Explore Jobs

Find Specific Jobs

Explore Careers

Explore Professions

Best Companies

Explore Companies

These Were The 10 Fastest Growing Jobs In America in 2016

By Chris Kolmar
Dec. 13, 2016
Last Modified and Fact Checked on:

Find a Job You Really Want In

These Are the 10 Fastest Growing Jobs in America for 2026

The United States is a nation defined by change, continually evolving in its financial, industrial, technological, and workforce landscapes. As we progress, certain jobs that were once commonplace have faded into obscurity, while new roles emerge, reflecting the dynamic nature of the job market.

In 2026, it’s crucial to understand which careers will thrive in the near future. We’ve analyzed the latest data to present the fastest growing jobs in America today.

Here are the top 10 growing occupations:

  1. Wind Turbine Service Technicians
  2. Occupational Therapy Assistants
  3. Physical Therapist Assistants
  4. Physical Therapist Aides
  5. Home Health Aides
  6. Commercial Divers
  7. Nurse Practitioners
  8. Physical Therapists
  9. Statisticians
  10. Ambulance Drivers and Attendants, Except Emergency Medical Technicians

It’s fascinating to see how demand for roles like wind turbine service technicians and healthcare workers has surged. This trend not only showcases advancements in critical sectors but also highlights opportunities for securing stable employment.

Now, let’s delve into how we compiled this list.

How We Determined the Fastest Growing Jobs in America for 2026

Every few years, state Departments of Labor collaborate with the Bureau of Labor Statistics to forecast job growth by occupation. The latest projections were conducted in 2024, covering trends up to 2034.

To create a comprehensive overview, we aggregated data from all states to establish a master database, focusing on occupations projected to have at least 1,000 workers by 2034. This analysis left us with data on 818 occupations.

We ranked each occupation based on its expected job growth from 2024 to 2034. Ultimately, the data reveals that wind turbine service technicians are projected to be the fastest growing job in the country for 2026.

Here’s a look at the 100 fastest growing jobs in the country:

  1. Wind Turbine Service Technicians
  2. Occupational Therapy Assistants
  3. Physical Therapist Assistants
  4. Physical Therapist Aides
  5. Home Health Aides
  6. Commercial Divers
  7. Nurse Practitioners
  8. Physical Therapists
  9. Statisticians
  10. Ambulance Drivers and Attendants, Except Emergency Medical Technicians
  11. Occupational Therapy Aides
  12. Physician Assistants
  13. Operations Research Analysts
  14. Personal Financial Advisors
  15. Cartographers and Photogrammetrists
  16. Genetic Counselors
  17. Interpreters and Translators
  18. Audiologists
  19. Hearing Aid Specialists
  20. Optometrists
  21. Occupational Therapists
  22. Web Developers
  23. Forensic Science Technicians
  24. Diagnostic Medical Sonographers
  25. Personal Care Aides
  26. Solar Photovoltaic Installers
  27. Prosthodontists
  28. Phlebotomists
  29. Ophthalmic Medical Technicians
  30. Nurse Midwives
  31. Emergency Medical Technicians and Paramedics
  32. Opticians, Dispensing
  33. Reinforcing Iron and Rebar Workers
  34. Medical Assistants
  35. Therapists, All Other
  36. Health Technologists and Technicians, All Other
  37. Biomedical Engineers
  38. Helpers—Brickmasons, Blockmasons, Stonemasons, and Tile and Marble Setters
  39. Substance Abuse and Behavioral Disorder Counselors
  40. Bicycle Repairers
  41. Cardiovascular Technologists and Technicians
  42. Law Teachers, Postsecondary
  43. Orthotists and Prosthetists
  44. Massage Therapists
  45. Speech-Language Pathologists
  46. Criminal Justice and Law Enforcement Teachers, Postsecondary
  47. Athletic Trainers
  48. Anesthesiologists
  49. Computer Systems Analysts
  50. Medical Secretaries
  51. Mathematicians
  52. Surgeons
  53. Clinical, Counseling, and School Psychologists
  54. Mental Health Counselors
  55. Makeup Artists, Theatrical and Performance
  56. Nurse Anesthetists
  57. Healthcare Social Workers
  58. Insulation Workers, Mechanical
  59. Nursing Instructors and Teachers, Postsecondary
  60. Computer Numerically Controlled Machine Tool Programmers, Metal and Plastic
  61. Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary
  62. Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers
  63. Software Developers, Applications
  64. Veterinary Technologists and Technicians
  65. Dental Hygienists
  66. Market Research Analysts and Marketing Specialists
  67. Brickmasons and Blockmasons
  68. Dental Assistants
  69. Orthodontists
  70. Helpers—Electricians
  71. Dentists, General
  72. Industrial Machinery Mechanics
  73. Actuaries
  74. Information Security Analysts
  75. Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technicians
  76. Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons
  77. Forest Fire Inspectors and Prevention Specialists
  78. Obstetricians and Gynecologists
  79. Film and Video Editors
  80. Nursing Assistants
  81. Chiropractors
  82. Computer-Controlled Machine Tool Operators, Metal and Plastic
  83. Entertainment Attendants and Related Workers, All Other
  84. Social Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary, All Other
  85. Medical and Health Services Managers
  86. Mathematical Science Teachers, Postsecondary
  87. Dietitians and Nutritionists
  88. Biological Science Teachers, Postsecondary
  89. Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses
  90. Pile-Driver Operators
  91. Septic Tank Servicers and Sewer Pipe Cleaners
  92. Registered Nurses
  93. Psychology Teachers, Postsecondary
  94. Sociology Teachers, Postsecondary
  95. Chemistry Teachers, Postsecondary
  96. Computer and Information Systems Managers
  97. Medical Records and Health Information Technicians
  98. Self-Enrichment Education Teachers
  99. Credit Counselors
  100. Physics Teachers, Postsecondary

Why It Matters

Understanding the fastest growing jobs provides valuable insight into the direction of the American workforce. An increase in roles such as wind turbine technicians reflects a growing commitment to sustainability, while a rise in healthcare positions indicates a focus on public well-being.

Beyond mere curiosity, knowing which jobs are secure and in demand can guide your career path. If you’re seeking a stable future, consider exploring opportunities in this list. From wind turbine service technicians to physics educators, these careers are set to thrive in the coming years.

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.

Related posts