services like massage, stretching, and assistance in specific exercises. To work as a PTA, you’ll need to complete a two-year program, and you should enjoy spending time with patients, as the majority of your work will be face-to-face. 

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Wind Turbine Technicians

The U.S. has committed to increasing the use of wind energy to 20% by 2030. In order for a turbine to generate energy and function properly, it must be maintained and repaired often. 

Wind turbine technicians (sometimes called “windtechs”) perform these tasks and many others. Windtechs might also assist engineers in the installation of new turbines and collect data on the machines. If you have a fear of heights, this career path might not be for you. Sometimes windtechs are required to climb the turbines, at an average height of 280 feet, to inspect the machinery and perform maintenance. 

Actuary

Unless you have an in-depth knowledge of mathematics, actuarial sciences probably isn’t on your radar. But working as an actuary is a satisfying career path that requires logic, skill, and an understanding of economic theory. Actuaries analyze data, economic trends, and consumer patterns to advise companies and governments on financial risk. If you’re studying math or economics in college, working as an actuary could allow you to work in fields like finance, insurance, or government.

Financial Manager

Financial managers need to have a deep knowledge of (or affinity for learning about) both business and finance to perform in this in-demand field. These specialized employees work in-house or as consultants to help organizations with their finances. Financial managers’ tasks can include anything from preparing financial statements to finding ways to reduce costs.

Market Research Analyst

For many businesses, continual growth is the key to success. Market research analysts provide invaluable insights to help businesses level up and forecast consumer trends for years to come. Similar to data scientists, market research analysts also gather and examine consumer data. These specialists must hone their communication skills to both interact with consumers as well as advise executives on important business decisions.

Personal Financial Advisor

If you’ve jumped through all the hoops to pay for college and avoid student loans, you’ve probably learned much about managing money. Did you know there’s an entire career path dedicated to helping people budget, invest, and manage their money? 

Personal financial advisors are trusted confidants for many successful Americans preparing for a secure future. Financial advisors provide advice on a number of topics, from planning for retirement to designating funds to philanthropic endeavors, or even creating trust accounts for family members. To work in this high-demand field, you’ll need to understand finances and keep a finger on the pulse of emerging market trends.

Marketing Manager

Working as a marketing manager can allow you to use both your left and right brain. This in-demand job requires strategic planning on how to advertise content to consumers, and creative thinking around how to tell the story behind the product. Marketing managers can either work for advertising/marketing agencies or directly for companies. This job can also encompass marketing via a variety of platforms, from social media to billboards. 

Industrial Engineer

Industrial engineering is a great career path for people who enjoy problem-solving. As an industrial engineer, you’ll work to optimize paths to product creation and eliminate extraneous costs along the way. Industrial engineers work with people, machinery, and technology – seeking ways to integrate them seamlessly for optimal production. 

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The average American will spend one-third of their life at work. So, choosing the best career path can be complex. You want to pick something with growth potential, a liveable median annual wage, healthy work-life balance, that might provide some element of fulfillment. If it feels like you’re searching for a unicorn, don’t be discouraged. It can take years to find your ideal career path — and you might have to try a few things out before you find the right fit. 

College is an optimal time to explore different interests and pursue internships in various industries. If the stress of paying for school is distracting from your studies or future planning, Going Merry is here to help. We curate scholarships for busy college students like you. And there are awards available, no matter if you’re a college freshman, senior, or even in graduate school. Just sign up for Going Merry and we’ll send high-quality, scam-free awards you’re already eligible for – straight to your inbox.

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