(NewsNation) — The job market has slowed in recent months and those thinking about a career change may want to look into healthcare for long-term stability.
The healthcare and social assistance sector is expected to have the largest job growth over the next decade, adding over 2.2 million jobs, according to new Bureau of Labor Statistics projections.
The U.S. economy is projected to add 6.7 million jobs total from 2023 to 2033, which means roughly one-third are expected to be in healthcare and social assistance roles.
Nurse practitioners are among the fastest-growing occupations, projected to increase by 46% over the decade. Physician assistants and healthcare administrators are also expected to be in high demand, with jobs growing 29%.
The booming healthcare sector comes down to two main factors: the aging population and a higher prevalence of chronic conditions, the BLS said in a release.
Meanwhile, computer and mathematical jobs are projected to grow the second fastest of any group, specifically roles like data scientists and information security analysts.
Jobs in renewable energy, like solar panel installers and wind turbine service technicians, are also set to rise much faster than the national average.
Below are the ten jobs projected to grow the fastest over the next decade, according to the Labor Department.
Median annual wage data is the most recent available, May 2023.
1 – Wind turbine service technicians
Projected growth (2023-2033): 60.1%
Projected increase: 6,800 jobs
Median annual wage: $61,770
Professional rope access technician standing on the roof (hub) of wind turbine and pulling rope up. The sun is behind the wind turbine.
With the shift toward renewable energy, wind turbine techs are expected to be in high demand, but it’s not for the faint of heart. They generally work outdoors, in confined spaces and high up to maintain and repair wind turbines. Typically, no college degree is required.
2 – Solar photovoltaic installers
Projected growth (2023-2033): 48.0%
Projected increase: 12,000 jobs
Median annual wage: $48,800
Solar panel installers are another job that’s set to grow due to the green energy transition. Installers typically need a high school diploma and receive on-the-job training lasting up to a year.
3 – Nurse practitioners
Projected growth (2023-2033): 46.3%
Projected increase: 135,500 jobs
Median annual wage: $126,260
With a rapidly aging population, healthcare roles are expected to grow, with nurse practitioners leading the way. Nurse practitioners are a type of registered nurse with advanced training and education, typically at least a master’s degree.
In many states, nurse practitioners provide some of the same services as physicians like conducting physical examinations, ordering lab tests and prescribing medications.
4 – Data scientists
Projected growth (2023-2033): 36%
Projected increase: 73,100 jobs
Median annual wage: $108,020
The rise of artificial intelligence (AI) and an increasing amount of data available for analysis means data scientists will be in high demand. To get into the field, you’ll typically need a bachelor’s degree in mathematics, statistics, computer science, or something related. Some employers require master’s or doctoral degrees.
5 – Information security analysts
Projected growth (2023-2033): 32.7%
Projected increase: 59,100 jobs
Median annual wage: $120,360
Cyberattacks and data breaches on U.S. businesses have become more common which is expected to lead to a higher demand for information security analysts.
Those analysts help create their organization’s disaster recovery plan and stay up to date on the latest methods attackers are using. Information security analysts typically need a bachelor’s degree in a computer science field as well as related work experience.
6 – Medical and health service managers
Projected growth (2023-2033): 28.5%
Projected increase: 160,600 jobs
Median annual wage: $110,680
Also known as healthcare executives, medical and health services managers plan, direct, and coordinate the business activities of healthcare providers. Usually, a bachelor’s degree is required, along with, work experience in an administrative role in a hospital or other healthcare facility.
7 – Physician assistants
Projected growth (2023-2033): 28.5%
Projected increase: 43,700 jobs
Median annual wage: $130,020
Commonly known as PAs, physician assistants examine, diagnose, and treat patients under the supervision of a physician. Typically, you’ll need a master’s degree from an accredited program.
They receive different training than nurse practitioners and work in a variety of healthcare specialties, like primary care and emergency medicine. In some areas, PAs may be the primary care provider at clinics where a physician is present only one to two days a week.
8 – Computer and information research scientists
Projected growth (2023-2033): 25.6%
Projected increase: 9,400 jobs
Median annual wage: $145,080
Computer and information research scientists create and improve computer software and hardware. To do that, they work with algorithms to make computer systems as efficient as possible. The job typically requires at least a master’s degree in computer science or a related field.
9 – Physical therapist assistants
Projected growth (2023-2033): 25.4%
Projected increase: 27,500 jobs
Median annual wage: $64,080
The growing elderly population is expected to increase the demand for caregiving and therapy services. Physical therapist assistants (PTAs) work alongside physical therapists to help patients who are recovering from injuries. PTAs typically need an associate’s degree from an accredited program and a license or certification.
10 – Operations research analysts
Projected growth (2023-2033): 23%
Projected increase: 28,300 jobs
Median annual wage: $83,640
Operations research analysts use mathematics and logic to help organizations solve problems. Typically, you’ll need at least a bachelor’s degree in a field like business, mathematics or computer science. Some employers may require a master’s degree.
