Fastest growing jobs

Fastest Growing Jobs by 2031

These in demand jobs are projected to be the fastest growing jobs by 2031 1:

1. Nurse practitioners
2. Wind turbine service technicians
3. Ushers, lobby attendants, and ticket takers
4. Motion picture projectionists
5. Cooks, restaurant
6. Data scientists
7. Athletes and sports competitors
8. Information security analysts
9. Statisticians
10. Umpires, referees, and other sports officials
11. Web developers
12. Animal caretakers
13. Choreographers
14. Taxi drivers
15. Medical and health services managers
16. Logisticians
17. Physician assistants
18. Solar photovoltaic installers
19. Animal trainers
20. Physical therapist assistants

Growing careers

Many of the openings in these growing careers are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as retiring. Learn more about the high demand jobs that the US Bureau of Labor Statistics projects will be the fastest growing careers by 2031.

1. Nurse practitioner

  • 2021-2031 projected growth rate: 46%
  • 2021 median pay: $120,680

Nurse anesthetists, nurse midwives, and nurse practitioners coordinate patient care and work in a variety of healthcare settings, including hospitals, physicians’ offices, and clinics. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, about 30,200 openings for nurse anesthetists, nurse midwives, and nurse practitioners are projected each year, on average, over the decade.2

If this sounds like it could be a good fit for you, make sure you check out How to Become a Freelance Nurse to learn more about career options as a nurse practitioner!

2. Wind turbine service technicians

  • 2021-2031 projected growth rate: 44%
  • 2021 median pay: $56,260

Wind turbine service technicians maintain and repair wind turbines and typically need a postsecondary nondegree award to enter the occupation. They also typically receive on-the-job training. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, about 1,900 openings for wind turbine technicians are projected each year, on average, over the decade.3

3. Ushers, lobby attendants, and ticket takers

  • 2021-2031 projected growth rate: 41%
  • 2021 median pay: $24,440

Ushers, lobby attendants, and ticket takers assist patrons at entertainment events by performing duties, such as collecting admission tickets from patrons, assisting in finding seats, searching for lost articles, and helping patrons locate such facilities as restrooms and telephones.4

4. Motion picture projectionists

  • 2021-2031 projected growth rate: 40%
  • 2021 median pay: $29,350

Motion picture projectionists set up and operate motion picture projection and related sound reproduction equipment. Industries that employ the highest levels of motion picture projectionists include motion picture and video industries, museums, and historical sites, followed by colleges, universities, and professional schools.5

5. Cooks, restaurant

  • 2021-2031 projected growth rate: 37%
  • 2021 median pay: $30,010

Cooks work in restaurants, schools, hospitals, private households, and other places where food is prepared and served. Their work hours may include early mornings, late evenings, holidays, and weekends and part-time opportunities are common. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, about 480,600 openings for cooks are projected each year, on average, over the decade. 6

6. Data scientists

  • 2021-2031 projected growth rate: 36%
  • 2021 median pay: $100,910

Data scientists use analytical tools and techniques to extract meaningful insights from data. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, about 13,500 openings for data scientists are projected each year, on average, over the decade. 7

7. Athletes and sports competitors

  • 2021-2031 projected growth rate: 36%
  • 2021 median pay: $77,300

Athletes and sports competitors participate in organized, officiated sporting events to entertain spectators. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, about 2,900 openings for athletes and sports competitors are projected each year, on average, over the decade. 8

8. Information security analysts

  • 2021-2031 projected growth rate: 35%
  • 2021 median pay: $102,600

Information security analysts plan and carry out security measures to protect an organization’s computer networks and systems. Information security analysts typically need a bachelor’s degree in a computer science field, along with related work experience. Employers may prefer to hire analysts who have professional certification. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, about 19,500 openings for information security analysts are projected each year, on average, over the decade. 9

9. Statisticians

  • 2021-2031 projected growth rate: 33%
  • 2021 median pay: $95,570

Mathematicians and statisticians analyze data and apply computational techniques to solve problems. Mathematicians and statisticians typically need at least a master’s degree in mathematics or statistics. However, some positions are available to those with a bachelor’s degree. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, about 4,100 openings for mathematicians and statisticians are projected each year, on average, over the decade.10

10. Umpires, referees, and other sports officials

  • 2021-2031 projected growth rate: 32%
  • 2021 median pay: $35,860

Umpires, referees, and other sports officials preside over competitive athletic or sporting events to help maintain standards of play. Part-time, seasonal work is common for umpires, referees, and other sports officials. Schedules may vary, and they often work irregular hours that include evenings, weekends, and holidays. Officials working outdoors are exposed to all types of weather conditions. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, about 3,600 openings for umpires, referees, and other sports officials are projected each year, on average, over the decade. 11

11. Web developers

  • 2021-2031 projected growth rate: 30%
  • 2021 median pay: $77,030

Web developers create and maintain websites. Digital designers develop, create, and test website or interface layout, functions, and navigation for usability. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, about 21,800 openings for web developers and digital designers are projected each year, on average, over the decade. 12

