Fastest-Growing Careers for the Next 10 Years

Choosing a career with strong growth projected over the next 10 years is one of the smartest moves you can make. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) publishes 10-year employment projections every two years — and the 2022–2033 projections show a clear picture of where the jobs are going. Here's what the data says.

How BLS Growth Projections Work

The BLS projects employment growth as a percentage change over the 10-year period compared to the national average growth rate of all occupations (currently about 3%). "Faster than average" means 5–8% growth; "much faster than average" means 9%+; "decline" means the occupation is contracting.

When evaluating these numbers, look at both the percentage growth rate and the actual number of new jobs expected — a 60% growth rate for a tiny occupation creates fewer jobs than a 5% growth rate for a large one.

Healthcare Careers with the Fastest Growth

Nurse Practitioners — 45% projected growth

NPs are advanced practice nurses who can independently diagnose and treat patients. With physician shortages and expanded scope-of-practice laws, NP demand is exploding. Requires a master's degree (MSN or DNP) — typically 2 years beyond a BSN. Median salary: $126,260/year.

Physician Assistants — 28% projected growth

PAs practice medicine under physician supervision, handling diagnosis, treatment, and prescription. Master's degree required. Median: $130,020/year.

Vet Technologists — 19% projected growth

Strong companion animal care spending drives vet tech demand. 2-year AVMA-accredited program. Vet tech guide.

Respiratory Therapists — 13% projected growth

Aging population plus long COVID complications sustain high demand. 2-year associate degree. RT guide.

Home Health Aides and Personal Care Aides — 22% projected growth

The fastest-growing category in terms of raw number of new jobs. Driven entirely by the aging baby boomer population. Entry with minimal training; starting wages modest but demand is essentially unlimited in the coming decade.

Clean Energy and Green Trades: The Decade's Biggest Growth Story

Solar PV Installers — 22% projected growth

Solar photovoltaic installation has been the fastest-growing occupation in the BLS database for multiple consecutive projection cycles. NABCEP certification is the industry credential. Entry through trade school (6–12 months) or apprenticeship through IBEW or NECA.

Wind Turbine Service Technicians — 60% projected growth

Highest growth rate of any occupation in the BLS projections. Specialized training programs run 2 years at technical colleges. Median salary: $57,320/year — and the career is barely 20 years old.

Electricians — 11% projected growth

Infrastructure electrification, EV charging buildout, and commercial solar tie-ins are sustaining growth well above the national average for electricians through the 2030s. Electrician guide.

Technology Careers with Strong 10-Year Outlooks

• Information Security Analysts: 32% growth — cybersecurity demand vastly exceeds supply
• Software Developers: 25% growth — despite AI, complex software development remains in high demand
• Data Scientists: 35% growth — organizations need people who can interpret data, not just generate it

Careers to Approach with Caution

Some occupations face genuine automation risk or structural decline in demand:

• Cashiers and retail sales workers: declining with automation and e-commerce
• Travel agents: long-declining with online booking
• Data entry clerks: direct AI automation risk
• Print media production workers: structural industry contraction

This doesn't mean these occupations disappear — but entering them now means swimming against a structural current for your entire career.

Explore our careers directory for 10-year outlook data on every career we cover, along with training programs in your state.