Top fastest growing jobs in the U.S.

The job market in the US is constantly evolving, with some professions expected to see significant growth in demand over the next decade. Based on data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), we have compiled a list of the top 20 professions projected to experience the highest growth rates from 2021 to 2031. In this article, we will delve into each profession’s job description, median pay, and reasons for its high projected growth rate.

1.- Nurse Practitioners

Projected Growth Rate: 46%

Median Pay (2021): $120,680 per year

Nurse practitioners are highly trained healthcare professionals who can diagnose and treat illnesses, prescribe medications, and provide primary and specialized care to patients. The aging baby boomer population and the increasing demand for healthcare services have contributed to the high demand for nurse practitioners. Additionally, the COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the need for healthcare workers, further increasing the demand for nurse practitioners.

2.- Wind Turbine Service Technicians

Projected Growth Rate: 44%

Median Pay (2021): $56,260 per year

Wind turbine service technicians are responsible for the maintenance and repair of wind turbines. The increasing emphasis on renewable energy and the growing number of wind turbines being installed in the US have created a higher demand for these technicians. In addition, the maintenance of wind turbines requires specialized skills and knowledge, making it a profession with job security and growth potential.

3.- Ushers, Lobby Attendants, and Ticket Takers

Projected Growth Rate: 41%

Median Pay (2021): $24,440 per year

Ushers, lobby attendants, and ticket takers work in movie theaters, sports arenas, and other entertainment venues, assisting patrons with ticket purchases and seating arrangements. The demand for these workers is expected to increase as the entertainment industry continues to grow and the need for in-person entertainment experiences rises post-pandemic.

4.- Motion Picture Projectionists

Projected Growth Rate: 40%

Median Pay (2021): $29,350 per year

Motion picture projectionists operate and maintain equipment used to display movies in theaters. While the rise of digital projectors has reduced the need for this profession, there is still a demand for projectionists in smaller theaters and independent cinemas. Additionally, the recent trend of drive-in theaters has created new job opportunities for projectionists.

5.- Cooks

Projected Growth Rate: 37%

Median Pay (2021): $30,010 per year

Restaurant cooks prepare and cook food in restaurants and other food service establishments. The growing demand for food service, both in-person and through delivery services, has created a higher demand for cooks. Additionally, the increasing diversity of food options has created a need for cooks with specialized skills and knowledge.

6.- Data Scientists

Projected Growth Rate: 36%

Median Pay (2021): $100,910 per year

Data scientists collect and analyze large sets of data to identify patterns and trends that can inform business decisions. The increasing amount of data being collected by businesses and organizations has created a need for professionals who can analyze and interpret that data. Data scientists are in high demand in a variety of industries, including healthcare, finance, and technology.

7.- Athletes and Sports Competitors

Projected Growth Rate: 36%

Median Pay (2021): $77,300 per year

Athletes and sports competitors participate in organized athletic events, such as professional and collegiate sports leagues. The growing popularity of sports and the increasing number of professional and collegiate teams have contributed to the high demand for athletes and sports competitors.

8.- Information Security Analysts

Growth Rate: 35%

2021 Median Pay: $102,600 per year

Information security analysts are responsible for protecting computer networks and systems from cyber attacks and other security breaches. The increasing threat of cyber attacks and the growing importance of data security in various industries have created a higher demand for information security analysts. Additionally, advancements in technology and the increasing use of cloud computing have created new security challenges that require skilled professionals to address. The growth rate for this profession is expected to be 35% from 2021 to 2031.

9.- Statisticians

Growth Rate: 33%

2021 Median Pay: $95,570 per year

Statisticians analyze and interpret data using statistical methods. The increasing amount of data being collected by businesses and organizations has created a need for professionals who can analyze and interpret that data. Statisticians are in high demand in a variety of industries, including healthcare, finance, and technology. The growth rate for this profession is expected to be 33% from 2021 to 2031.

10.- Umpires, Referees, and Other Sports Officials

Growth Rate: 32%

2021 Median Pay: $35,860 per year

Umpires, referees, and other sports officials enforce the rules and regulations of various sports and competitions. The growth in popularity of sports and the increasing demand for live and televised sports events has led to a higher demand for umpires, referees, and other sports officials. This profession includes both professional and amateur officials.

11.- Web Developers

Growth Rate: 30%

2021 Median Pay: $77,030 per year

As more and more businesses establish an online presence, the demand for web developers is expected to grow by 30% from 2021 to 2031. These professionals are responsible for designing, developing and maintaining websites that are visually appealing and user-friendly. They must have a strong understanding of programming languages such as HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, as well as experience working with content management systems and web development tools. In 2021, the median annual pay for web developers was $77,030.

