Top 45 Best Jobs of the Future
In a world where 3D printers are printing human organs, and Elon Musk is planning a Mars mission, think long-term when choosing your career. With our list of promising jobs, you will stay in demand as a specialist.
In a world where 3D printers are printing human organs, and Elon Musk is planning a Mars mission, think long-term when choosing your career. With our list of promising jobs, you will stay in demand as a specialist.
The demand for professions is changing. It happens because the world is developing dynamically, and new technologies are coming into our lives. The World Economic Forum reports that the Fourth Industrial Revolution will create 133 million new jobs while displacing 75 million. Thus, it is time to think about the future and potential career paths.
If you are concerned about remaining relevant in the labor market, you should learn about the best professions for the next years. In this article, we’ve listed 45 careers in demand for the future with the most recent information on salaries, expected employment growth, degrees, and skills.
What Are the Jobs of the Future
We checked the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and compiled a list of the 45 most promising professions of the future. In the next ten years, the demand for these professions will grow. Some of them are quite popular right now and allow earning decent money. Others are gaining steam in the labor market and can offer many jobs in the upcoming years.
Wind Turbine Technician
Projected employment growth: 61%Average salary: $52,900 per yearEntry-level education requirements: postsecondary non-degree award program, certificate in wind energy technologySkills and qualities needed: comfortable with heights, excellent communication skills, ability to identify and solve problems, physical fitnessWind turbine technicians check and repair wind turbines. Their task is to lower maintenance costs while keeping the quality high. These specialists help with new systems installation and keep records of all repairs. Given the projected employment growth, the wind turbine technician will be a top career for the future.
Solar Photovoltaic Installer
Projected employment growth: 51%Average salary: $44,900 per yearEntry-level education requirements: high school diplomaSkills and qualities needed: electrical, safety, analytical, and mechanical skills; attention to detail, physical fitness, good visionSolar photovoltaic installers install solar equipment in different buildings and ensure that it meets the client’s needs and expectations. They prepare sites for installation and test systems to get the desired performance.
Nurse Practitioner
Projected employment growth: 45%Average salary: $115,800 per yearEntry-level education requirements: bachelor’s degree in nursing, registered nurse licensure, nurse practitioner state licensureSkills and qualities needed: core competencies, communication, problem-solving, critical thinking, compassion, and leadership skillsNurse practitioners help with treating, diagnosing diseases, and prescribing medicines. They may suggest diets and exercises if needed, and change medication dosages following a doctor’s diagnosis. It’s one of those careers that will always be in demand.
Personal Care Aide
Projected employment growth: 34%Average salary: $25,300 per yearEntry-level education requirements: high school diplomaSkills and qualities needed: attention to detail, interpersonal and time-management, physical staminaPersonal care aides help disabled people with daily activities, including dressing, preparing meals, maintaining personal hygiene, assisting with motion exercises, and taking vital signs.
Statistician
Projected employment growth: 33%Average salary: $92,000 per yearEntry-level education requirements: bachelor’s degree in statistics, mathematics, or computer scienceSkills and qualities needed: critical-thinking, math, problem-solving, communication, and analytical skillsStatisticians analyze the data using various mathematical techniques and specialized up-to-date software. They also transform the numerical results and facts into practical advice for business development.
Occupational Therapy Assistant
Projected employment growth: 32%Average salary: $59,200 per yearEntry-level education requirements: associate degree in occupational therapy assistanceSkills and qualities needed: compassion, physical strength, attention to detail, patient confidentiality, interpersonal skillsOccupational therapy assistants help patients with daily exercises. They show them how to use special equipment needed to overcome disabilities and support patients when required. OTAs keep records about the patient’s progress and participate in defining the best treatment regimen.
Information Security Analyst
Projected employment growth: 31%Average salary: $99,700 per yearEntry-level education requirements: bachelor’s degree in computer sciencesSkills and qualities needed: analytical skills, communication, and collaboration, creativity, attention to detailInformation security analysts research and collect data to develop security strategies. They analyze security threats and find relevant solutions. Moreover, they analyze security tools and calibrate them to minimize disruptions.
