23 Careers in High Demand in the US

Curious about what careers are in high demand? Wondering how to qualify for stable jobs with projected growth? Whether you want to work in business, healthcare, trades, tech, or transportation, the job market is booming with lucrative, growing careers—many of which don’t require a college degree.

Let’s take a look at the most in-demand occupations in the U.S. over the next decade, based on two datasets from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS): fastest-growing careers (those with the highest projected change in employment by percentage) and most new jobs (those with the highest projected increase in number of jobs available), along with some careers that will almost always be in demand.

Top 4 Skilled Trade Careers in High Demand

Skilled trades are a stable, lucrative career that allows you to work with your hands and frequently outdoors. Here are some of the fastest-growing skilled trades that require minimal training:

• Solar photovoltaic installers: These experts are at the forefront of renewable energy, installing solar photovoltaic panels on roofs. This trade is enjoying 22% growth as the country shifts toward renewable energy, with median pay commanding $23.46 per hour.
• Plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters: The masters of all things plumbing will practically always be in demand. These skilled experts earn an average of $29.59 per hour and typically have steady work both in repairs and new construction.
• Carpenters: This job also enjoys steady demand, earning an average of $51,000 per year. Many carpenters help install or construct structures and fixtures, but some specialize in repairs as well.
• Wind turbine service technicians: Wind farms are becoming more and more common—along with their need for maintenance experts. Wind turbine technicians can earn $29.70 per hour in a field that will grow 45% in the next decade.

Top 3 Technology Jobs Needed Right Now

These high-paying careers are in demand and don’t necessarily require a bachelor’s degree for eligibility. Here are some of the opportunities you may have for a stable, lucrative career in technology:

• Software Developers: Software developers can make over $120,000 per year—without having to pay six figures for an advanced degree. Jobs for software developers are expected to increase by 25% in the next decade, meaning this will be an opportunity for those with coding skills.
• Computer & Information Systems Managers: These are the people who keep businesses running in a digital world. Their jobs command a median salary of $81.50 per hour and their jobs are in demand—over 86,000 new jobs could be created for them in the near future.
• Information Security Analysts: Also known as IT analysts, information security analysts protect networks from security threats that can compromise people’s personal information. With specialized job training, these experts can earn a median wage of $57.87 per hour.

Top 4 Transportation & Logistics Careers in Demand

Logistics jobs keep America running while providing a stable, lucrative career—even if you don’t have a degree. Here are some of the most in-demand logistics and transportation jobs that may be right for you:

• Heavy & tractor-trailer truck drivers: Long-haul and over-the-road truck drivers can earn over $54,000 per year, while local and regional drivers also enjoy lucrative salaries while staying close to home. While operating a tractor-trailer does require obtaining a CDL Class A, many jobs are willing to provide on-the-job training so they can receive their license and get familiar with the company’s fleet.
• Stockers & order fillers: Also called production planners, these people coordinate and expedite the flow of work and materials between departments and locations as the head of the supply chain.
• Laborers & freight, stock & material movers: Operating forklifts, tractors, and other heavy equipment requires special certifications or licenses. However, being able to do so allows you to earn over $50,000 per year on average with relatively little training compared to a four-year degree.
• Light truck drivers: The need for delivery truck drivers is growing, with over 175,000 new jobs being created. While many delivery trucks only require a standard, valid driver's license, some may require a CDL Class B or C, depending on the industry.

5 In-Demand Occupations in Healthcare

Post-pandemic, the healthcare industry continues to have several jobs with projected job growth and high-demand careers, such as:

• Medical assistants: Medical assistants are often one of the first professionals people see when they go to the doctor. With a 14% increase in job growth projected over the next 10 years and only a postsecondary certificate needed, there will be over 105,000 new medical assistant jobs in the near future.
• Vocational nurses: Vocational nurses work under registered nurses to provide care to patients in hospitals, extended care facilities, and clinics. Vocational nurses earn $28.72 per hour as their median pay, and experts predict there will be 34,900 new jobs in the field within the next decade.
• Home health & personal care aides: As the population continues to age, home health & personal care aides will become more and more essential. These professionals require just formal training or standardized tests to qualify. With 804,600 new jobs projected to be needed in the next 10 years, there will be plenty of opportunities in this entry-level position—which can also be a starting point for other roles in healthcare.
• Medical records specialists: These back-office employees compile, process, and maintain patient medical files while earning a median salary of $23.45 per hour. This job’s outlook is positive, with 8% growth and 16,500 new jobs projected to appear.
• Dental assistants: Chances are, you’ve likely spent more time with this specialist when you were at the dental office than you did around the dentists themselves. Dental assistants make a median salary of $22.38 per hour with an above-average growth rate of 7% in the next decade.

7 Business Careers in Demand

The business industry is predicted to boom from 2022 to 2032, with several careers projected to grow and job opportunities forecasted to increase:

• Restaurant cooks: Although the median pay for cooks hovers around only $16.50 an hour, restaurant work continues to be in high demand and requires little to no experience for entry-level positions. This career is expected to grow by about 6% over the next decade, resulting in just over 175,000 new jobs.
• Actuaries: With a bachelor’s degree, actuaries can expect about $57/hour and 23% job growth over the next decade. Actuaries typically work in insurance offices alongside other promising careers that may not require college degrees, such as insurance sales agents.
• Operations research analysts: Typically requiring a bachelor’s degree, operations research analysts solve complex issues in an office setting. They can expect to earn about $40/hour and see a 23% increase in demand for their job over the next decade.
• Data scientists: Typically requiring a bachelor’s degree, data scientists make a little over $50/hour and spend most of their days analyzing data in an office setting. Jobs for data scientists are predicted to increase by 35% over the next decade.
• Financial managers: With a typical salary of just over $75/hour and a required bachelor’s degree, financial managers monitor and develop strategies for financial growth. This career is expected to grow about 16% over the next decade, resulting in just over 126,000 new jobs.
• Statisticians: Requiring a master’s degree, statisticians typically work in research facilities and earn about $50/hour. This career is projected to grow by about 32% by 2032.
• Computer & information research scientists: With a typical salary of just under $70/hour and a master’s degree under their belt, computer and information research scientists are expected to enjoy 23% career growth by 2032.