20 Jobs That Will Be In-Demand in the Next 10 Years

The next 10 years will see growth rates change for all types of careers, with some jobs becoming even more in demand. According to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, all of these careers are expected to have over 20% growth, compared to an expected 2.8% growth across all occupations.

20 Featured Jobs That Will Be In-Demand in the Next 10 Years

For students leaving high school and enrolling in college, finding a degree program that will lead to a high-demand job is a top priority. These 20 careers, based on BLS data, will be the most in-demand jobs over the next decade.

1. Healthcare Workers

In the wake of the pandemic, the value of healthcare professionals has never been more obvious. Medical professionals of all levels are expected to see job growth, according to BLS data. In addition to having some of the highest expected growth, medical professionals also are near the top of median salary rankings.

2. Software Developers

With the continued growth of automation, robotics, and technology, the opportunities for software developers will also grow. This career path has a high median salary compared to other careers. Most students need at least a bachelor's degree for entry-level jobs as a software developer.

3. Artificial Intelligence Programmer

Although artificial intelligence is relatively new among technology specialties, new jobs for artificial intelligence programmers are emerging in this field frequently and this growth doesn't show signs of slowing down. As the value of machine learning grows for businesses, graduates with AI-focused degrees will only become even more sought after by recruiters.

4. Cybersecurity Specialists

Cyberattacks from governmental agencies and rogue actors have become a new threat over recent years. Companies and governments have fallen prey to attacks that have led to data breaches and national security risks.

Diagnosing incoming threats and protecting valuable data is an essential part of both public and private institutional security. The need for cybersecurity specialists is growing every year.

5. Data Scientists

Many industries require data scientists to compile and analyze data. These include:

• Artificial intelligence (AI)
• Marketing
• Sports teams

As the world becomes more reliant on data science and collection for things like targeted ads and other personalized experiences, the value of trained data scientists will grow. A graduate degree in mathematics, statistics, or other similar programs is often preferred by recruiters, but some jobs in the field only need a bachelor's degree.

6. Information Security Analysts

Much like cyber security specialists, information security analysts focus on protecting companies and the data they have collected. This data can be about the business in the form of product research or customer data gathered through purchases or memberships.

Companies stand to lose customers and even face legal action if they don't keep data secure. Students with a bachelor's degree and some hands-on work experience are in demand for companies of all sizes.

7. Nurse Practitioners

Although medical professionals as a whole are expected to see job growth, nurse practitioners have the highest projected growth. These high-paying jobs require a master's degree, usually earned through a specialized program.

These are very in-demand jobs for all levels of healthcare providers because nurse practitioners are qualified to work at:

• Hospitals
• Doctor's offices
• Health clinics

8. Registered Nurses

Registered nurses (RNs), much like nurse practitioners, are increasingly in demand.

Unlike a nurse practitioner, though, becoming a registered nurse usually only requires an associate or bachelor's degree. Because of reduced education and different work requirements, registered nurses usually have lower salaries than nurse practitioners.

9. Physician Assistants

Physician assistants work with doctors and other healthcare providers to help with diagnosing and treating patients. Physician assistants usually are required to earn at least a master's degree due to the skills and knowledge required for this career path.

10. Mental Health Professionals

Physical health is only one of the areas of health that will see career growth. Since the pandemic, mental health issues have increased for both newly diagnosed disorders as well as relapses.

Mental health professionals can take on different roles such as:

• Case workers
• Psychiatrists
• Licensed clinical counselor

As a result, some mental health care providers only need associate degrees, but the higher-paying career opportunities will come with master's degrees or even doctoral-level degrees.

11. Social Media Specialists

Marketing has shifted drastically in the past with the advent of social media. As the purchasing power shifts to younger demographics, marketing through social media has become a primary goal for many companies. Graduates with a bachelor's in marketing or a similar field with social media-based communication skills will continue to be among the most in-demand marketers. A career in social media may be promising for you depending on your passions.

12. Statisticians

From the public sector to the private sector, data is a vital part of the modern world. Statisticians are responsible for compiling and analyzing this data to help companies and governmental agencies plan for the future.

This is one of the best careers for mathematics majors as they can use their schooling in a variety of industries from conducting surveys and polls to corporate analysis.

