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Occupations with the Highest Job Growth

Source: (BLS) 

A Closer Look at These In-Demand Roles

1. Wind Turbine Service Technicians

What Do Wind Turbine Technicians Do?

Also called windtechs, these hands-on professionals are involved in the renewable energy sector. Specifically, they maintain and repair the turbines that convert wind into electricity. This involves diagnosing mechanical and electrical issues, replacing worn components, and using computerized monitoring systems to keep everything running. 

Since this work happens hundreds of feet in the air (with tools in hand!), comfort with heights is a non-negotiable. 

Entry-level technicians typically start at around $49,110. The highest-paying employers in this field are machinery wholesalers ($66,710), followed by wind power generation ($64,170). 

Key Traits of Windtechs:

• Comfort with heights is essential, as I mentioned, since windtechs often climb turbine towers over 200 feet tall. 

• Physical stamina supports frequent climbing with equipment, while physical strength helps lift heavy objects. 

• Schedule flexibility is important because the grid doesn't take days off. Windtechs may need to respond to calls on evenings or weekends when turbines go offline.

How Do You Become a Windtech?

Certificate and/or associate degree needed

Most windtechs start with a certificate or associate degree in wind energy technology from a technical school or community college. These programs include hands-on training with turbines. Employers often provide additional on-the-job training for specific models. Certification isn’t required but credentials in safety, climbing, and rescue techniques can make candidates more competitive.

2. Solar Photovoltaic Installers

What Do Solar Photovoltaic Installers Do?

PV installers are key to harnessing solar energy by setting up and maintaining systems that convert sunlight into electricity. Their tasks include planning system configurations, assembling support structures, installing solar panels, and connecting systems to electrical components. On any given day, they're working with drills, saws, screwdrivers, and wiring systems that need to be set up correctly the first time around.

The median salary ($51,860) is slightly above the median for all U.S. occupations ($49,500). The lowest 10% of earners in this field earned less than $39,070, while top earners made over $80,150.

Key Traits of PV Installers:

• Attention to detail is crucial. A misaligned panel or incorrect wiring can actually be quite dangerous. 

• Math skills are helpful because calculating angles, load-bearing measurements, and surface areas comes with the territory.

• Mechanical aptitude supports working with electrical and mechanical equipment to build structures and troubleshoot issues. Since this role sits at the intersection of construction, electrical work, and technology, installers need to be comfortable working with all three.

How Do You Become a PV Installer?

High school diploma and training needed

This is one of the most accessible careers on our list. Most PV installers start with just a high school diploma, followed by on-the-job training lasting one month to a year. Some pursue additional courses at technical schools or community colleges, which cover safety, system design, and installation techniques. With experience, installers can advance over time to become managers, enter sales roles, or even start their own business.

3. Nurse Practitioners

What Do Nurse Practitioners Do?

Nurse practitioners (NPs) are advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) who serve as primary and specialty care providers. NPs play a critical role in patient-centered care, empowering patients to lead healthier lives. They do this by assessing patients and diagnosing illnesses in order to create treatment plans and prescribe the appropriate medications. 

Salaries vary significantly by setting. NPs working in hospitals earn a median of $137,790; those in outpatient care centers earn $137,640. The top 10% of NP earners exceed $217,270.

Key Traits of NPs:

• Critical-thinking under pressure allows NPs to evaluate health changes, determine appropriate actions, and seek consultations when needed.

• Compassion and emotional intelligence are essential for providing empathetic care. Patient-centered care involves meeting people at their most vulnerable.

• Resourcefulness aids in finding solutions and information to address patient needs successfully.

How Do You Become an NP?

Master's and state licensure needed

To become an NP, you must first earn a registered nurse (RN) license, followed by at least a ³¾²¹²õ³Ù±ð°ù’s degree in nursing, or even a nurse practitioner master's degree. Many programs prefer candidates with a bachelor’s in nursing as well, but bridge programs exist for RNs with associate degrees (an RN to BSN degree). After completing an accredited program, aspiring NPs must pass a national certification exam and obtain state licensure. 

4. Data Scientists

What Do Data Scientists Do?

