These Are The 10 Fastest Growing Jobs In Illinois In 2026

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Fastest Growing Jobs In Illinois

Source: Wikipedia

Illinois is a dynamic state that has undergone continuous change since its inception. We are evolving in various sectors, including finance, industry, technology, and, most importantly, the workforce.

Many jobs that were once commonplace decades ago have become obsolete. Conversely, the jobs that will be in demand in the coming decades are often difficult to predict.

However, what we can ascertain today is which careers are poised to thrive in the near future. After analyzing the latest data, we’ve compiled a list of the fastest-growing jobs in Illinois for 2026.

Below are the top 10 positions that are expected to see significant growth, along with a more extensive list of the top 100:

This is quite fascinating! Who would have imagined, even 20 years ago, that operations research analysts and web developers would become so essential? This trend not only highlights our advancement in critical fields but also suggests the potential for more secure job opportunities.

Before we dive into the specifics of each job, let’s explain how we arrived at this list.

How We Determined the Fastest Growing Jobs in Illinois for 2026

Every few years, each state’s Department of Labor collaborates with the Bureau of Labor Statistics to project job growth by occupation. The latest data was collected in 2022, providing insights that extend to 2032.

To create a comprehensive database, we systematically gathered data from all states. We identified occupations in Illinois projected to have at least 1,000 workers by 2032, resulting in a robust dataset of 415 occupations.

Each occupation was then ranked based on its projected growth from 2026 to 2032.

The data indicates that Operations Research Analysts will be the fastest growing job in Illinois.

Why the Fastest Growing Jobs in Illinois Matter

Understanding job trends is crucial, as they provide insights into the future direction of Illinois’s economy and workforce. Identifying which jobs will be more secure and available in the coming years can significantly inform your career choices.

If you’re seeking a long-term, stable career, consider this list. From operations research analysts to software developers, these positions are likely to remain in demand for the foreseeable future.

Now, let’s explore the detailed list of the 100 fastest-growing jobs in the Prairie State for 2026.

