What jobs will be in demand in 5 years?

Something that seems like it might be found in a science fiction book is the occupation that is expected to have the highest rate of employment growth and demand over the next ten years. According to the most recent job estimates released by the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, solar panel installers, also known as solar photovoltaic installers, will continue to be in demand until the year 2028. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that throughout the next decade, the number of solar photovoltaic installers will increase by 63 percent, reaching 15,800 employees from the current 9,700. A median annual pay of more than $42,000 is reported by those working in this occupation, which requires maintaining, installing, and assembling solar panel systems on buildings such as roofs.

According to the BLS, the need for employees in the healthcare industry will also expand significantly, in addition to the demand for workers in the solar panel industry. Personal care aides and home health aides are at the top of the list of jobs with the fastest job growth, and the typical annual salary for these positions is almost $24,000. The round-the-clock employment is often linked with poor compensation in exchange for tremendous demands, both intellectually and physically, and it is anticipated that this kind of profession will become more popular as the number of elderly people in the world increases. The number of people employed in the field of home healthcare has increased by around 1.5 million during the previous decade, as reported by The New York Times. Immigrants make up around one-third of the professional workforce, and the vast majority of them are women of color.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) estimates that there will be 169.4 million people actively employed in the United States by the year 2028, with an increase of 8.4 million employment over the following decade. It is anticipated that those who are 65 years of age or older will stay active participants in the labor market for a longer period of time, but the number of young Americans who are employed between the ages of 16 and 24 will continue to fall. This decline may be ascribed to displaced opportunities as older workers occupy roles that were traditionally occupied by younger persons and also to the fact that more young people are going to school. Both of these factors have contributed to the reduction.

Occupations that include delivering a service are expected to continue their upward trend, notably those in the fields of social assistance and healthcare, construction, and private educational services. On the other hand, it is anticipated that employment losses would occur in the wholesale trade, the retail trade, the federal government, utilities, and the manufacturing sector.

The top 20 positions expected to be in highest demand over the next ten years are shown below, along with the educational prerequisites, predicted growth rate between 2018 and 2028, number of jobs expected to be available in both 2018 and 2028, and the median annual salary for those jobs.

What Are the 20 Jobs That Are Expected to Have the Highest Demand Over the Next Decade?

1. Installers of Solar Photovoltaic Systems

The recent strong drive for sustainable and renewable energy sources has caused a surge in the employment market for trained solar photovoltaic installers. This increase is due to the fact that solar photovoltaic installers are in high demand. Simply put, these experts are in charge of installing solar panel systems and individual solar panels in fields, on houses and buildings, and in other locations. In addition, they are responsible for connecting panels to electrical systems, performing maintenance and troubleshooting, and ensuring that the panels are in good working order. It is anticipated that employment of solar photovoltaic (PV) installers, who are also referred to as PV installers, would increase by 63 percent between the years 2018 and 2028, which is much higher than the average growth projection for all professions. The long-term forecast, on the other hand, is highly reliant on the cost, the incentives offered by the government, and the ongoing development of PV panels.

The minimum education requirement for this position is a high school diploma or its recognized equivalent along with some on-the-job experience.

A growth rate of 63 percent is anticipated between 2018 and 2028.

2018 Total Employment: 9,700

Estimated Total Employment for the Year 2028: 15,800

In 2018, the median annual wage was $42,680.

2. Service Technicians for Wind Power Generators

Technicians who can maintain wind turbines are also in great demand, and the primary reason for this is the current drive toward renewable energy. Service technicians that work on wind turbines repair, maintain, and install renewable energy equipment in the same way as PV installers do. It is projected that employment of these specialists, who are also known as windtechs, would increase by 57 percent between the years 2018 and 2028, which is substantially higher than the average growth forecast for all professions. Nevertheless, because of the limited scope of the job itself, the expansion will only result in the creation of around 3,700 additional positions over the course of the next decade. Wind power production has become more competitive with natural gas, coal, and other kinds of power generation as a result of a decrease in the cost of wind power generating brought about by the construction of higher towers with bigger blades. As a result of this, there will be a need for an increasing number of service specialists to install and repair the wind turbines as more are built.

Educational Requirements: Completion of an accredited postsecondary program in addition to significant time spent gaining experience on the job.

Growth anticipated between the years 2018 and 2028: 57%

2018 Total Employment: 6,600

Estimated Total Employment for the Year 2028: 10,300

In 2018, the median annual wage was $54,370.