13. Computer Science Jobs

Computer science is a broad field incorporating career paths ranging from web development to network architecture. Nearly every modern job has some technical component, and computer science graduates make sure that this technology is available to other careers. Students will benefit from a master's degree, but there are some computer science jobs available for graduates with a bachelor's level degree.

14. Human Resources

Even in the most technical-based companies, there will always be a need for human resource (HR) professionals, such as human resource specialists. Human resource professionals handle daily tasks like payroll and benefits, but they also are responsible for things such as employee policies and disputes. HR workers usually serve as the recruiters for a company, making them responsible for corporate culture.

For a future Human Resources worker, a bachelor's degree will be preferred. However, there are master's level degree programs for people pursuing management and executive roles in HR.

15. Physical Therapist Assistants

As more Americans seek physical therapy, physical therapist assistants are becoming more in demand. A physical therapist assistant works to help administer care and set up the equipment used for treatment. This career path often only requires an associate degree, but there are additional certifications and licensing.

Although physical therapist assistants aren't the highest paying roles, there is still a high potential for growth and lower employment barriers compared to some other professions.

16. Software Engineers

Software engineers are responsible for overseeing the design and implementation of software programs for organizations. Software engineers are more involved at a systemic level than software developers, who tend to be more focused on specific projects. People looking to work as software engineers will be expected to have a bachelor's degree, while those looking for management roles in software engineering will often earn a master's degree.

17. Health Services Managers

Medical services continue to grow, putting health services managers in high demand. Health Services Managers aren't healthcare workers, but they are responsible for the administration of medical offices and hospitals.

In addition to schooling, many employers want applicants to have hands-on experience in health service administration in addition to a bachelor's degree in business or healthcare administration.

18. Veterinarians

Nearly 2/3s of American homes have at least one pet, up 10% from the mid-1980s. Because there are more pets than before, there is an increased demand for veterinarians. In addition to veterinarians, which require doctoral-level degrees, in-demand career paths in pet care include technologists and technicians which require bachelor and associate-level degrees, respectively.

19. Finance Managers

With new technologies and changing corporate environments, properly planning and maintaining budgets is important for businesses looking to grow.

Certified finance managers monitor financial trends to provide data and plans to executives. Unlike an accountant, a finance manager doesn't work solely with what the numbers say. Instead, they analyze what the numbers mean in the present and, most importantly, what they mean for the future of the company.

A degree with a major in finance, accounting, or economics is a great place to start.

20. Social Workers

Social workers are a type of mental health care provider. Working in locations like schools or hospitals, social workers can help diagnose and treat mental health conditions or substance use disorders. In schools, social workers can advocate for children who are in abusive homes or victims of in-school bullying.

Social workers who work in a private practice often handle mental health counseling, but can also handle marriage disputes and other personal issues. Lastly, social workers are often employed in corrections roles to work with prisoners for rehabilitation efforts.

Most social work positions require a bachelor's degree in social work, but many employers want a master's. In addition to a degree, a license is required in most states, with various requirements.

FAQs About In-Demand Jobs for the Future Job Market

By 2030, there will be big changes to the job market as new technologies are developed and popular demand shifts.

Which Job Is Best for 2030?

Although picking one job as the best for 2030 is hard, several traits will make a job better for the future. Jobs that have an understanding of technology will be better suited for future employment.

Another factor when analyzing jobs for future growth is how easily the job could be replaced by automation or AI. Finding a career path that relies on technology, but can't be replaced by it, is important. Beyond the technology component, careers that require specialized skills are more likely to see growth by 2030 than jobs that are more entry-level positions.

What Jobs Will Be Gone by 2030?

The types of careers that will be gone by 2030 are jobs that traditionally don't require the same specialization or can be automated. However, automation isn't the only threat to careers.

The rise of the 'gig economy' is threatening established careers like taxi drivers and other similar jobs. Renewable energy will also begin to make certain careers associated with oil production less in demand, but they probably won't be fully eliminated.

Which Career Will Still Be in Demand After 10 Years?

Based on trends, the industry with the highest growth is related to health care, both physical and mental. Doctors, therapists, and more will begin to employ technology to support their efforts more and more. However, technology can't replace all of the functions of these highly trained workers.