Operations Research Analyst
Projected employment growth: 25%Average salary: $84,800 per yearEntry-level education requirements: bachelor’s degree in business, technical or quantitative fieldSkills and qualities needed: analytical, communication, critical thinking, interpersonal, math, and problem-solving skills, ingenuityOperations research analysts analyze company operations to forecast systems performance. They analyze operations-related trends to identify the best allocations of resources.
Speech-Language Pathologist
Projected employment growth: 25%Average salary: $79,100 per yearEntry-level education requirements: master’s degree in speech-language pathologySkills and qualities needed: communication, critical thinking, listening, compassion, patience, attention to detailSpeech-language pathologists help adults and children who have speech or language processing problems, such as stuttering, disfluency, or severe inability to articulate any speech called aphasia.
Mental Health Counselor
Projected employment growth: 25%Average salary: $46,200 per yearEntry-level education requirements: bachelor’s degree in social science, behavioral field, or psychologySkills and qualities needed: listening, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills, the ability to communicate effectively, emotional intelligence, compassion, empathyA mental health counselor treats and diagnoses mental health problems and illnesses. These specialists evaluate the patient’s mental status during interviews and observations and design treatment plans.
Software Developer
Projected employment growth: 22%Average salary: $107,500 per yearEntry-level education requirements: bachelor’s degree in computer scienceSkills and qualities needed: mathematical aptitude, problem-solving, time management, self-development skills, knowledge of programming languages, and attention to detailSoftware developers create web and mobile programs and applications. Some of them may focus on developing operating systems-level software. These specialists write codes using different programming languages and test and debug programs.
Genetic Counselor
Projected employment growth: 21%Average salary: $81,900 per yearEntry-level education requirements: master’s degree in genetics or genetic counselingSkills and qualities needed: compassion, critical thinking, communication, and decision-making skillsGenetic counselors can work with children, adults, pregnant women, and couples planning to have children. They diagnose hereditary and congenital diseases, analyze tumors, and identify possible genetic defects and hereditary mutations.
UX Designer
Projected employment growth: 19%Average salary: $74,200 per yearEntry-level education requirements: bachelor’s degree in designSkills and qualities needed: collaboration, prototyping, UX writing, visual communication, user empathy, analytical skillsUser experience designers work to make software products more comfortable to use and more enjoyable for clients. They create prototypes and conduct user testing to find the best possible design solutions.
Respiratory Therapist
Projected employment growth: 19%Average salary: $61,300 per yearEntry-level education requirements: associate’s degree in respiratory therapySkills and qualities needed: compassion, attention to detail, interpersonal skills, problem-solving, math skills, patienceRespiratory therapists treat patients suffering from breathing diseases, such as cystic fibrosis, asthma, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). They examine patients and develop treatment plans that may include medications, removing mucus from the lungs, inserting a ventilation tube to the throat, etc.
Medical Assistant
Projected employment growth: 19%Average salary: $34,800 per yearEntry-level education requirements: postsecondary non-degree award program, certificate in medical assistingSkills and qualities needed: communication, organizational, computer and customer service skills, knowledge of safety and sanitationMedical assistants help doctors to treat patients. They interview patients, measure their temperature, weight, blood pressure, and maintain records, including symptoms and medication dosage. Additionally, they prepare treatment rooms for examination.
Actuary
Projected employment growth: 18%Average salary: $108,300 per yearEntry-level education requirements: bachelor’s degree in mathematics, actuarial science, or statisticsSkills and qualities needed: math, analytical, project management, problem-solving, communication, and computer skillsActuaries use statistics and mathematics to evaluate the probability and financial consequences of particular activities. Insurance companies are obliged to hire actuaries to advise on their financial management.
Physical Therapist
Projected employment growth: 18%Average salary: $89,400 per yearEntry-level education requirements: doctoral degree in physical therapySkills and qualities needed: communication skills, attention to detail, strength, coordinationPhysical therapists help patients with different medical conditions, from sprained ankles to strokes. They help them regain the ability to perform basic daily activities. Some of these specialists work with athletes.
Marketing Research Analyst
Projected employment growth: 18%Average salary: $63,800 per yearEntry-level education requirements: bachelor’s degree in market researchSkills and qualities needed: attention to detail, the ability to work under pressure, analytical, communication, IT, and organizational skillsMarketing research analysts analyze and collect consumer data to help companies increase their profits. Their work involves operating statistics and researching market trends.