12.- Animal Caretakers

Growth Rate: 30%

2021 Median Pay: $28,600 per year

Animal caretakers, also known as animal attendants, are responsible for the daily care of animals in a variety of settings such as animal shelters, zoos, and veterinary clinics. They are expected to feed and water animals, clean their living spaces, and provide them with basic medical care when needed. As more people adopt pets and animal welfare becomes a priority, the demand for animal caretakers is projected to increase by 30% from 2021 to 2031. In 2021, the median annual pay for animal caretakers was $28,600.

13.- Choreographers

Growth Rate: 30%

Median Pay: $42,700 per year

Choreographers are responsible for designing and directing dance performances. They create original dance routines and coach dancers to achieve the desired performance. As more people continue to express themselves through dance, the demand for choreographers is expected to grow. Choreographers are expected to work closely with dance companies, schools, and universities to create performances for live audiences. Employment of choreographers is expected to increase by 30% between 2021 and 2031.

14.- Taxi Drivers and Ride-hailing Drivers

Growth Rate: 28%

Median Pay: $29,310 per year

The growth of ride-hailing services like Uber and Lyft has changed the taxi industry in recent years. Taxi and ride-hailing drivers pick up and transport passengers to their destinations. They are expected to have a thorough knowledge of the local area and be able to navigate quickly and safely to reach their destination. With the increasing popularity of ride-hailing services, demand for these drivers is expected to increase by 28% between 2021 and 2031.

15.- Medical and Health Services Managers

Growth Rate: 28%

Median Pay: $101,340 per year

Medical and health services managers plan, direct, and coordinate the delivery of healthcare services. They are responsible for managing finances, developing and implementing policies, and ensuring compliance with regulations. As the population continues to age, the demand for healthcare services is expected to increase, leading to a greater need for medical and health services managers. Employment of medical and health services managers is expected to increase by 28% between 2021 and 2031.

16.- Logisticians

Growth Rate: 28%

Median Pay: $77,030 per year

Logisticians are responsible for analyzing and coordinating an organization’s supply chain, from the acquisition of raw materials to the delivery of finished products. They are responsible for managing budgets, negotiating with suppliers, and ensuring timely delivery of products. As e-commerce continues to grow and companies seek to streamline their operations, demand for logisticians is expected to increase. Employment of logisticians is expected to increase by 28% between 2021 and 2031.

17.- Physician Assistants

Growth Rate: 28%

Median Pay: $121,530 per year

Physician assistants work in healthcare settings, performing medical examinations, diagnosing illnesses, and providing treatment under the supervision of a licensed physician. As the demand for healthcare services, particularly primary care, continues to grow, demand for physician assistants is expected to increase. Additionally, physician assistants can perform many of the same duties as physicians, making them an important resource for patients in underserved areas. Employment of physician assistants is expected to increase by 28% between 2021 and 2031.

18.- Solar Photovoltaic Installers

Growth Rate: 27%

Median Pay: $47,670 per year

Solar photovoltaic installers are responsible for installing and maintaining solar panels on rooftops and other structures. As the demand for renewable energy continues to grow, the need for solar photovoltaic installers is expected to increase. Additionally, advancements in technology are making solar panels more efficient and affordable, further driving demand for installers. Employment of solar photovoltaic installers is expected to increase by 27% between 2021 and 2031.

19.- Animal Trainers

Growth Rate: 27%

2021 Median Pay: $31,280 per year

Animal trainers are responsible for teaching animals to perform specific tasks, such as guiding people with visual impairments or detecting the presence of bombs or drugs. They must have a deep understanding of animal behavior and psychology, as well as excellent communication skills to train both animals and their handlers. The demand for animal trainers is expected to grow by 27% from 2021 to 2031, particularly in the field of service animals and pet training. In 2021, the median annual pay for animal trainers was $31,280.

20.- Physical Therapist Assistants

Growth Rate: 26%

2021 Median Pay: $61,180 per year

Physical therapist assistants work alongside physical therapists to help patients recover from injuries, illnesses, and disabilities. They are responsible for carrying out treatment plans, monitoring patient progress, and providing support to patients and their families. As the population ages and demand for healthcare services increases, the demand for physical therapist assistants is expected to increase by 26% from 2021 to 2031. In 2021, the median annual pay for physical therapist assistants was $61,180.

Fastest growing overall: 2021-31 projected