3. Personal Care Aides in the Home

Home health aides are entrusted with the responsibility of providing individualized, in-home care to patients who need additional assistance in order to carry out their day-to-day activities. These patients may suffer from chronic diseases, physical limitations, or cognitive difficulties. Assisting with activities such as changing bandages, arranging and preparing meals, washing and clothing patients are all potential duties associated with this position. The number of people working as home health aides is expected to increase by 37 percent overall between the years 2018 and 2028. The demand for the services of home health aides is expected to continue growing as a result of the aging of baby boomers and the growth in the number of people over 65. Home care is becoming more important for families as an alternative to hospitals or nursing homes, and many patients also try to lower their medical bills by remaining in their homes or returning there.

The minimum education requirement for this position is a high school diploma or its recognized equivalent along with some on-the-job experience.

Growth Estimated to be 37% Between the Years 2018 and 2028

2018 Total Employment: 831,800

Estimated Total Employment for the Year 2028: 1,136,600

In 2018, the median annual wage was $24,200.

4. Personal Care Aides

Personal care aides, like home health aides, provide services to members of the population who need more care and assistance with the tasks associated with daily life. On the other hand, the provision of non-medical services is the primary focus of personal care aides. It's possible that you'll be responsible for cleaning the home, keeping your clients entertained, taking them around or making transportation arrangements, helping them shower and get dressed, and assisting with the planning and preparation of their meals. It is anticipated that employment of personal care aides would increase by 36 percent between the years 2018 and 2028, leading to the creation of more than 881,000 new jobs over the course of the next decade. Personal care aides have the opportunity to work in a variety of settings, including private houses, residential care facilities, as well as public and commercial organizations.

The minimum education requirement for this position is a high school diploma or its recognized equivalent along with some on-the-job experience.

36 percent is the projected increase from 2018-2028.

2018 Total Employment: 2,421,200

The projected total employment for the year 2028 is 3,302,100.

In 2018, the median annual wage was $24,020.

5. Individuals who work as assistants in occupational therapy

In many venues where occupational therapy is practiced, such as social service organizations, nursing homes, hospitals, and educational institutions, occupational therapy assistants provide assistance with a variety of therapeutic tasks. Daily responsibilities may include assisting adolescents with developmental disabilities in coordination and socialization activities, assisting with rehabilitative and/or stretching exercises, recording the progression of their patients, and instructing patients on how to use specialized assistive equipment. It is anticipated that there will be about 14,500 more positions available for occupational therapy assistants over the course of the next ten years, representing a growth in employment of 33 percent. It is projected that there will be an increase in need for trained occupational therapy assistants in order to meet the medical requirements of an expanding geriatric population as well as an aging baby boom generation.

Educational Prerequisites: Minimum of an Associate's Degree and Completion of Short-Term Training on the Job

Growth Estimated to be 33 Percent Between 2018 and 2028

2018 Total Employment: 43,800

Total employment is projected to reach 58,300 in 2028.

In 2018, the median annual wage was $57,620.

6. Analysts in Information Security Positions

The degree to which advanced information systems are able to carry out their intended purposes effectively is crucial to almost every facet of modern life. As a consequence of this, information security analysts play a significant part in ensuring the confidentiality and integrity of our data. These specialists need to have an in-depth technical understanding of preventative measures, potential risks to data security, information systems' software and hardware, and related topics. It is anticipated that employment opportunities in this field would increase by 32% during the next ten years, notably as a direct consequence of the rising incidence of cyberattacks. The information security capabilities of financial institutions and banks, as well as those of other industries such as healthcare, will need to be increased in order to prepare for the growing number of cybersecurity threats, protect personal data and privacy, and safeguard the confidentiality of information.

The completion of a Bachelor's degree is a pre-requisite.

Growth Estimated to be 32 Percent Between 2018 and 2028

2018 Total Employment: 112,300

Total employment is projected to reach 147,700 in 2028.

In 2018, the median annual wage was $98,350.

7. Medical Assistants in Hospitals

Particularly in the field of the medical sciences, there is an insatiable need for qualified assistance. In the healthcare industry, physician assistants work closely with other medical professionals, including surgeons and physicians, to undertake tasks such as teaching patients on care procedures, evaluating the effectiveness of therapy, and collecting and analyzing patients' medical histories. There is a need for physician assistants in every subspecialty of medicine, including geriatric care, podiatry, surgery, emergency medicine, psychiatry, and family care, among others. It is anticipated that the employment of physician assistants will expand by 31 percent over the course of the next decade, and the demand for their services will increase as a result of the aging and rising population. Those who work in rural regions or locations where there is a shortage of medical professionals have especially promising job prospects.

Educational Requirements: Master's degree

Growth Estimated to be 31 Percent Between 2018 and 2028

2018 Total Employment: 118,800

155 700 jobs are expected to be filled by the year 2028.