Orthotist
Projected employment growth: 17%Average salary: $68,400 per yearEntry-level education requirements: master’s degree in orthotics and prostheticsSkills and qualities needed: communication, leadership, organizational, and problem-solving skills, attention to detail, patience, physical dexterityOrthotists create medical support devices and appliances that can help patients suffering from deformities and injuries in the spine, arms, legs, etc. They monitor patients and adjust their devices.
Community Service Manager
Projected employment growth: 17%Average salary: $67,100 per yearEntry-level education requirements: bachelor’s degree in social work, public health, public or business administrationSkills and qualities needed: analytical, communication, interpersonal, leadership, managerial, problem-solving, and time-management skillsCommunity service managers coordinate social service programs or community outreach activities. They manage budget and program requirements. Sometimes, their work includes monitoring social workers, counselors, or probation officers.
Phlebotomist
Projected employment growth: 17%Average salary: $35,500 per yearEntry-level education requirements: postsecondary non-degree award program, phlebotomy program certificateSkills and qualities needed: attention to detail, communication, data entry skills, physical dexterity, empathyPhlebotomists collect urine, blood, and other samples and prepare them for off-site or on-site analysis. They follow strict safety procedures and keep the procedure room clean and orderly at all times.
Fetal Medicine Specialist
Projected employment growth: 15%Average salary: $386,000 per yearEntry-level education requirements: doctoral degree in medicineSkills and qualities needed: communication skills, attention to detail, compassion, ability to react and process information quicklyFetal medicine specialists diagnose and treat complicated pregnancies. They examine patients to develop appropriate treatment plans and offer consultations on complications and risks related to pregnancy.
Financial Manager
Projected employment growth: 15%Average salary: $130,000 per yearEntry-level education requirements: bachelor’s degree in finance, economics, business administration, or accountingSkills and qualities needed: commercial awareness, communication, presentation, technical, problem-solving and negotiation skills, initiative, attention to detail, ability to prioritize and work as part of a teamFinancial managers prepare budgets and financial reports. They conduct business analysis to identify areas for improvements. Additionally, they manage client accounts and propose ideas on how to achieve financial goals.
UI Designer
Projected employment growth: 13%Average salary: $64,400 per yearEntry-level education requirements: bachelor’s degree in designSkills and qualities needed: interpersonal, communication, time-management skills, critical thinking, teamworkUser interface designers create and arrange the elements of a software’s user interface. They research interface development practices and create mockups, demos, and prototypes of the proposed design.
Diagnostic Medical Sonographer
Projected employment growth: 12%Average salary: $68,800 per yearEntry-level education requirements: associate’s degree, certificate in sonographySkills and qualities needed: technical, physical, and communication skills, attention to detail, compassion.Diagnostic medical sonographers conduct medical diagnostics using sonograms. They also facilitate test results, prepare equipment for procedures, procure medical testing supplies, and explain procedures to patients.
Robotics Technician
Projected employment growth: 11%Average salary: $60,700 per yearEntry-level education requirements: high school diplomaSkills and qualities needed: systems thinking, programming mindset, active learning, math, communication, complex problem-solving skills, persistenceRobotics technicians assemble and maintain robotic systems, ensuring high-quality performance and longevity. Additionally, they install these systems and provide client training on the robotic system functions.
Computer and Information Systems Manager
Projected employment growth: 10%Average salary: $146,400 per yearEntry-level education requirements: bachelor’s degree in computer or information scienceSkills and qualities needed: critical thinking, active listening, management of financial resources, time management skills, persuasivenessThe computer and information systems manager plans and coordinates electronic data processing, information systems, and systems analysis. Such professionals control the installation of hardware and software and analyze computer needs.
Mathematician
Projected employment growth: 10%Average salary: $107,380 per yearEntry-level education requirements: master’s degree in mathematicsSkills and qualities needed: analytical mindset, problem-solving, quantitative reasoning, communication, time management, and critical thinking skillsMathematicians conduct mathematical research, apply mathematical theories, and advise on mathematical analysis for scientific or engineering problem-solving. Moreover, they perform computations and numerical analysis of data.
