When choosing the degree you want to pursue, it’s important to consider not only a field that interests you, but one in high demand with strong job growth opportunities. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, here are the top ten occupations with the highest level of job growth between 2019-29.
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Wind turbine service technicians
Job description: Wind turbine service technicians install, maintain, and repair wind turbine equipment.
Number of jobs in 2019: 7,000
Projected growth for 2019-2029: 61 percent growth, 4,300 additional positions
Level of education: Technical school
2019 median pay: $52,910/year ($25.44/hour) -
Nurse practitioners
Job description: Nurse anesthetists, nurse midwives, and nurse practitioners coordinate patient care and may provide primary and specialty healthcare.
Number of jobs in 2019: 263,400
Projected growth for 2019-2029: 45-52 percent growth, 117,700 additional positions
Level of education: At least a master’s degree in one of the advanced practice registered nurses roles. They must also be licensed in their state and pass a national certification exam.
2019 median pay: $115,800/year ($55.67/hour) -
Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Installers
Job description: Solar PV installers assemble, set up, and maintain rooftop or other systems that convert sunlight into energy.
Number of jobs in 2019: 12,000
Projected growth for 2019-2029: 51 percent growth, 6,100 additional positions
Level of education: High school diploma; some courses can be taken at a technical school or community college
2019 median pay: $44,890/year ($21.58/hour) -
Occupational therapy assistants
Job description: Occupational therapy assistants help patients recover, and develop activities of daily living and working.
Number of jobs in 2019: 55,100
Projected growth for 2019-2029: 35 percent growth, 17,900 additional positions
Level of education: An associate’s degree from an accredited occupational therapy assistant program
2019 median pay: $59,200/year ($28.46/hour) -
Mathematicians and Statisticians
Job description: Mathematicians and statisticians analyze data and apply mathematical and statistical techniques to help solve problems, often working in the federal government, in private science, and engineering research companies.
Number of jobs in 2019: 45,700
Projected growth for 2019-2029: 35 percent growth, 14,900 additional positions
Level of education: At least a master’s degree in mathematics or statistics; however, some positions are available to those with a bachelor’s degree
2019 median pay: $92,030/year ($44.25/hour) -
Home health and personal care aides
Job description: Home health aides and personal care aides assist those with disabilities, chronic illnesses, or cognitive impairment by helping with their daily living activities.
Number of jobs in 2019: 3,439,700
Projected growth for 2019-2029: 34 percent growth, 1,159,500 additional positions
Level of education: High school diploma or equivalent
2019 median pay: $25,280/year ($12.15/hour) -
Physical Therapist Assistants and Aides
Job description: Physical therapist assistants and aides help patients regain movement and manage pain after injuries and illnesses.
Number of jobs in 2019: 149,300
Projected growth for 2019-2029: 33 percent growth, 43,000 additional positions
Level of education: An associate’s degree from an accredited program and a license or certification. Physical therapist aides usually need a high school diploma or equivalent.
2019 median pay for PT assistants: $58,790/year; 2019 median pay for PT aides: $27,000/year -
Medical and Health Services Managers
Job description: Medical and health services managers plan, direct, and coordinate the business activities of healthcare providers.
Number of jobs in 2019: 422,300
Projected growth for 2019-2029: 32 percent growth, 133,200 additional positions
Level of education: A bachelor’s degree, although master’s degrees are common
2019 median pay: $100,980/year ($48.55/hour) -
Physician Assistants
Job description: Physician assistants practice medicine with teams of physicians, surgeons, and other healthcare workers.
Number of jobs in 2019: 125,500
Projected growth for 2019-2029: 31 percent, 39,300 additional positions
Level of education: A master’s degree from an accredited educational program. All states require physician assistants to be licensed.
2019 median pay: $112,260/year ($53.97/hour) -
Information Security Analysts
Job description: Information security analysts plan and deliver security measures to protect an organization’s computer networks and systems.
Number of jobs in 2019: 131,000
Projected growth for 2019-2029: 31 percent, 40,900 additional positions
Level of education: A bachelor’s degree in a computer-related field
2019 median pay: $99,730/year ($47.95/hour)
To find the best programs available for you, check out our college search tool. For more career information, check out the Career Prep category on Peterson’s blog to access advice and tips, career prep, and insider perspectives on different career options.
