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- What Are C-Level Jobs?
- Best Jobs For College Students
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- High Paying Medical Jobs With Little Schooling
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- Best Jobs For The Future
- Best Jobs For The Next 10 Years
Find a Job You Really Want In
As we look ahead to the next decade, the demand for certain professions is set to skyrocket. The best jobs for the coming years not only promise job security but also ample opportunities for advancement. Whether you are embarking on your career journey or considering a transition, understanding which jobs will thrive in the future is crucial.
This article highlights the top 15 career options projected to experience significant growth over the next ten years, along with their anticipated job growth rates and average salaries.
Key Takeaways:
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Among the most promising careers for the next decade are solar installer, information security analyst, nurse practitioner, and operations research analyst.
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Solar installer roles are anticipated to grow by 63% in the upcoming decade.
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Operations research analyst positions are expected to expand by 26% over the next ten years.
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Key considerations for identifying the best jobs over the next ten years include projected job growth, job availability, average salary, and alignment with emerging trends and technologies.
The 15 Best Jobs for the Next 10 Years
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Projected Job Growth: 63%
Average Annual Salary: $39,000
Current Jobs Available: 9,563With a projected job growth rate of 63%, solar panel installation is poised to be one of the top careers in the coming decade. An estimated 6,100 new jobs are expected to emerge in this field, nearly doubling the current workforce. This surge is driven by the increasing commitment to renewable energy and the urgent need to address climate change.
Requirements to become a solar panel installer: Surprisingly, most solar panel installers possess only a high school diploma, making this an accessible career path even for those without extensive experience or higher education.
Preferred skills include knowledge of electrical systems, proficiency with hand tools, and familiarity with safety codes.
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Projected Job Growth: 56%
Average Annual Salary: $41,456
Current Jobs Available: 91,526Wind turbine technicians are essential for maintaining and operating wind turbines, ensuring efficient production of wind energy. This sector is expected to see a 56% growth over the next decade, indicating a strong demand for skilled professionals in renewable energy.
Requirements to become a wind turbine technician: A significant portion of technicians hold an associate’s degree, but many also enter the field with just a high school diploma. Key traits for success include attention to detail, comfort with heights, mechanical skills, and physical stamina.
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Projected Job Growth: 32%
Average Annual Salary: $86,656
Current Jobs Available: 109,030In an increasingly digital world, information security analysts play a vital role in protecting organizations from cyber threats. This profession is expected to grow by 32% over the next decade, with an average hourly wage exceeding $40.
Requirements to become an information security analyst: Most analysts hold a bachelor’s degree, and valuable skills include analytical thinking, problem-solving, and attention to detail.
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Projected Job Growth: 31%
Average Annual Salary: $126,450
Current Jobs Available: 34,033Physician assistants (PAs) are critical to healthcare delivery, with a job growth projection of 31% in the next decade. PAs diagnose, treat, and manage patient care under the supervision of physicians, earning an average of $60 per hour.
Requirements to become a physician assistant: This role typically requires a bachelor’s or master’s degree, along with two years of postgraduate study.
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Occupational Therapy Assistant
Projected Job Growth: 31%
Average Annual Salary: $47,000
Current Jobs Available: 22,877Occupational therapy assistants play a supportive role in helping patients achieve independence in daily living and working. With a 31% growth projection, this career offers a fulfilling opportunity without the need for an extensive education.
Requirements to become an occupational therapy assistant: Most occupational therapy assistants hold an associate’s degree; however, state licensure may be required.
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Projected Job Growth: 30%
Average Annual Salary: $80,235
Current Jobs Available: 37,288Statisticians are integral to data-driven decision-making in various industries, with a job growth of 30% anticipated over the next decade. Their work involves collecting and analyzing data to inform strategic decisions.
Requirements to become a statistician: A bachelor’s degree is common, though many in the field also possess master’s degrees.
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Assistant Speech-Language Pathologist
Projected Job Growth: 27%
Average Annual Salary: $60,020
Current Jobs Available: 18,624This role is essential in helping individuals with communication disorders, with a growth rate of 27%. The diverse work environments—schools, hospitals, and private practices—offer a variety of experiences.
Requirements to become an assistant speech-language pathologist: A bachelor’s degree is common, though advanced degrees can increase opportunities.
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Projected Job Growth: 26%
Average Annual Salary: $94,386
Current Jobs Available: 19,478Nurse practitioners (NPs) are vital in the healthcare system, with a job growth of 26% expected. They provide comprehensive care, often serving as primary care providers in various settings.
Requirements to become a nurse practitioner: NPs typically need to be registered nurses with advanced degrees and specific licensure depending on state regulations.