Industrial Engineer
Projected employment growth: 10%Average salary: $88,000 per yearEntry-level education requirements: bachelor’s degree in engineeringSkills and qualities needed: communication, interpersonal, project management, analytical, and computing skillsAn Industrial engineers’ task is to coordinate and improve manufacturing processes. They research the process efficiency and examine current production rates, including quality control and safety. Sometimes, industrial engineers need to make purchasing decisions and evaluate costs for staffing.
Postsecondary Teacher
Projected employment growth: 9%Average salary: $79,500 per yearEntry-level education requirements: master’s or Ph.D. in the specialty areaSkills and qualities needed: critical-thinking, interpersonal, speaking, and writing skills, resourcefulnessPostsecondary teachers teach courses in their subject area and work with students to improve their knowledge and skills. These educators grade exams and assignments. They also advise students on course selections to achieve their goals.
Business Intelligence Analyst
Projected employment growth: 9%Average salary: $76,400 per yearEntry-level education requirements: bachelor’s degree in computer sciencesSkills and qualities needed: data analysis, problem-solving, communication skills, attention to detail, business acumenBusiness intelligence analysts collect business data by mining a company’s computer data and conducting competitor and industry trends research. Using the data collected, they can understand the company’s competitiveness compared to other market players and suggest improvement solutions.
Registered Nurse
Projected employment growth: 7%Average salary: $73,300 per yearEntry-level education requirements: bachelor’s degree in nursingSkills and qualities needed: attention to detail, critical thinking, compassion, time management, and communication skillsRegistered nurses evaluate patient conditions and use the results to plan and provide patient care following professional nursing standards. They also administer medications to patients and monitor side effects.
Human Resources Manager
Projected employment growth: 6%Average salary: $116,700 per yearEntry-level education requirements: bachelor’s degree in human resource managementSkills and qualities needed: communication, organization, decision-making, training, and developmental skills, empathyHuman resources managers develop and implement policies and procedures related to the company’s staff. They train managers on HR policies and manage daily departmental operations. Additionally, they manage and coordinate HR initiatives, including recruitment, compensation, benefits, training, etc.
Dental Hygienist
Projected employment growth: 6%Average salary: $76,200 per yearEntry-level education requirements: associate’s degree in dental hygieneSkills and qualities needed: communication and problem-solving skills, attention to detail, compassion, manual dexterityDental hygienists check patients for oral diseases, educate them on oral care and hygiene, and perform preventative care using dental prophylaxis, sealants, and topical fluorides. They сlеаn dental calculus and dental plaque deposit, sеаrсhing fоr іndісаtоrs оf оrаl diseases.
Food Scientist
Projected employment growth: 6%Average salary: $65,200 per yearEntry-level education requirements: bachelor’s degree in chemistrySkills and qualities needed: computer, analytical, communication, team working, and numerical skills, attention to detailFood scientists work in food production, testing, and consumption. They conduct and interpret scientific experiments to optimize products, research, and implement new solutions to reduce costs and improve quality. Some food scientists work in QA and test products for levels of various nutrients and microbes.
Computer Network Architect
Projected employment growth: 5%Average salary: $112,700 per yearEntry-level education requirements: bachelor’s degree in computer sciencesSkills and qualities needed: analytical, problem-solving, leadership, IT, and communication skillsComputer network architects design data communication networks, including local and wide area networks, intranets, etc. They also upgrade software, create layouts for data communication networks, identify areas that require computer network solutions, and explain the benefits of pursuing them.
Biomedical Engineer
Projected employment growth: 5%Average salary: $91,400 per yearEntry-level education requirements: bachelor’s degree in engineeringSkills and qualities needed: analytical, technical, communication, and teamworking skills, attention to detail, creativity, empathyA biomedical engineer combines engineering with medical and biological sciences to create and improve medical devices, computer systems, and healthcare equipment. They also develop new procedures using knowledge gained from different technical sources and conduct research to solve clinical problems.
