Cover photo: Photo by Clem Onojeghuo on Unsplash
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Welcome to our review of the top 20 future job prospects expected to be in high demand in 2023 and beyond.
This list is based on data from the US Bureau of Labour Statistics, which offers information on the professions and industries projected to see the most growth from 2021 to 2031.
Without further ado, here’s the list:
20 – Substance Abuse and Mental Health Counsellor
Projected Growth: 22%
Average Salary: $48,520
Substance abuse and mental health counsellors are professionals who offer support and treatment to individuals struggling with mental or behavioural issues.
The basic requirement is a bachelor’s degree and a clinical licence, but it can vary, extending from certification to a master’s degree.
19: Web Developers
Projected Growth: 23%
Average Salary: $78,580
Web developers, the architects of the internet, design, code, and maintain websites.
The optimal user experience is their duty, as well as bringing web pages to life using programming languages, frameworks, and content management systems.
18 – Operations Research Analysts
Projected Growth: 23%
Average Salary: $82,360
Operations Research Analysts use advanced mathematical methods to solve complex problems across various industries, such as business, science, healthcare, and logistics.
Although a bachelor’s degree is necessary, candidates with graduate degrees often have better job options.
17 – Physical Therapy Assistant
Projected Growth: 24%
Average Salary: $49,180
They help patients regain movement and manage pain resulting from injuries or illnesses.
To qualify for this position, you must have an associate degree and pass the National Physical Therapy Exam.
Texas, Florida, California, Ohio, and Pennsylvania are the top states for employment in this field.
16 – Home Health Aides
Projected Growth: 25%
Average Salary: $29,430
Home health and personal care aides help individuals with disabilities or chronic illnesses do their everyday activities, such as bathing or dressing.
At the same time, they administer medication and monitor vital signs under healthcare practitioners’ supervision.
15 – Occupational Therapy Assistants
Projected Growth: 25%
Average Salary: $61,520
These professionals help patients regain and maintain daily life skills.
Guided by occupational therapists, they facilitate therapeutic activities focused on developmental disabilities, socialisation, and mobility.
14 – Epidemiologists
Projected Growth: 26%
Average Salary: $78,830
Considered as disease detectives, they study illnesses and investigate injuries.
Their goal is to reduce their occurrence and impact through research, community education, and health policy.
This profession is regarded as one of the most secure jobs for the future.
13 – Solar Photovoltaic Installers
Projected Growth: 27%
Average Salary: $47,760
The solar energy industry is burgeoning, and more people are joining.
These professionals assemble and install solar panel systems, working with various tools and equipment to mount panels, connect electrical wiring, and ensure proper functionality.
12 – Medical and Health Services Managers
Projected Growth: 28%
Average Salary: $101,340
Their major role is to oversee the efficient functioning of healthcare facilities, such as hospitals, clinics, and nursing homes.
11 – Physician Assistants
Projected Growth: 28%
Average Salary: $121,530
Physician assistants are integral members of a medical service team, working alongside doctors and surgeons to perform medical examinations, diagnoses, and treatments.
On a regular basis, they need a master’s degree and prior patient care experience before applying to a graduate programme.
10 – Animal Caretakers
Projected Growth: 29%
Average Salary: $28,730
If you love pets, this career is for you. You would be in charge of feeding, grooming, training, and exercising animals.
The typical entry requirement is a high school diploma. Previous experience is not always needed.
9 – Umpires and Referees
Projected Growth: 32%
Average Salary: $35,860
We can call them “the guardians of fair play” in sports competitions. They enforce rules and order.
If you are fond of sports and want to become an umpire, join an association, pass all the required exams, and get your certification. You won’t regret it.
8 – Statisticians
Projected Growth: 33%
Average Salary: $95,570
With their data analysis and problem-solving skills, they are in high demand across various fields, including business, government, engineering, and healthcare.
You need a master’s or a doctorate in a quantitative field.
7 – Information Security Analysts
Projected Growth: 35%
Average Salary: $102,600
“Protectors of computer networks and systems” is the title for these professionals.
With the constant threat of cyberattacks, ISAs are essential for developing safety protocols and staying updated with IT and security advancements.
6 – Athletes and Sports Competitors
Projected Growth: 36%
Average Salary: $77,300
They showcase their physical prowess and skills in various sports and disciplines through training and competitions.
Apart from being famous.
5 – Data Scientists
Projected Growth: 36%
Average Salary: $100,910
A data scientist plays a crucial role in enabling businesses to measure, track, and document performance metrics, thereby facilitating informed decision-making.
By analysing trends, companies can make vital choices to improve customer engagement, enhance productivity, and drive profitability.
4 – Restaurant Cooks
Projected Growth: 37%
Average Salary: $30,010
For those skilled in culinary techniques who love to work in high-pressure environments—kitchens—to deliver client orders, this career is the perfect fit.
To be in this club, the candidate has to be adept at customer service and teamwork. Formal training increases the chance of entry.
3 – Motion Picture Projectionists
Projected Growth: 40%
Average Salary: $29,350
Projectionists curate and present films to live audiences, offering an exceptional cinematic experience in settings such as cinemas, drive-in theatres, film festivals, seminars, and school events.
Despite technological evolution and streaming, their role remains vital for delivering entertainment.
2 – Wind Turbine Service Technicians
Projected Growth: 44%
Average Salary: $56,260
Professionals in this field assist engineers and ironworkers in installing new wind turbines.
They climb turbine towers to inspect their operation and repair them if needed.
As the demand for sustainable energy grows, this occupation promises to be one of the most secure in the future.
1 – Nurse Practitioners
Projected Growth: 46%
Average Salary: $120,680
This is the fastest-growing profession.
These highly skilled specialists collaborate with physicians or practise independently, providing comprehensive healthcare services to patients.
They conduct health assessments, develop treatment plans, diagnose illnesses, and prescribe medications.
Final thoughts
Before embarking on any career, you’ve got to give a deep thought to what you like first. What makes your blood boil? What is your passion?
Would it be pets, analysing figures, helping others, scientific research, green energy, or playing sports?
Following that, search for places where you can specialise in your favourite field, and, well, just start your education process.
It is not quite difficult. Some effort, obviously, but if you like it, it will be a pleasant tour for you.
So, what are you waiting for?