In 2018, the median annual wage was $108,610.

8. Statisticians and data collectors

The job of evaluating and making use of data is within the purview of statisticians. These professionals work with a variety of clients, including insurance and finance companies, universities, research institutions, and healthcare services, among others, to forecast outcomes and trends. They do this by utilizing their advanced knowledge of mathematics, prediction, and statistical interpretation. In order to do this, they devise tests, polls, and surveys, as well as employ statistical and mathematical techniques, in order to foresee issues and track them down to their root cause. It is anticipated that the field of statistics will expand by 31 percent over the course of the next ten years as a result of the increasing reliance placed on statisticians by companies of all sizes and types. It is anticipated that growth would emerge from the increased use of statistical analysis to make educated choices on business, healthcare policy, and company operations.

Educational Requirements: Master's degree

Growth Estimated to be 31 Percent Between 2018 and 2028

2018 Total Employment: 44,400

Estimated Total Employment for the Year 2028: 58,000

In 2018, the median annual wage was $87,780.

9. Advanced Practice Registered Nurses

Nurse practitioners, sometimes referred to as advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs), have the ability to function as main or specialty care providers, during which they may prescribe treatment regimens and evaluate patient requirements. There are a variety of duties that may be required of you, including as conferring with doctors or other medical experts, prescribing and dispensing medicine, conducting and interpreting tests, and doing physical exams. As is the case with physicians, nurse practitioners have the potential to work in specialized medical fields, such as geriatrics, pediatrics, or general medicine. They may find employment in institutions such as nursing homes, private clinics, or hospitals, among other possible places of employment. The number of employment available for nurse practitioners is anticipated to increase by 28 percent during the next ten years, leading to the creation of about 53,300 new positions. This expansion will take place as a direct result of the growing need for medical care that the aging population will have in the coming years.

Educational Requirements: Master's degree

Growth Estimated Between 2018 and 2028: 28 Percent

2018 Total Employment: $189,100

Estimated Total Employment for the Year 2028: 242,400

In 2018, the median annual wage was $113,930.

10. Speech-Language and Auditory-Verbal Therapists

The evaluation, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of swallowing and communication difficulties in both adults and children are the primary responsibilities of speech-language pathologists, who are also referred to in certain contexts as speech therapists. These specialists collaborate with occupational therapists, physical therapists, psychologists, social workers, surgeons, and medical doctors at hospitals and other medical institutions. It is anticipated that there will be roughly 41,900 more positions available for speech-language pathologists throughout the period between 2018 and 2028, representing an employment increase of 27 percent. As the population as a whole ages, there will be an increase in the incidence of health conditions such as dementia and strokes, both of which can lead to language or speech impairments. As a result, there will be an increased demand for trained professionals who can diagnose and treat such conditions.

Educational Requirements: Master’s degree

Growth Estimated Between 2018 and 2028: 27 Percent

2018 Total Employment: 153,700

195,600 jobs are expected to be filled by the year 2028.

In 2018, the median annual wage was $77,510.

11. Assisting Physical Therapists in Their Practice

Assistants to physical therapists observe and record the status of their patients, educate patients and their families about the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle, and assist patients with exercise and other forms of therapeutic activity. They work directly under the supervision of a licensed physical therapist. They may find work in private physical therapy practices, residential care homes, hospitals, or even via the services provided by the government. It is anticipated that employment of physical therapist assistants would increase by 27 percent between the years 2018 and 2028. The baby boomer generation is staying more active later in life than previous generations did, but these individuals are also more likely to suffer from strokes, heart attacks, and injuries related to mobility. As a result, there is an increase in the demand for the physical therapy that is required for rehabilitation.

Educational Prerequisites: Minimum of an Associate's Degree and Completion of Short-Term Training on the Job

Growth Estimated Between 2018 and 2028: 27 Percent

2018 Total Employment: 98,400

125,000 jobs are expected to be filled in total by 2028.

In 2018, the median annual wage was $58,040.

12. Counselors Specializing in Genetics

Genetic counselors, as the job title indicates, are responsible for analyzing clients' risks and hereditary illnesses in relation to genetics, and then advising them based on the outcomes of such analyses. Genetic counselors specialize in analyzing and predicting genetic difficulties, such as birth abnormalities or genetic illnesses, with the goal of assisting couples and people who are contemplating having children. Genetic counselors now have the ability to undertake a wider variety of analyses thanks to scientific advancements and laboratory testing in the field of genomics, in addition to other continuing technical breakthroughs. As a result, the employment future for genetic counselors is promising, as the field is anticipated to have a growth of 27 percent between the years 2018 and 2028. However, due to the fact that genetic counseling is a rather niche profession, this fast development will only result in the creation of around 800 new positions over the next ten years.