Epidemiologist
Projected employment growth: 5%Average salary: $71,000 per yearEntry-level education requirements: master’s degreeSkills and qualities needed: communication, critical-thinking, math, and statistical skillsEpidemiologists research the spread of infectious diseases, their cultures, and vectors. They collect data that can help populations and cultural groups stop or impede the spread of the disease.
Financial Advisor
Projected employment growth: 4%Average salary: $87,900 per yearEntry-level education requirements: bachelor’s degree in finance, accounting, business, mathematics, law, or economicsSkills and qualities needed: customer service, accounting, math, communication, business management, and active listening skills, computer literacyFinancial advisors or financial consultants evaluate the client’s financial needs and help achieve financial goals. They also clarify relevant tax laws, assist with making insurance decisions, help clients maintain their current assets, and obtain additional assets as desired.
Cartographer
Projected employment growth: 4%Average salary: $65,500 per yearEntry-level education requirements: bachelor’s degree in cartography, geomatics, or geographySkills and qualities needed: attention to detail, IT literacy, analytical, problem-solving, and teamworking skills, ability to interpret data and graphical representationsCartographers work with high-tech equipment that creates satellite images. They collect and analyze geospatial data to create maps. This person also develops optimum route and terrain information graphically represented in the map format for logistics companies.
Elementary School Teacher
Projected employment growth: 4%Average salary: $59,400 per yearEntry-level education requirements: bachelor’s degreeSkills and qualities needed: communication, instructing, active listening, time management, critical thinking, persuasion, and negotiation skillsElementary school teachers educate school students in grades one through six. They teach fundamentals across various disciplines, including reading comprehension, writing, arithmetic, science, and history.
Dentist
Projected employment growth: 3%Average salary: $159,200 per yearEntry-level education requirements: Doctoral or professional degree in dental surgery or doctorate in dental medicineSkills and qualities needed: communication and teamwork skills, patience, systematic approach, ability to work long hours under pressureDentists diagnose and treat diseases, injuries, or malformations with the mouth, teeth, and gums. They examine X-rays to identify problems and help correct those issues. Dentists fill cavities and place sealants where necessary. They repair broken teeth and correct the orientation of crooked teeth by strengthening them.
Environmental Engineer
Projected employment growth: 3%Average salary: $88,900 per yearEntry-level education requirements: bachelor’s degree in environmental sciencesSkills and qualities needed: math, communication, analytical, project management, and problem-solving skills, knowledge of environmental regulationsEnvironmental engineers use technologies to help with the growing challenges of land use, pollution, resource regulation, and environmental laws. They design, assess, or administer erosion and water control systems and waste processing facilities. Their task is to find solutions to keep the human impact on the environment to a minimum.
Psychologist
Projected employment growth: 3%Average salary: $80,400 per yearEntry-level education requirements: master’s or doctoral degree in psychologySkills and qualities needed: research, team working, communication, listening and questioning skills, ability to cope with emotionally stressful situationsPsychologists conduct diagnostic interviews, psychological testing, and individual and group psychotherapy. They research human cognitive, emotional, and social processes and behavior and use their findings to improve processes and behaviors.
Civil Engineer
Projected employment growth: 2%Average salary: $87,100 per yearEntry-level education requirements: bachelor's degree in civil engineeringSkills and qualities needed: mathematical, communication, leadership, organizational, problem-solving, and decision-making skillsCivil engineers design, plan, and manage structural, environmental, and transportation construction projects. They evaluate their projects’ environmental impacts and analyze related labor and material costs to define whether the project is workable. Civil engineers prepare bids for tenders and generate reports for clients.
Top Jobs of the Future That May Blow the Labor Market
A couple of decades ago, professions like software engineers, business intelligence analysts, or genetic counselors seemed like something from a distant future. But with the development of technology, this distant future turned out to be closer than we could imagine. The world will continue to evolve, and it is quite possible that in the next decades, the labor market will present jobs that we can hardly imagine today.
Alec Ross, Distinguished Visiting Professor at Bologna Business School and the author of “The Industries of the Future,” thinks that the future industries will go beyond digitization that was on top during the last 20 years. He forecasts that robotics, advanced life sciences, the codification of markets, cybersecurity, and big data will transform both our lives and the labor market.
