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The Most In-Demand Jobs for the Future
This list has jobs that are expected to pay well and grow substantially in this decade, according to federal data.
Many, or all, of the products featured on this page are from our advertising partners who compensate us when you take certain actions on our website or click to take an action on their website. However, this does not influence our evaluations. Our opinions are our own. Here is a list of our partners and here's how we make money.
Anna Helhoski is a senior writer covering economic news and trends in consumer finance at NerdWallet. She is also an authority on student loans. She joined NerdWallet in 2014. Her work has appeared in The Associated Press, The New York Times, The Washington Post and USA Today. She previously covered local news in the New York metro area for the Daily Voice and New York state politics for The Legislative Gazette. She holds a bachelor's degree in journalism from Purchase College, State University of New York.
Rick VanderKnyff Senior Assigning Editor | Los Angeles Times; University of California, San Diego; Microsoft
Rick VanderKnyff leads the news team at NerdWallet. Previously, he has worked as a channel manager at MSN.com, as a web manager at University of California San Diego, and as a copy editor and staff writer at the Los Angeles Times. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in communications and a Master of Arts in anthropology.
Whether you’re planning for college or thinking about retraining, consider setting your sights on jobs that will be most in demand in the future. Not the sci-fi “hotel concierge on Mars” future, but the next-decade future.
The best jobs for the future are ones that are expected to grow and pay well between now and 2032. The most in-demand jobs on this list come from data by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Occupational Outlook Handbook — a guide that includes information on work, training and education, earnings and future job prospects for hundreds of different occupations.
This list includes jobs with an annual projected growth rate that’s much faster than average and a high projected number of new positions (50,000 or more). The availability of training programs and employment — as well as wages — will largely depend on where you live, along with your education level and other demographic factors.
Median pay: $169,510 annually, or $81.50 per hour.
Number of jobs in 2022: 557,400.
Annual projected number of new jobs 2022-2032: 86,000.
Projected employment growth from 2022-2032: 15%.
Job description: Planning, coordinating and directing computer-related activities for businesses and organizations.
Minimum education required: Bachelor’s degree in computer or information science, as well as related work experience. Many employers may require a graduate degree.
Working conditions: Full-time with potential for long hours.
Computer systems analysts
Median pay: $103,800 annually, or $49.90 per hour.
Number of jobs in 2022: 531,400
Annual projected number of new jobs 2022-2032: 51,100
Projected employment growth from 2022-2032: 10%.
Job description: Consumer systems analysts find ways to make an organization’s current computer systems more efficient.
Minimum education required: Bachelor’s degree, often in computer science or information systems.
Working conditions: Full-time.
Data scientists
Median pay: $108,020 annually, or $51.93 per hour.
Number of jobs in 2022: 168,900.
Annual projected number of new jobs 2022-2032: 59,400.
Projected employment growth from 2022-2032: 35%.
Job description: Analyze data and draw insights.
Minimum education required: Bachelor’s degree in mathematics, statistics, computer science or a related field. Some positions may require a master’s or doctoral degree.
Working conditions: Full-time, usually in an office setting.
Financial managers
Median pay: $156,100 annually, or $75.05 per hour.
Number of jobs in 2022: 792,600.
Annual projected number of new jobs 2022-2032: 126,600.
Projected employment growth from 2022-2032: 16%.
Job description: Creating financial reports, directing investment activities and developing long-term plans for an organization’s finances.
Minimum education required: Bachelor’s degree and 5 years or more of related experience. Some typical jobs that lead to a financial management position include accountant, security sales agent or financial analyst.
Working conditions: Full-time with potential for long hours; working in multiple potential industries including banks, investment firms and insurance companies.
Information security analysts
Median pay: $120,360 annually, or $57.87 per hour.
Number of jobs in 2022: 168,900.
Annual projected number of new jobs 2022-2032: 53,200.
Projected employment growth from 2022-2032: 32%.
Job description: Enact security measures to protect computer networks and systems.
Minimum education required: Bachelor’s degree in a computer science field and work experience. A professional certification might be required.
Working conditions: Most information security analysts work for computer companies, consulting firms, or business and financial companies.
