JOBS
What will be the most in-demand jobs in the coming years according to experts?
A look at the occupations that are projected to see an increase in demand over the coming decade.
In 2023, unemployment remained under four percent, and the labor force grew by 1.1 percent. The growth in the labor force was associated with an increase of 0.3 percent in the labor force participation rate, which rose to 62.5 percent last year.
For those entering the workforce or looking to enter a new occupation, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) has the data for you. The BLS supports workers by releasing employment projections that can inform workers about the jobs that are expected to see an increase in demand over the coming decade. The data currently available is from 2022, with the BLS releasing the updated projections using the 2023 numbers in April.
Occupations to see the greatest growth in the coming years
In occupations with over 1 million workers, a few stand above the rest regarding projected employment growth by 2032.
For instance, the number of Nurse practitioners is expected to grow by 44 percent to 384,900. Data scientists could see a 35.2 percent in the size of their occupational workforce, with more than 228,200 projected to be employed.
Occupations expected to see the greatest growth (2022-2023)
- Nurse practitioners: +44.5 percent
- Data scientists: +35.2 percent
- Information security analysts: +31.5 percent
- Mathematical science occupations: +29.2 percent
- Medical and health services managers: +28.4 percent
- Physician assistants: +26.5 percent
- Physical therapist assistants: +26.1 percent
- Software developers: +25.7 percent
- Operations research analysts: +22.5 percent
- Software and web developers, programmers, and testers: +21.7 percent
More nurses are needed as many flee the profession
Upon analyzing the data, it becomes apparent that the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) anticipates a significant rise in employment levels in the healthcare industry as the American population continues to age.
According to the BLS, by 2032, the healthcare sector is expected to employ 1.1 million more individuals than in 2022. The number of nurse practitioners projected in 2032 is expected to rise to 384,900 from 266,300. Over the course of the decade, around 292,000 openings, mainly to replace those retiring or exiting the field, will become available. WebMD reported that 100,000 nurses had left the profession since the pandemic started.
These projections account for the mass exodus of nurses from the healthcare profession in recent years, following the widespread burnout many feel after working through the COVID-19 pandemic. The death toll among nurses stood at 1,200 in early 2021.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) will release the 2023 figures in April, which will show how retirement and burnout among healthcare workers are affecting the country’s ability to provide healthcare services to its citizens. During the pandemic, healthcare workers have put their lives at risk, and at least 3,600 have lost their lives due to COVID-19. It is crucial to prioritize providing compensation and benefits that reflect their essential value to society to these healthcare workers. Improving the quality of employment for nurses and other healthcare workers can also attract a new generation of workers to this sector.