It’s a great challenge to predict our future, but we’ve analyzed the trends and concluded that these professions of tomorrow are likely to be in high demand. Perhaps one of them will become your future job that will make your heart sing.
Drone Pilot
The drone pilot profession is quite promising. In the future, drone pilots will be sought-after specialists in different spheres, including industrial monitoring, agriculture, ecology, journalism, and the military field.Human DNA Designer
This profession will exist at the intersection of genetics and programming. Human DNA designers will be able to change the embryo’s DNA to avoid or significantly reduce the risk of diseases such as cancer, HIV, etc.Artificial Intelligence Ethics Lawyer
In all their potential usefulness and productivity, new technologies will inevitably create new moral dilemmas. MIT has developed the Moral Machine test to get public opinion about what decisions machines should make in ethical dilemmas. This profession will combine legal with psychological aspects to teach these new systems on how to behave.Terraforming Engineer
If the previous job examples were a matter of the near future, this one is quite a long way off and a little fantastic. Even after the start of Mars exploration, there will still be things that should be improved on Earth to make life more comfortable, such as draining swamps, transforming deserts into forests, and building cities in the ocean bed. That’s what terraforming engineers will do.
However, you can start moving in this direction even now. After all, landscape design solves similar problems, but on a smaller scale. So if you like planet landscaping, you can start by pursuing a landscape designer’s profession to create new and improved landscape and dendrological parks.
Applying for the most in-demand jobs of the future. Will the process change
The application process’s future is one of the most talked-about issues among HR managers worldwide. To brighten the prospects, GetCoverLetter company researched this topic and prepared some impressive stats for you.
Having surveyed 500 HR experts, we received the following results:
- 76% believe that resumes and cover letters will continue to play an essential role in the recruitment process since these documents’ main tasks will not lose their value in the next ten years.
- 19% are confident that new job application formats will appear. Given the development of information technologies and artificial intelligence, it is likely that AI will replace recruiters in the process of resume and cover letter initial screening. Candidates will need to consider new approaches and new formats for their applications because AI reads resumes and cover letters differently from humans.
- 5% think that resumes and cover letters will be obsolete because HRs will simply need to check candidates in specialized information systems to find out everything about them. However, this will not happen very soon.
Since quite a significant percent of recruiters still consider resumes and cover letters integral parts of the hiring process, we will tell you more specifically about their features.
Resume of the future
A resume is a document where you put the most crucial information about yourself to open employment opportunities. It should be well-organized, structured, and formatted.
As a part of the research, GetCoverLetter analyzed 1000 resumes and found out that several basic sections can help recruiters get a full picture of you as a candidate. Resume statistics show that these sections include:
- personal information: 99.5%
- professional experience: 99.9%
- education and certifications: 97%
- skills and qualities: 95%
However, it is crucial to understand that a resume is not just a set of separate sections. The winning paper tells your success story. It should connect your education, career path, certificates, skills, and qualities with the position you want to get. Therefore, you should customize your resume for each job and not send out one general copy.
Cover letter of the future
If you want to boost the effectiveness of your resume, you should send a cover letter. It is a document that provides additional information on your motivation, qualities, and experience. It’s one of the best opportunities to attract recruiter attention.
Cover letter statistics show that:
- 55% of recruiters prefer candidates who did extra work and created professional cover letters;
- 43% of recruiters choose candidates who addressed them by name in their cover letters.
Cover letters should be structured logically to demonstrate your rational approach. This rule works now and will continue to work in the future. Given that many of the professions listed above are technical, structure and organization are essential when portraying yourself professionally.
Start with the salutation, introduce yourself briefly, highlight your qualifications and skills, express your interest position. Close your letter expressing the desire for a further in-person meeting.
Remember that an impressive cover letter can motivate the recruiter to take a further look at your resume and double your chances of being invited for an interview.
Key Takeaways
We can’t be one hundred percent sure about what the best careers for the future will be. However, our list shows those that are expected to be in demand. This list may be updated as we discover new professions that we are not even aware of today. And one of them may well become your vocation.
However, we know that to stand out in the current and future labor markets, you need to be the brightest crayon in the box. Learn new skills, gain new knowledge, cultivate abilities, and do your best to keep up with the times. It’s the most effective way to impress recruiters.