Management analysts
Median pay: $99,410 annually, or $47.80 per hour.
Number of jobs in 2022: $987,600
Annual projected number of new jobs 2022-2032: 95,700
Projected employment growth from 2022-2032: 10%.
Job description: Management analysts find ways to improve a company or organization’s efficiency.
Minimum education required: Bachelor’s degree and several years of work experience.
Working conditions: Full-time with potential for long hours; working in a variety of industries; frequent travel.
Medical and health services managers
Median pay: $110,680 annually or $53.21 per hour.
Number of jobs in 2022: 509,500.
Annual projected number of new jobs 2022-2032: 144,700.
Projected employment growth from 2022-2032: 28%.
Job description: Planning, directing and coordinating business operations for health care providers.
Minimum education required: Bachelor’s degree and work experience in an administrative or clinical role in a health care setting.
Working conditions: Full-time with potential for long hours; working in health care facilities such as hospitals and nursing homes.
Nurse anesthetists, nurse midwives and nurse practitioners
Median pay: $129,480 annually, or $62.25 per hour.
Number of jobs in 2022: 323,900.
Annual projected number of new jobs 2022-2032: 123,600.
Projected employment growth from 2022-2032: 38%.
Job description: Coordinate patient care and provide primary or specialty health care.
Minimum education required: Master’s degree in an APRN role; state licensing and national certification.
Working conditions: Full-time in health care settings including hospitals, physician’s offices and clinics.
Postsecondary health specialities teachers
Note: The following information is for all postsecondary positions.
Median pay: $84,380 annually.
Number of jobs in 2022: 1,333,900.
Annual projected number of new jobs 2022-2032: 108,100.
Projected employment growth from 2022-2032: 8%.
Job description: Postsecondary teachers instruct students in a variety of academic subjects beyond the high school level. The most in-demand position is in health specialties.
Minimum education required: Typically, a Ph.D, but a master’s degree could be enough for some colleges. Hands-on experience is required for health specialties.
Working conditions: Typically, full-time, but part-time work is also common. Most positions are in public and private colleges and universities, professional schools or community colleges.
Software developers, quality assurance analysts and testers
Median pay: $130,160 annually, or $62.58 per hour.
Number of jobs in 2022: 1,795,300.
Annual projected number of new jobs 2022-2032: 451,200.
Projected employment growth from 2022-2032: 25%.
Job description: Software developers will design computer applications or programs while quality assurance analysts and testers will root out problems with applications or programs.
Minimum education required: Bachelor’s degree in computer and information technology. Some employers may require a master’s degree.
Working conditions: Working in offices and on teams in sectors like computer systems design and related services, manufacturing or for software publishers.
In-demand jobs that pay $60,000 to $79,999
Industrial machinery mechanics
Median pay: $61,170 annually, or $29.41 per hour.
Number of jobs in 2022: 507,900.
Annual projected number of new jobs 2022-2032: 64,700.
Projected employment growth from 2022-2032: 13%.
Job description: Installing, maintaining and repairing industrial machinery in factories.
Minimum education required: High school diploma and a year of on-the-job training; apprenticeship programs may last up to four years.
Working conditions: Full-time in manufacturing facilities; potential for overtime, on-call, night and weekend shifts; must follow rigorous safety precautions.
Market research analysts and marketing specialists
Median pay: $74,680 annually, or $35.90 per hour.
Number of jobs in 2022: 868,600.
Annual projected number of new jobs 2022-2032: 116,600.
Projected employment growth from 2022-2032: 13%.
Job description: Studying consumer preferences and business conditions to assess sales potential.
Minimum education required: Bachelor’s degree. Some employers require a master’s degree.
Working conditions: Full-time.
In-demand jobs that pay $40,000 to $59,999
Light truck drivers
Note: The following information is for all delivery truck driver and driver/sales worker jobs, unless indicated otherwise.
Median pay: $42,470 annually or $20.41 per hour for light truck drivers.
Number of jobs in 2022: 1,705,600.
Annual projected number of new jobs 2022-2032: 175,700.
Projected employment growth from 2022-2032: 10%.
