Some jobs may have better prospects than others when it comes to short-term gains, but what about long-term growth?
If you're trying to decide what career to pursue, you probably want one with good growth prospects to help you get ahead financially.
Check out these jobs that the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) expects to grow the most by 2031. And remember that the average national growth rate for 2022 to 2031 is 3% for all jobs.
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14. Home health and personal care aides
Growth rate: 21%
Home health and personal care aides monitor the condition of people with disabilities or chronic illnesses and help them with daily living activities.
Home health and personal care aides typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, but some positions do not require it. Those working in certified home health or hospice agencies may need to complete formal training or pass a standardized test. The average yearly salary for these aides is around $33,530.
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13. Financial examiners
Growth rate: 21%
Financial examiners ensure compliance with laws that govern institutions handling monetary transactions.
Financial examiners typically need a bachelor’s degree that includes some coursework in accounting. Entry-level examiners are trained on the job by senior examiners.
According to BLS data, these professionals earn an average annual salary of $84,300.
12. Actuaries
Growth rate: 22%
Actuaries are quantitative analysts who primarily work in the insurance industry. While many are employed full-time in office settings, some actuaries specialize in consulting and travel to meet with clients.
The annual median salary for actuaries is $120,000. A bachelor's degree is typically required to pursue a career as an actuary, followed by successful completion of a series of professional examinations.
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11. Occupational therapy assistants
Growth rate: 22%
An occupational therapy assistant (OTA) helps patients with daily living activities. Many OTAs work with people who have limited mobility or developmental disabilities.
The specific tasks of an OTA will depend on the patient's needs. OTAs work with occupational therapists to create personalized care plans for each patient and monitor their progress.
OTAs earn a good salary, with a median annual wage of $67,010. You can become an OTA with an associate's degree.
10. Operations Research Analysts
Growth rate: 23%
Operations research analysts use mathematics and logic to help solve complex issues.
Operations research analysts typically need at least a bachelor’s degree to enter the occupation. Some employers require or prefer that applicants have a master’s degree. Analysts may need a degree in operations research or a related field, such as applied mathematics. In 2023, the average salary for these positions was $83,640 per year.
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9. Physical therapist assistant
Growth rate: 25%
Physical therapist assistants work under the supervision of physical therapists to help clients regain movement after an injury or illness.
All states require physical therapy assistants to have an associate’s degree from an accredited program. You can expect to earn a median annual income of $64,080 per year, according to the BLS.
8. Computer and information research scientists
Growth rate: 26%
Computer and information research scientists design innovative uses for new and existing computing technology.
Computer and information research scientists typically need at least a master’s degree in computer science or a related field. In the federal government, a bachelor’s degree may be sufficient for some jobs.
The median annual wage for computer and information research scientists is $145,080.
7. Physician assistant
Growth rate: 28%
Another growing job in the health care industry is physician assistant. You can take on clients for a variety of health care needs and work under the supervision of a doctor or physician.
Physician assistants make $130,020 in median annual income, but that could vary depending on where you work and what field you specialize in. You’ll also likely need a master’s degree to work and be licensed in your state.
6. Medical health services manager
Growth rate: 29%
Medical health services managers deal with the business side of health care such as preparing budgets for medical departments, organizing records for facilities, or improving the quality of services.
A bachelor’s degree is helpful to enter the field, and some health services managers may even have a master’s degree. You can expect to earn a median salary of $110,680 per year.
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5. Information security analyst
Growth rate: 33%
An information security analyst is responsible for planning and executing security measures for an organization or company’s computer network.
You usually need a bachelor’s degree in computer science or a related field. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, you can make a median annual salary of $120,360.
4. Data Scientists
Growth rate: 36%
Data scientists use analytical tools and techniques to extract meaningful insights from data.
Data scientists typically need at least a bachelor’s degree in mathematics, statistics, computer science, or a related field to enter the occupation. Some employers require or prefer that applicants have a master’s or doctoral degree. They can expect to earn a median annual income of $108,020, according to the BLS.
3. Nurse practitioners
Growth rate: 46%
Nurse practitioners coordinate patient care and may provide primary and specialty healthcare.
Nurse practitioners must earn at least a master’s degree in one of the APRN roles. They must also be licensed in their state and pass a national certification exam. They can earn a median annual income of $126,260.
2. Solar Photovoltaic Installers
Growth rate: 48%
Solar photovoltaic (PV) installers assemble, set up, and maintain rooftop or other systems that convert sunlight into energy.
Solar Photovoltaic Installers can expect to earn a median annual salary of $48,800, according to the BLS. Although installers typically need a high school diploma, some take courses at a technical school or community college. Installers typically receive on-the-job training lasting up to 1 year.
1. Wind turbine technician
Growth rate: 60%
As clean electricity options increase, there will be more demand for wind turbine technicians who are responsible for maintaining and repairing wind turbines.
According to the BLS, technicians typically receive on-the-job training and can earn a median annual salary of $61,770.
Bottom line
If you want to start building wealth, consider a career in a growing field in which you can earn a good living. If you prepare yourself now, you may find you will lead the competition as the field grows.
Remember to do some digging before you pursue any careers on this list to find out the requirements for each position or see which field that’s right for you.
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