Many Americans constantly worry about losing their jobs. If you are among them, you might be contemplating changing to a more stable career.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) predicts that some careers will see significant job growth over the next decade. These secure gigs run the gamut in terms of education requirements, salary, and job duties.
The following are 10 jobs that will likely still be hiring in a big way a decade from now. If you hope to move beyond living paycheck to paycheck, these careers can get you there.
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Nurse practitioner
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The BLS says nurse practitioners and related professions, such as nurse anesthetists and nurse midwives, will be in high demand over the next decade.
People who work in these professions coordinate and provide patient care, just in different ways. Nurse anesthetists, for example, specialize in providing anesthesia and managing pain.
The projected job growth for these workers is 40% by 2023, significantly higher than the projected growth for all occupations. The BLS estimates around 141,200 jobs will open.
Software developer
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Software developers design computer applications and programs. They are expected to be in high demand over the next decade, as will software quality assurance analysts and testers who identify and report problems with apps and programs.
The BLS projects employment in these job fields will grow 17% in the next 10 years, and about 327,900 jobs will open over the decade. The average salary in 2024 was $131,450 per year.
Electrician
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Electricians who install, maintain, and repair electrical equipment are projected to be in demand over the next decade. These jobs also tend to require relatively little formal education, as electricians frequently learn through apprenticeships.
Projected job growth between 2023 and 2033 is 11%, according to the BLS, with about 84,300 openings for electricians during that time. The average salary in 2024 was $62,350 per year.
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Cook
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Those who work with and prepare food can expect strong job growth across the board.
Work for chefs and head cooks, who oversee food preparation at restaurants, hotels, and other food service spots, is expected to grow 6% over the next 10 years, with 159,000 jobs added. The average salary in 2024 was $35,760 per year.
Umpire, referee, or other sport official
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Umpires, referees, and other sports officials are expected to be in surprisingly high demand over the decade, according to BLS statistics. These officials help enforce the rules in various types of sports.
Employment is expected to grow 10% over the decade, adding 2,400 jobs. The average salary in 2024 was $38,820 per year.
Many of these officials work part-time or for seasonal pay, so they may need other paying gigs during their off-seasons to make extra money. They also often have to work unusual hours, such as nights and weekends.
Taxi driver
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The BLS foresees job growth for taxi drivers, along with other passenger-vehicle drivers like bus drivers.
The projected job growth for passenger vehicle drivers is expected to grow by 11% through 2033, with about 41,700 jobs added. The average salary in 2024 was $36,660 per year.
The BLS included both full-time and part-time drivers in these estimates, but noted that most passenger vehicle drivers work full-time.
Physician assistant
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Physician assistants provide patient care under the supervision of doctors at hospitals, doctors' offices, outpatient clinics, and other health care settings.
Job growth is projected to be 28% in the next 10 years. About 43,700 job openings for physician assistants are expected. The average salary in 2024 was $133,260 per year.
Massage therapist
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Massage therapists, who treat clients by applying pressure and manipulating tissues and joints to alleviate pain and help patients relax, are also expected to be in high demand over the next decade.
Job growth is expected to be 18% over the next decade. About 26,000 job openings are expected through 2033. The average salary in 2024 was $57,950 per year.
Plumber
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Plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters can expect steady, but not booming, employment over the next decade.
The BLS predicts employment in these trade jobs will grow about 6% in the next 10 years, which is faster than average, as we're not likely to stop needing workers who can install and repair piping fixtures and systems anytime soon.
On average, about 26,300 jobs are expected to open across these three trades, which provide services that are needed even in the deepest of recessions. The average salary in 2024 was $62,970 per year.
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Occupational therapist
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Occupational therapists treat patients who have injuries, illnesses, or disabilities and help them learn how to go about everyday tasks.
Job growth is expected to surpass the average in the U.S., at 11% through 2033. Around 16,800 job openings are expected through the decade, according to the BLS data. The average salary in 2024 was $98,340 per year.
Bottom line
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The rise of automation and the current economic outlook might make job prospects appear bleak, but plenty of industries will likely continue to hire over the next decade and beyond.
One way to prepare yourself financially and to make sure you stay employed over the next decade or more is to explore switching to a new career.
When planning your financial future, look at BLS data, which also includes average salaries and education requirements for various jobs. Then explore career opportunities that perhaps you overlooked in the past.
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