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Projected Job Growth: 26%
Average Annual Salary: $74,227
Current Jobs Available: 110,124Operations research analysts leverage data to solve complex business challenges, with a projected growth of 26%. They play a crucial role in enhancing operational efficiency.
Requirements to become an operations research analyst: A strong background in mathematics and analytics is essential, with most having at least a bachelor’s degree.
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Projected Job Growth: 26%
Average Annual Salary: $52,470
Current Jobs Available: 61,131Physical therapist assistants are increasingly in demand, with a projected growth of 26%. This role is rewarding as it directly impacts patients’ recovery and rehabilitation.
Requirements to become a physical therapist assistant: Most positions require a two-year associate’s degree.
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Projected Job Growth: 21%
Average Annual Salary: $80,437
Current Jobs Available: 217,097With technology at the forefront of business, software developers are expected to see a 21% increase in job opportunities. Their role involves designing, coding, and maintaining software solutions to meet user needs.
Requirements to become a software developer: A bachelor’s degree is typically required, along with proficiency in programming languages such as Java, C#, and Python.
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Projected Job Growth: 19%
Average Annual Salary: $45,000
Current Jobs Available: 2,851For those passionate about animal welfare, the role of an animal care supervisor is both rewarding and growing, with a 19% increase expected. These professionals oversee animal care facilities and develop policies to enhance animal welfare.
Requirements to become an animal care supervisor: Relevant experience is often more critical than formal education, with many individuals entering the field with only a high school diploma.
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Projected Job Growth: 18%
Average Annual Salary: $87,339
Current Jobs Available: 103,626Health services managers are critical for the smooth operation of healthcare facilities, with an expected job growth of 18%. Their leadership ensures effective patient care and operational efficiency.
Requirements to become a health services manager: Most hold at least a bachelor’s degree, though some positions require a master’s degree or specialized certifications.
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Projected Job Growth: 16%
Average Annual Salary: $105,468
Current Jobs Available: 89,744Finance managers are essential for guiding business strategy, with a projected growth of 16%. They analyze financial data and develop strategies to enhance profitability.
Requirements to become a finance manager: A bachelor’s degree is common, with many also holding advanced degrees in finance or business.
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Projected Job Growth: 16%
Average Annual Salary: $97,953
Current Jobs Available: 106,132Data scientists are in high demand as organizations rely on data-driven insights, with a projected job growth of 16%. These professionals analyze large data sets to inform business decisions and strategies.
Requirements to become a data scientist: A majority hold a bachelor’s degree, though many have master’s degrees. Strong analytical and technical skills are essential.
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Projected job growth
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Job availability
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Average salary
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Alignment with emerging trends and technologies
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What jobs will be most needed in ten years?
The most in-demand jobs in the next decade will be in healthcare, renewable energy, and technology sectors. Roles such as nurse practitioner, data scientist, and wind turbine technician will see significant increases in demand.
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Which job field will see the largest increase in employment over the next ten years?
The solar panel installer field is projected to grow the most, with a remarkable growth rate of 63%. This increase is driven by the transition to renewable energy sources.
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Johns Hopkins. “Mental Health Disorder Statistics.” Accessed on November 29th, 2021.
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CPP. “The cat’s out of the bag: Animals play a big role in boosting our mental health.” Accessed on November 29th, 2021.
- High Paying Jobs
- Highest Paying Nursing Jobs
- Highest Paying Trade Jobs
- Part Time Jobs That Pay Well
- High Paying Entry Level Jobs
- Highest Paying Jobs For Women
- What Are C-Level Jobs?
- Best Jobs For College Students
- Skilled Trade Jobs In Demand
- High Paying Medical Jobs With Little Schooling
- Best Second Jobs
- Easy Jobs That Pay Well
- Outdoor Jobs That Pay Well
- Low Stress Jobs That Pay Well
- High Paying Jobs Nobody Wants
- Best Jobs For The Future
- Best Jobs For The Next 10 Years
How We Determined the Best Jobs for the Next 10 Years
Identifying jobs with future potential involves considering several critical factors:
While the importance of each factor may vary for individual readers, this article emphasizes projected job growth due to its strong correlation with future job demand and technological advancements.
Finding the Right Job for You
Before diving into the job market, it’s essential to clarify what matters most to you in a job. Consider factors such as salary, educational requirements, work-life balance, collaborative versus independent work, and job responsibilities.
Moreover, targeting careers with high projected growth rates can provide stability and job security. Even if you are not seeking one of the top jobs for the next decade, it’s beneficial to pursue opportunities in your desired field that demonstrate strong growth potential.
FAQ: Best Careers for the Next 10 Years
References
Author
Jack Flynn is a writer for Zippia. In his professional career he’s written over 100 research papers, articles and blog posts. Some of his most popular published works include his writing about economic terms and research into job classifications. Jack received his BS from Hampshire College.
