Some of the best jobs out there require many years of education and training. If you're worried about your chosen field shrinking by the time you're ready, consider some of the fastest-growing jobs out there.
These are projected to be the fastest-growing jobs between now and 2026, according to the Department of Labor:
1. Solar Photovoltaic Installers
Solar photovoltaic (PV) installers, also known as PV installers, assemble, install and maintain solar panel systems on rooftops or other structures.
- Average salary: $39,240
- 8-Year job growth: 105%
2. Wind Turbine Service Technicians
Wind turbine service technicians, also known as wind techs, install, maintain and repair wind turbines.
- Average Salary: $52,260
- 8-Year Job Growth: 96%
3. Home Health Aides
Home health aides and personal care aides help people with disabilities, chronic illnesses or cognitive impairment by assisting in their daily living activities. They often help older adults who need assistance. In some states, home health aides may give a client medication or check the client's vital signs under the direction of a nurse or other health-care practitioner.
- Average salary: $22,170
- 8-Year job growth: 47%
4. Physician Assistants
Physician assistants, also known as PAs, practice medicine on teams with physicians, surgeons and other health-care workers. They examine, diagnose and treat patients.
- Average salary: $101,480
- 8-year job growth: 37%
5. Nurse Practitioners
Nurse anesthetists, nurse midwives and nurse practitioners, also referred to as advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs), coordinate patient care and may provide primary and specialty health care. The scope of practice varies from state to state, depending on the industry.
- Average salary: $107,460
- 8-year job growth: 33%
6. Mathematicians and Statisticians
Mathematicians and statisticians analyze data and apply mathematical and statistical techniques to help solve real-world problems in business, engineering, health care or other fields.
- Average salary: $81,950
- 8-Year job growth: 33%
7. Physical Therapy Assistants
Physical therapist assistants, sometimes called PTAs, and physical therapist aides work under the direction and supervision of physical therapists. They help patients who are recovering from injuries and illnesses regain movement and manage pain.
- Average salary: $45,290
- 8-year job growth: 30%
8. Software Developers
Software developers are the creative minds behind computer programs. Some develop the applications that allow people to do specific tasks on a computer or another device. Others develop the underlying systems that run the devices or that control networks.
- Average salary: $102,280
- 8-year job growth: 24%
9. Information Security Analysts
Information security analysts plan and carry out security measures to protect an organization's computer networks and systems. Their responsibilities are continually expanding as the number of cyberattacks increases.
- Average salary: $92,600
- 8-year job growth: 24%
10. Genetic Counselors
Genetic counselors assess individual or family risk for a variety of inherited conditions, such as genetic disorders and birth defects. They provide information and support to other health-care providers, or to individuals and families concerned with the risk of inherited conditions.
- Average salary: $74,120
- 8-year job growth: 24%
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