12. Animal caretakers

  • 2021-2031 projected growth rate: 30%
  • 2021 median pay: $28,600

Animal care and service workers attend to or train animals and are employed in a variety of settings, including kennels, zoos, stables, animal shelters, pet stores, veterinary clinics, and aquariums. Some parts of the job may be physically or emotionally demanding, and workers risk injury when caring for animals. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, about 80,900 openings for animal care and service workers are projected each year, on average, over the decade.13

13. Choreographers

  • 2021-2031 projected growth rate: 30%
  • 2021 median pay: $42,700

Dancers and choreographers use dance performances to express ideas and stories. Choreographers may work in dance schools, and performing arts companies while others may work as self-employed choreographers. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, about 2,700 openings for dancers and choreographers are projected each year, on average, over the decade. 14

14. Taxi drivers

  • 2021-2031 projected growth rate: 28%
  • 2021 median pay: $29,310

Passenger vehicle drivers operate buses, taxis, and other modes of transportation to take people from place to place. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, about 131,100 openings for passenger vehicle drivers are projected each year, on average, over the decade.15

15. Medical and health services managers

  • 2021-2031 projected growth rate: 28%
  • 2021 median pay: $101,340

Medical and health services managers plan, direct, and coordinate the business activities of healthcare providers. They might work in offices in healthcare facilities, including hospitals and nursing homes, and group medical practices. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, about 56,600 openings for medical and health services managers are projected each year, on average, over the decade.16

16. Logisticians

  • 2021-2031 projected growth rate: 28%
  • 2021 median pay: $77,030

Logisticians analyze and coordinate an organization’s supply chain and work in nearly every industry. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, about 24,800 openings for logisticians are projected each year, on average, over the decade.17

17. Physician assistants

  • 2021-2031 projected growth rate: 28%
  • 2021 median pay: $121,530

Physician assistants examine, diagnose, and treat patients under the supervision of a physician. To enter the occupation, physician assistants typically need a master’s degree from an accredited program. All states require physician assistants to be licensed. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, about 12,700 openings for physician assistants are projected each year, on average, over the decade.18

18. Solar photovoltaic installers

  • 2021-2031 projected growth rate: 27%
  • 2021 median pay: $47,670

Solar photovoltaic (PV) installers assemble, set up, and maintain rooftops or other systems that convert sunlight into energy. Most solar panel installations are done outdoors, but PV installers sometimes work in attics and crawl spaces to connect panels to the electrical grid. Installers also must travel to job sites. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, about 2,500 openings for solar photovoltaic installers are projected each year, on average, over the decade.19

19. Animal trainers

  • 2021-2031 projected growth rate: 26%
  • 2021 median pay: $61,180

Animal trainers teach the animals they are working with to obey their human trainers or caretakers – sometimes so their owners or handlers can handle them safely. Other trainers teach animals certain skills or tricks so they can perform a specific job. Animal trainers generally work with dogs or other domestic animals, but some trainers work with marine or exotic animals.20

20. Physical therapist assistants

  • 2021-2031 projected growth rate: 26%
  • 2021 median pay: $61,180

Physical therapist assistants work under a physical therapist and help patients regain movement and manage pain after injuries and illnesses. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, about 25,500 openings for physical therapist assistants and aides are projected each year, on average, over the decade.21

The importance of income protection for your growing career

No matter what growing career or job you choose, you depend on the income you earn to pay for things like rent/mortgage, groceries, car payments, daycare, medical expenses, and a whole lot more. Make sure your income has protection with disability income insurance through Woligo.

Sources:

  1. https://www.bls.gov/ooh/fastest-growing.htm
  2. https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/nurse-anesthetists-nurse-midwives-and-nurse-practitioners.htm
  3. https://www.bls.gov/ooh/installation-maintenance-and-repair/wind-turbine-technicians.htm
  4. https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes393031.htm
  5. https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes393021.htm
  6. https://www.bls.gov/ooh/food-preparation-and-serving/cooks.htm
  7. https://www.bls.gov/ooh/math/data-scientists.htm
  8. https://www.bls.gov/ooh/entertainment-and-sports/athletes-and-sports-competitors.htm
  9. https://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/information-security-analysts.htm
  10. https://www.bls.gov/ooh/math/mathematicians-and-statisticians.htm
  11. https://www.bls.gov/ooh/entertainment-and-sports/umpires-referees-and-other-sports-officials.htm
  12. https://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/web-developers.htm
  13. https://www.bls.gov/ooh/personal-care-and-service/animal-care-and-service-workers.htm
  14. https://www.bls.gov/ooh/entertainment-and-sports/dancers-and-choreographers.htm
  15. https://www.bls.gov/ooh/transportation-and-material-moving/passenger-vehicle-drivers.htm
  16. https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/medical-and-health-services-managers.htm
  17. https://www.bls.gov/ooh/business-and-financial/logisticians.htm
  18. https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/physician-assistants.htm
  19. https://www.bls.gov/ooh/construction-and-extraction/solar-photovoltaic-installers.htm
  20. https://work.chron.com/advantages-disadvantages-profession-animal-training-3928.html
  21. https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/physical-therapist-assistants-and-aides.htm