Job description: Picking up, transporting and delivering packages and small shipments in a local area.
Minimum education required: None. A driver’s license, clean driving record and some on-the-job training is required.
Working conditions: Physically demanding including driving a truck for long periods of time; lifting and carrying cargo.
Medical assistants
Median pay: $42,000 annually, or $20.19 per hour.
Number of jobs in 2022: 764,400.
Annual projected number of new jobs 2022-2032: 105,900.
Projected employment growth from 2022-2032: 14%.
Job description: Completing administrative and clinical tasks in a health care setting.
Minimum education required: Postsecondary education such as a certificate; some employers accept a high school diploma and on-the-job training.
Working conditions: Full-time in health care facilities.
Substance abuse, behavioral disorder and mental health counselors
Median pay: $53,710 annually, or $25.82 per hour.
Number of jobs in 2022: 388,200.
Annual projected number of new jobs 2022-2032: 71,500.
Projected employment growth from 2022-2032: 18%.
Job description: Advising people on a variety of substance abuse, behavioral and mental health issues.
Minimum education required: Varies. Substance abuse and behavioral counselors usually require a bachelor’s degree. Mental health counselors need a master’s degree and an internship. A state-issued license may be required.
Working conditions: Usually full-time, but part-time is common. Multiple potential settings including mental health centers, community health centers and private practices.
In-demand jobs that pay $34,000 to $39,999
Animal care and service workers
Median pay: $31,830 annually, or $15.31 per hour.
Number of jobs in 2022: 393,100.
Annual projected number of new jobs 2022-2032: 61,200.
Projected employment growth from 2022-2032: 16%.
Job description: Attending or training animals in a variety of settings such as a kennel, zoo, stable, animal shelter, pet store, veterinary clinic and aquariums.
Minimum education required: High school diploma and experience with animals. On-the-job training is common.
Working conditions: Multiple settings; physically and emotionally demanding work with the potential for injury, in some cases.
Cooks
Median pay: $34,320 annually, $16.50 per hour.
Number of jobs in 2022: 2,729,300.
Annual projected number of new jobs 2022-2032: 175,300.
Projected employment growth from 2022-2032: 6%.
Job description: Cooking and preparing food in a variety of food service settings.
Minimum education required: On-the-job training and related work experience; some attend culinary training schools.
Working conditions: Restaurants, schools, hospitals and private households.
Home health and personal care aides
Median pay: $33,530 annually, or $16.12 per hour.
Number of jobs in 2022: 3,715,500.
Annual projected number of new jobs 2022-2032: 804,600.
Projected employment growth from 2022-2032: 22%.
Job description: Monitoring and caring for people with disabilities or chronic illnesses.
Minimum education required: A high school diploma is a common requirement, but not always necessary. Certain home health and hospice agencies may require training and testing.
Working conditions: Full-time or part-time with varying hours and schedules; variety of settings such as client homes, group homes and day services.
NerdWallet ratingNerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula for student loan products takes into account more than 50 data points across multiple categories, including repayment options, customer service, lender transparency, loan eligibility and underwriting criteria.
Fixed APR
3.47-17.99%
College Ave Student Loans products are made available through Firstrust Bank, member FDIC, First Citizens Community Bank, member FDIC, or M.Y. Safra Bank, FSB, member FDIC. All loans are subject to individual approval and adherence to underwriting guidelines. Program restrictions, other terms, and conditions apply. (1)All rates include the auto-pay discount. The 0.25% auto-pay interest rate reduction applies as long as a valid bank account is designated for required monthly payments. If a payment is returned, you will lose this benefit. Variable rates may increase after consummation. (2)As certified by your school and less any other financial aid you might receive. Minimum $1,000. (3)This informational repayment example uses typical loan terms for a freshman borrower who selects the Flat Repayment Option with an 8-year repayment term, has a $10,000 loan that is disbursed in one disbursement and a 7.78% fixed Annual Percentage Rate (“APR”): 54 monthly payments of $25 while in school, followed by 96 monthly payments of $176.21 while in the repayment period, for a total amount of payments of $18,266.38. Loans will never have a full principal and interest monthly payment of less than $50. Your actual rates and repayment terms may vary. Information advertised valid as of 12/2/2024. Variable interest rates may increase after consummation. Approved interest rate will depend on creditworthiness of the applicant(s), lowest advertised rates only available to the most creditworthy applicants and require selection of the Flat Repayment Option with the shortest available loan term.