Educational Requirements: Master's degree

Growth Estimated Between 2018 and 2028: 27 Percent

2018 Total Employment: 3,000

Estimated Total Employment for the Year 2028: 3,800

In 2018, the median annual wage was $80,370.

13. Those who study mathematics

Mathematicians don't just crunch numbers; they use data prediction and analysis to assist companies and organizations in finding solutions to issues and preventing future occurrences of those problems. Therefore, in order to interpret their results into words that are readily understood by individuals who are not acquainted with mathematical principles, they need to possess strong analytical abilities as well as great communication skills. Mathematicians will be increasingly relied upon by businesses in order to analyze the data and information that has been collected because it is anticipated that the amount of data that will be digitally stored will increase over the next ten years as more companies and people conduct business online and as more people use smartphones and social media. Because of this, it is anticipated that the number of jobs available for mathematicians will increase by 26 percent over the course of the next decade, leading to the creation of around 700 new positions.

Educational Requirements: Master's degree

The growth forecast for the years 2018-2028 is 26%.

2018 Total Employment: 2,900

Estimated Total Employment for the Year 2028: 3,600

In 2018, the median annual wage was $101,900.

14. Analysts in Operations Research Positions

Operations research analysts are employed by governments, organizations, and enterprises to investigate and provide solutions to a variety of logistical issues. They want to do this via enhancing a company's marketing strategy, pricing models, supply networks, and operational procedures. Analysts of operations research are entrusted with analyzing and collecting data, constructing simulations and establishing predictive models, preparing reports and memoranda, and advising executives and managers on the most effective courses of action in order to achieve this goal. The number of jobs available for operations research analysts is expected to increase by 26 percent from 2018 to 2028, mostly as a result of technology advancements that have made it simpler and more expedient for businesses to get data.

The completion of a Bachelor's degree is a pre-requisite.

The growth forecast for the years 2018-2028 is 26%.

2018 Total Employment: 109,700

Estimated Total Employment for the Year 2028: 137,900

In 2018, the median annual wage was $83,390.

15. Programmers who create software and application

Software developers who specialize in applications are accountable for analyzing, designing, and testing applications in addition to troubleshooting issues and recommending upgrades to clients and employers. This is the case even if their specific focus is on developing educational apps for children or productivity apps for busy professionals. Applications software developers could find employment in software publishing, application design businesses, corporations, manufacturing companies, or insurance or financial companies. Other potential employers include government agencies. Between the years 2018 and 2028, it is anticipated that there will be a 26 percent increase in the demand for software developers who specialize in application creation as a result of the development of cloud-based computing, tablets, smartphones, and other computer technologies that are easier to access.

The completion of a Bachelor's degree is a pre-requisite.

The growth forecast for the years 2018-2028 is 26%.

2018 Total Employment: 944,200

Estimated Total Employment for the Year 2028: 1,185,700

In 2018, the median annual wage was $103,620.

16. Firefighters who specialize in forest protection and prevention

The mission of forest fire inspectors and prevention experts is to better comprehend, prevent, predict, and put an end to wildfires in order to lessen the amount of loss of human and animal life as well as habitation. This is a vital function in society. They use the data to evaluate places that are potentially hazardous in order to forecast crises. These professionals also have a comprehensive understanding of the rules, communications, and challenges that pertain to public safety. The number of employment held by forest fire inspectors and prevention experts is expected to increase by 24 percent over the course of the next ten years; however, given the relatively low size of the profession now, this significant rise will only add an additional 600 positions.

The minimum required level of education is a high school diploma, with a bachelor's degree in fire science being strongly desired.

A growth rate of 24 percent is anticipated between 2018 and 2028.

2018 Total Employment: 2,200

Total employment is projected to reach 2,800 by the year 2028.

In 2018, the median annual wage was $39,600.

17. Teachers of Health-Related Specialties in Postsecondary Institutions

Teachers who work in postsecondary health professions are responsible for educating students in the nuances of their respective fields, which may include veterinary science, therapy, pharmacy, dentistry, or medicine. These specialists are generally hired by vocational schools, two-year junior colleges, four-year universities or colleges, or even four-year universities. It is necessary to possess either a professional degree or a PhD in order to work as a teacher of postsecondary health specialty. In certain cases, you may additionally be required to get certification that is particular to your field. As more and more people decide to further their education by enrolling in postsecondary programs, it is anticipated that the number of students attending these programs will rise. As a consequence of this, it is anticipated that the number of jobs available for instructors of postsecondary health specializations would increase by as much as 23 percent between the years 2018 and 2028.

