In today’s job market, there are certain occupations that are in higher demand than others. With an aging population, technological advances, and changes in the economy, some jobs are expected to see much faster than average growth in the coming years. So what are the highest demand jobs right now?
Healthcare Occupations
Healthcare is projected to have some of the fastest growing occupations over the next decade. As the population ages, there is an increased need for healthcare services. This is especially true for occupations related to caring for the elderly.
Registered Nurses
Registered nurses (RNs) provide and coordinate patient care, educate patients and the public about various health conditions, and provide advice and emotional support to patients and their family members. RNs are one of the most in-demand jobs now and are projected to grow 12% from 2019 to 2029, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). This will result in 371,500 new jobs over that period.
Nursing Assistants
Also known as nursing aides, certified nursing assistants (CNAs) provide basic care and help with activities of daily living to patients and residents. With an aging baby boomer generation, demand for CNAs is very strong. The BLS projects 7% growth for nursing assistants from 2019-2029, resulting in 108,700 new jobs.
Home Health and Personal Care Aides
Home health aides assist people with disabilities, chronic illnesses, or cognitive impairment by helping with daily activities at home or in a day services program. Personal care aides provide similar services but may also work in residential facilities. Due to the rising elderly population and preference for at-home care, these occupations are expected to grow 34% and 35%, respectively, adding almost 1.2 million new jobs from 2019-2029.
Technology Occupations
Technology fields are another major driver of job growth as devices, applications, and networks become more sophisticated. Jobs in cybersecurity, data science, software development, and information technology are all projected to grow at much faster than average rates in the coming years.
Information Security Analysts
Information security analysts plan and carry out security measures to protect organizations’ computer systems and networks from cyberattacks. With cyber threats becoming more common, demand for these workers is very high. The BLS projects 32% growth for information security analysts from 2019-2029, resulting in 35,500 new jobs.
Software Developers
Software developers create and modify computer applications and systems. They write code, update existing programs, test software for errors, and help implement software across an organization. The continued demand for new and updated technology will drive 22% growth for software developers from 2019-2029, creating 409,500 new jobs.
Computer Systems Analysts
Computer systems analysts study an organization’s current computer systems and procedures and design information systems solutions to help the organization operate more efficiently and effectively. These workers bring companies’ information technology in line with their business goals. Demand for computer systems analysts is projected to grow 7% from 2019-2029, adding 43,200 jobs.
Other Fast Growing Jobs
Along with healthcare and technology, some other occupations that are expected to experience much faster than average growth due to industry trends include:
- Solar photovoltaic installers (+63% 2019-2029)
- Wind turbine service technicians (+57%)
- Home health and personal care aides (+35%)
- Statisticians (+35%)
- Physician assistants (+31%)
Jobs Most in Demand
While the occupations above are projected to grow rapidly over the next decade, there are some jobs that are in high demand right now based on current job openings. According to the BLS, some of the jobs with the highest number of job postings as of September 2022 are:
| Occupation | Number of Job Postings |
|---|---|
| Retail Salespersons | 707,721 |
| Cashiers | 633,124 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Retail Sales Workers | 389,536 |
| Registered Nurses | 382,566 |
| Customer Service Representatives | 350,300 |
| Laborers and Freight/Stock/Material Movers | 349,328 |
Some of these roles, like registered nurses, overlap with the fastest growing jobs. However, openings for positions like retail salespersons, cashiers, and customer service representatives demonstrate that there is also strong demand for entry-level roles, especially in the retail and service industries.
Jobs in Demand by Education Level
When looking at the highest demand jobs, it can be helpful to break it down by typical education requirements. Here is an overview of in-demand occupations by education level:
High School Diploma or Equivalent
- Retail Salespersons
- Cashiers
- Waiters and Waitresses
- Customer Service Representatives
- Stockers and Order Fillers
Associate’s Degree
- Nursing Assistants
- Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses
- Paralegals and Legal Assistants
- Dental Hygienists
- Web Developers
Bachelor’s Degree
- Accountants and Auditors
- Software Developers
- Financial Managers
- Elementary School Teachers
- Registered Nurses
Master’s Degree
- Computer and Information Systems Managers
- Nurse Practitioners
- Physician Assistants
- Physical Therapists
- Management Analysts
Conclusion
The jobs expected to be in highest demand in the coming years span industries like healthcare, technology, education, business, and manual labor. Key drivers include an aging population, technological progress, and basic consumer needs. While the fastest growing jobs provide insight into industries that are expanding quickly, current job postings better demonstrate the occupations most in demand right now across all education levels.
Some of the top jobs in demand that align with both high growth projections and current openings include registered nurses, software developers, customer service representatives, accountants and auditors, retail salespersons, and nursing assistants. Job seekers looking to enter high demand fields may want to explore these roles and the education requirements needed to pursue them.