Variable APR
4.99-17.99%
College Ave Student Loans products are made available through Firstrust Bank, member FDIC, First Citizens Community Bank, member FDIC, or M.Y. Safra Bank, FSB, member FDIC. All loans are subject to individual approval and adherence to underwriting guidelines. Program restrictions, other terms, and conditions apply. (1)All rates include the auto-pay discount. The 0.25% auto-pay interest rate reduction applies as long as a valid bank account is designated for required monthly payments. If a payment is returned, you will lose this benefit. Variable rates may increase after consummation. (2)As certified by your school and less any other financial aid you might receive. Minimum $1,000. (3)This informational repayment example uses typical loan terms for a freshman borrower who selects the Flat Repayment Option with an 8-year repayment term, has a $10,000 loan that is disbursed in one disbursement and a 7.78% fixed Annual Percentage Rate (“APR”): 54 monthly payments of $25 while in school, followed by 96 monthly payments of $176.21 while in the repayment period, for a total amount of payments of $18,266.38. Loans will never have a full principal and interest monthly payment of less than $50. Your actual rates and repayment terms may vary. Information advertised valid as of 12/2/2024. Variable interest rates may increase after consummation. Approved interest rate will depend on creditworthiness of the applicant(s), lowest advertised rates only available to the most creditworthy applicants and require selection of the Flat Repayment Option with the shortest available loan term.
NerdWallet ratingNerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula for student loan products takes into account more than 50 data points across multiple categories, including repayment options, customer service, lender transparency, loan eligibility and underwriting criteria.
Fixed APR
3.49-15.49%
Lowest rates shown include the auto debit. Advertised APRs for undergraduate students assume a $10,000 loan to a student who attends school for 4 years and has no prior Sallie Mae-serviced loans. Interest rates for variable rate loans may increase or decrease over the life of the loan based on changes to the 30-day Average Secured Overnight Financing Rate (SOFR) rounded up to the nearest one-eighth of one percent. Advertised variable rates are the starting range of rates and may vary outside of that range over the life of the loan. Interest is charged starting when funds are sent to the school. With the Fixed and Deferred Repayment Options, the interest rate is higher than with the Interest Repayment Option and Unpaid Interest is added to the loan’s Current Principal at the end of the grace/separation period. To receive a 0.25 percentage point interest rate discount, the borrower or cosigner must enroll in auto debit through Sallie Mae. The discount applies only during active repayment for as long as the Current Amount Due or Designated Amount is successfully withdrawn from the authorized bank account each month. It may be suspended during forbearance or deferment. Advertised APRs are valid as of 11/25/2024. Loan amounts: For applications submitted directly to Sallie Mae, loan amount cannot exceed the cost of attendance less financial aid received, as certified by the school. Applications submitted to Sallie Mae through a partner website will be subject to a lower maximum loan request amount. Miscellaneous personal expenses (such as a laptop) may be included in the cost of attendance for students enrolled at least half-time. Examples of typical costs for a $10,000 Smart Option Student Loan with the most common fixed rate, fixed repayment option, 6-month separation period, and two disbursements: For a borrower with no prior loans and a 4-year in-school period, it works out to a 10.28% fixed APR, 51 payments of $25.00, 119 payments of $182.67 and one payment of $121.71, for a Total Loan Cost of $23,134.44. For a borrower with $20,000 in prior loans and a 2-year in-school period, it works out to a 10.78% fixed APR, 27 payments of $25.00, 179 payments of $132.53 and one payment of $40.35 for a total loan cost of $24,438.22. Loans that are subject to a $50 minimum principal and interest payment amount may receive a loan term that is less than 10 years. A variable APR may increase over the life of the loan. A fixed APR will not.