Detailed List Of The Fastest Growing Jobs In Illinois

Rank	Job	Growth %	Average Wage	Jobs in 2032
1	Operations Research Analysts	33.16%	$86,200	5,100
2	Web Developers	32.42%	$73,830	6,740
3	Software Developers, Applications	26.16%	$91,020	36,990
4	Home Health Aides	25.62%	$23,640	40,840
5	Occupational Therapy Aides	25.0%	$25,670	1,350
6	Veterinary Technologists and Technicians	24.73%	$32,940	4,640
7	Nurse Practitioners	24.53%	$90,620	7,920
8	Computer Systems Analysts	24.49%	$88,390	28,010
9	Occupational Therapy Assistants	24.31%	$59,590	1,790
10	Software Developers, Systems Software	22.83%	$104,860	17,160
11	Insulation Workers, Mechanical	22.63%	$75,370	1,680
12	Physical Therapist Assistants	22.07%	$53,090	4,590
13	Industrial Machinery Mechanics	22.02%	$55,520	14,020
14	Physician Assistants	21.55%	$88,650	3,440
15	Physical Therapist Aides	20.82%	$42,060	4,120
16	Interpreters and Translators	20.3%	$42,850	1,600
17	Physical Therapists	20.22%	$85,210	13,200
18	Cooks, Restaurant	20.03%	$24,080	48,120
19	Substance Abuse and Behavioral Disorder Counselors	19.39%	$37,270	3,140
20	Management Analysts	19.31%	$91,380	37,500
21	Personal Care Aides	19.13%	$22,060	59,340
22	Computer Numerically Controlled Machine Tool Programmers, Metal and Plastic	18.9%	$49,850	1,950
23	Personal Financial Advisors	18.88%	$108,380	16,500
24	Computer-Controlled Machine Tool Operators, Metal and Plastic	18.85%	$39,660	8,070
25	Athletic Trainers	18.31%	$47,380	1,680
26	Brickmasons and Blockmasons	18.09%	$71,860	4,700
27	Market Research Analysts and Marketing Specialists	18.04%	$64,110	20,280
28	Phlebotomists	17.86%	$34,340	5,610
29	Nurse Anesthetists	17.2%	$124,820	2,180
30	Computer Hardware Engineers	16.91%	$92,460	2,420
31	Information Security Analysts	16.84%	$90,130	3,330
32	Automotive and Watercraft Service Attendants	16.67%	$25,190	4,060
33	Diagnostic Medical Sonographers	16.45%	$74,710	2,690
34	Actuaries	16.39%	$94,620	1,420
35	Massage Therapists	16.38%	$37,460	6,180
36	Opticians, Dispensing	16.24%	$32,290	3,650
37	Combined Food Preparation and Serving Workers, Including Fast Food	16.11%	$19,880	128,890
38	Cargo and Freight Agents	16.06%	$45,950	6,430
39	Environmental Engineers	15.83%	$81,510	1,610
40	Millwrights	15.79%	$52,520	1,760
41	Cardiovascular Technologists and Technicians	15.74%	$55,600	2,280
42	Bartenders	15.63%	$23,180	33,300
43	Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers	15.45%	$51,590	8,890
44	Dental Laboratory Technicians	15.38%	$42,010	1,350
45	Computer User Support Specialists	15.2%	$54,150	25,610
46	Bus Drivers, School or Special Client	15.18%	$31,700	23,450
47	Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists	15.1%	$47,490	11,130
48	Electricians	15.03%	$69,830	28,090
49	Self-Enrichment Education Teachers	15.0%	$37,710	12,730
50	Taxi Drivers and Chauffeurs	14.94%	$25,750	9,310
51	Computer and Information Research Scientists	14.78%	$103,930	1,320
52	Occupational Therapists	14.7%	$79,440	5,150
53	Computer Network Support Specialists	14.65%	$68,030	7,200
54	Computer Network Architects	14.53%	$112,510	5,360
55	Transportation Attendants, Except Flight Attendants	14.44%	$25,180	2,140
56	Hotel, Motel, and Resort Desk Clerks	14.21%	$22,450	8,200
57	First-Line Supervisors of Food Preparation and Serving Workers	14.14%	$31,940	34,720
58	Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education	13.95%	$32,210	21,160
59	Nursing Instructors and Teachers, Postsecondary	13.9%	$73,990	2,540
60	Roofers	13.88%	$47,090	5,990
61	Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health	13.78%	$86,140	2,230
62	Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels	13.4%	$75,400	1,100
63	Therapists, All Other	13.37%	$55,340	2,120
64	Chefs and Head Cooks	13.32%	$44,350	5,360
65	Security and Fire Alarm Systems Installers	13.21%	$47,320	1,800
66	Healthcare Social Workers	13.2%	$57,180	5,230
67	Database Administrators	13.19%	$82,800	5,150
68	Concierges	13.13%	$30,410	1,120
69	Septic Tank Servicers and Sewer Pipe Cleaners	13.04%	$49,010	1,300
70	Optometrists	12.98%	$96,130	2,350
71	Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary	12.75%	$0	3,450
72	Audio and Video Equipment Technicians	12.68%	$43,520	3,200
73	Accountants and Auditors	12.64%	$72,550	58,280
74	Recreational Therapists	12.63%	$46,440	1,070
75	Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers	12.5%	$26,950	1,980
76	Nursing Assistants	12.45%	$26,080	71,090
77	Maintenance Workers, Machinery	12.39%	$44,160	6,170
78	Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters	12.27%	$72,200	19,210
79	Insurance Sales Agents	12.23%	$60,650	42,400
80	Veterinarians	12.2%	$89,180	3,310
81	Sales and Related Workers, All Other	12.08%	$37,020	5,380
82	Medical Assistants	11.99%	$31,970	21,390
83	Ophthalmic Laboratory Technicians	11.93%	$43,840	1,970
84	Cement Masons and Concrete Finishers	11.68%	$58,600	5,930
85	Social and Human Service Assistants	11.66%	$33,390	13,220
86	Cleaners of Vehicles and Equipment	11.65%	$23,400	16,390
87	Anesthesiologists	11.51%	$185,920	1,550
88	Residential Advisors	11.49%	$27,840	2,910
89	Food Servers, Nonrestaurant	11.17%	$22,850	12,840
90	Sales Representatives, Services, All Other	11.03%	$64,070	34,840
91	Dental Hygienists	10.99%	$69,880	8,480
92	Dentists, General	10.93%	$149,400	4,870
93	Ophthalmic Medical Technicians	10.91%	$34,290	1,220
94	Dental Assistants	10.76%	$37,120	14,520
95	Food Preparation Workers	10.73%	$21,310	50,140
96	Surgeons	10.69%	$248,420	1,760
97	Physicists	10.62%	$123,040	1,250
98	Dietitians and Nutritionists	10.61%	$56,570	2,710
99	Food Processing Workers, All Other	10.58%	$27,040	2,300
100	Skincare Specialists	10.54%	$34,480	3,250

Never miss an opportunity that’s right for you.

Author

Chris Kolmar

Chris Kolmar is a co-founder of Zippia and the editor-in-chief of the Zippia career advice blog. He has hired over 50 people in his career, been hired five times, and wants to help you land your next job. His research has been featured on the New York Times, Thrillist, VOX, The Atlantic, and a host of local news. More recently, he's been quoted on USA Today, BusinessInsider, and CNBC.

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