Required Level of Education Is Either a Doctorate or a Professional Degree

A growth rate of 23 percent is anticipated between 2018 and 2028.

2018 Total Employment: 254,800

The total number of jobs expected to be available in 2028 is 313,900.

In 2018, the median annual wage was $97,370.

18. Phlebotomists

Phlebotomists are primarily responsible for drawing blood for the purposes of research, blood donations, blood transfusions, and blood testing. As a result, having a comprehensive understanding of medical procedures, medical terminology, and medicine is necessary for working in this field. Phlebotomists have the opportunity to work in a wide range of medical settings, such as ambulatory care facilities, blood banks, doctor's offices, and hospitals. In hospitals and other types of medical facilities, blood analysis is still an extremely important role. As a result, there will always be a significant need for phlebotomists since doctors and other healthcare professionals need blood tests in order to diagnose and analyze patients. It is anticipated that there will be a 23 percent increase in demand for phlebotomists over the course of the next ten years; this rate of growth is much greater than the average for all professions.

Educational Prerequisites: A Postsecondary Award That Is Not a Degree

A growth rate of 23 percent is anticipated between 2018 and 2028.

2018 Total Employment: 128,300

Total employment is projected to reach 157,800 in 2028.

In 2018, the median annual wage was $34,480.

19. Assistants to Physical Therapists

Even though they don't really provide any services or carry out any duties related to physical therapy, physical therapist assistants play a vital supporting function in physical therapy practices. They are accountable for setting up and cleaning treatment spaces, carrying out administrative responsibilities, assisting patients in moving between different therapy locations, and washing linens. Employment opportunities for physical therapist assistants are available in a variety of settings, including hospitals, doctor's offices, residential care homes, and physical therapy firms. The growing medical requirements of an older population are the primary factor expected to drive the anticipated 23 percent growth in employment opportunities for physical therapist aides from 2018 to 2028.

The minimum education requirement for this position is a high school diploma or its recognized equivalent along with some on-the-job experience.

A growth rate of 23 percent is anticipated between 2018 and 2028.

2018 Total Employment: 49,800

Total employment is projected to reach 61,200 in 2028.

In 2018, the median annual wage was $26,240.

20. Medical Assistants

In a variety of contexts within the medical industry, the work of medical assistants is essential. In addition to providing fundamental medical services like assessing vital signs, preparing fluid samples, and dispensing prescriptions and injections, these experts also execute everyday administrative responsibilities including organizing appointments, entering data, and maintaining records. Over the course of the next ten years, it is anticipated that the number of jobs available for medical assistants will increase by 23 percent. As more members of the baby boom generation enter their senior years, there will be an increase in the need for preventative medical services, which are normally provided by medical practitioners. As a consequence of this, doctors will want to increase the number of medical assistants they employ so that they may see more patients. These assistants will be responsible for doing normal clinical and administrative tasks.

Educational Prerequisites: A Postsecondary Award That Is Not a Degree

A growth rate of 23 percent is anticipated between 2018 and 2028.

2018 Total Employment: 686,600

Estimated Total Employment for the Year 2028: 841,500

Median Annual Wage, 2018: $33,610

Conclusion

As a result of the most recent economic downturn, a significant number of Americans are concerned about their chances of finding work within the next decade. In a political and economic world that is becoming more interconnected and globalized, workers are increasingly faced with the prospect of an uncertain future. While some people may be fortunate enough to inherit companies and occupations from their families, and while others may decide to follow their interests, others are left wondering, "What happens next?"

Workers who have lost their employment as a result of cutbacks, layoffs, or outsourcing are faced with a variety of new career options, in addition to the increased educational requirements need to prepare for these positions. Workers in their latter years are often encouraged to choose early retirement, while recent college grads have a difficult time finding jobs at the entry level. Still others are seeking for other career opportunities since they have seen little growth in terms of their salaries.

The good news is that there is a glimmer of hope at the end of this dark passage. As we've seen, a significant number of the top 20 jobs that will be in highest demand over the next ten years reflect both our growing reliance on and fascination with technological advancements. The nation's demographics are shifting, in large part as a result of the aging of the baby boomer generation, which is another factor in these issues. A number of jobs are created as a direct result of our need for alternative, renewable sources of energy, while others are based on our requirement for conventional energy sources. Regardless, job-seekers who are determined to find work in the United States have access to a wide variety of careers that are not only rewarding but also lucrative and readily available. The preceding list of the 20 occupations expected to see the greatest increase in demand over the next ten years is intended to serve as a helpful starting point.