Variable APR
4.92-15.08%
Lowest rates shown include the auto debit. Advertised APRs for undergraduate students assume a $10,000 loan to a student who attends school for 4 years and has no prior Sallie Mae-serviced loans. Interest rates for variable rate loans may increase or decrease over the life of the loan based on changes to the 30-day Average Secured Overnight Financing Rate (SOFR) rounded up to the nearest one-eighth of one percent. Advertised variable rates are the starting range of rates and may vary outside of that range over the life of the loan. Interest is charged starting when funds are sent to the school. With the Fixed and Deferred Repayment Options, the interest rate is higher than with the Interest Repayment Option and Unpaid Interest is added to the loan’s Current Principal at the end of the grace/separation period. To receive a 0.25 percentage point interest rate discount, the borrower or cosigner must enroll in auto debit through Sallie Mae. The discount applies only during active repayment for as long as the Current Amount Due or Designated Amount is successfully withdrawn from the authorized bank account each month. It may be suspended during forbearance or deferment. Advertised APRs are valid as of 11/25/2024. Loan amounts: For applications submitted directly to Sallie Mae, loan amount cannot exceed the cost of attendance less financial aid received, as certified by the school. Applications submitted to Sallie Mae through a partner website will be subject to a lower maximum loan request amount. Miscellaneous personal expenses (such as a laptop) may be included in the cost of attendance for students enrolled at least half-time. Examples of typical costs for a $10,000 Smart Option Student Loan with the most common fixed rate, fixed repayment option, 6-month separation period, and two disbursements: For a borrower with no prior loans and a 4-year in-school period, it works out to a 10.28% fixed APR, 51 payments of $25.00, 119 payments of $182.67 and one payment of $121.71, for a Total Loan Cost of $23,134.44. For a borrower with $20,000 in prior loans and a 2-year in-school period, it works out to a 10.78% fixed APR, 27 payments of $25.00, 179 payments of $132.53 and one payment of $40.35 for a total loan cost of $24,438.22. Loans that are subject to a $50 minimum principal and interest payment amount may receive a loan term that is less than 10 years. A variable APR may increase over the life of the loan. A fixed APR will not.
Credible lets you check with multiple student loan lenders to get rates with no impact to your credit score. Visit their website to take the next steps.
How to pay for education and training for future jobs
For all jobs that require more than a high school diploma to enter, you’ll likely need some level of postsecondary education. The type of education you’ll need will depend entirely on the field you plan to enter and may range anywhere from a certificate to a Ph.D. These programs vary in cost.
Short-term certificate programs: Short-term programs at bootcamps, trade schools and community colleges are rarely eligible for federal financial aid. Due to the length of time it takes to complete a program, they can be less expensive than traditional college programs, but they may be more costly than certificate or associate degree programs at community colleges. You’ll usually pay out of pocket to cover costs and aren’t eligible for need-based aid programs like the federal Pell Grant.
Trade school certificate programs: Certificate programs at trade schools are eligible for federal student aid only if the school is eligible for what is known as Title IV funding. The Department of Education’s College Scorecard has a section on training programs that includes schools that accept Pell Grants.
Two-year certificate and associate degree programs at community colleges: Certificate and degree programs at community colleges are typically covered by federal financial aid. You’ll need to submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA, to qualify.
Four-year bachelor’s degrees: The cost of attendance at any four-year institution will depend largely on whether it’s a public or a private college or university. Compare college costs and other financial aid data using the College Scorecard. Most students (62%, according to The Institute of College Access and Success) require student loans to complete a college degree. Submit the FAFSA to find out if you’re eligible for free aid, like the Pell Grant, and access federal student loans. Consider federal loans before turning to private student loans; federal loans offer more options for repayment and opportunities for forgiveness.
Master’s, professional and Ph.D. programs: These programs, available at colleges and universities, are typically the most expensive. However, some programs offer free tuition and/or housing in exchange for teaching classes. If you need loans, you may be eligible for unsubsidized federal student loans, which are subject to limits. You are also eligible for federal direct graduate PLUS loans, which have no limits beyond the cost of attendance minus other aid; however, this leads some students to take on more debt than they can handle. Private student loans for graduate work are also an option and have similar parameters to graduate PLUS loans.