Data scientists analyze large datasets to extract actionable insights. To do this, they use tools and techniques like machine learning, data cleaning, and statistical modeling. They often begin by gathering raw data from sources like surveys or web scraping, followed by structuring it for analysis. They use charts or maps to illustrate their findings, making the information easy to understand for both experts and non-experts.

Entry-level positions start below $63,650, while top earners bring in over $194,410. The highest-paying industries currently include computer systems design ($128,020) and company management roles ($126,940), but this changes year to year.

Key Traits of Data Scientists:

• Strong analytical skills are indispensable because data scientists have to ask the right questions in order to know whether their conclusions are reliable or not. 

• Proficiency in computer skills allows data scientists to code, analyze data, improve algorithms, and create visualizations. 

• Advanced math skills support the use of statistical methods to collect and organize data. Statistics, linear algebra, and probability form the foundation of most data science work.

How Do You Become a Data Scientist?

Bachelor's or (sometimes) master's needed

To become a data scientist, a bachelor’s in mathematics, a statistics degree, or a related field is typically required, with many employers preferring a ³¾²¹²õ³Ù±ð°ù’s or even a doctoral degree in the field. Industry-specific experience, such as finance for asset management roles, can enhance job prospects. In general, data scientists need strong coding skills and familiarity with data visualization. 

5. Information Security Analysts

What Do Information Security Analysts Do?

Sometimes called "cyber analysts" or "ethical hackers," information security analysts are an organization's front-line defense against digital threats. The role involves monitoring networks for breaches, investigating incidents, and employing tools like firewalls and encryption software to protect sensitive data. Their work is part reactive, responding to threats as they emerge, and part proactive, anticipating vulnerabilities before they're exploited.

Salaries vary by industry, with analysts in the information sector earning $136,390, exceeding those in management positions ($127,840) and those in finance and insurance ($126,970). The lowest 10% of earners made under $69,660, while the top 10% earned over $186,420.

Key Traits of Cyber Analysts:

• Creativity helps analysts anticipate potential risks and design inventive, clever strategies to safeguard systems. 

• Problem-solving under pressure is vital for responding to security alerts, identifying vulnerabilities, and resolving system and network issues.

• Dedication is key. Most analysts work full-time, and some exceed 40 hours weekly, often being on call for emergencies outside regular business hours.

How Do You Become a Cyber Analyst?

Certifications and/or bachelor's needed

Information security analysts typically need a bachelor's degree in computer science, a degree in information technology, or a related field, along with relevant work experience. Professional certifications, like Security+ for entry-level workers or CISSP for experienced professionals, are often preferred by employers. Analysts can eventually advance to leadership positions, such as chief security officer, or specialize in areas like systems auditing. 

6. Medical and Health Services Managers

What Do Health Services Managers Do?

Medical and health services managers plan, direct, and coordinate healthcare services. They can manage entire facilities, specific departments, or group medical practices. Responsibilities vary by role, with nursing home administrators overseeing facilities, clinical managers focusing on specialty areas, and health information managers ensuring patient records' accuracy and security. 

Salaries vary according to industry, with managers in government roles earning $132,620, hospitals at $130,690, and outpatient care centers at around $106,990, to name a couple examples. 

Key Traits of Health Services Managers:

• Systems thinking and top-notch organizational skills help when it comes to managing complex tasks, like scheduling and billing in large facilities. 

• Leadership skills are critical for hiring, training, and motivating staff while fostering a productive work environment.

• Technical fluency is part of the job description. It's important for managers to stay current with healthcare technologies, including coding systems and electronic health records, to support facility operations.

How Do You Become a Health Services Manager?

Bachelor's or (sometimes) master's needed

Medical and health services managers typically need at least a bachelor’s degree in healthcare administration or a related field, though some positions may require a ³¾²¹²õ³Ù±ð°ù’s or doctorate in healthcare administration. Work experience in an administrative or clinical role, such as a registered nurse or medical records specialist, is often required. Certain roles, like nursing home administrator, require state-specific licensing. Optional certifications can further strengthen a candidate's qualifications.

7. Physical Therapist Assistants

What Do Physical Therapist Assistants Do?

PTAs play a hands-on role in helping patients rebuild strength and mobility after injuries or illnesses. Working under a physical therapist’s guidance, they assist with exercises, massages, and pain management techniques while tracking each patient’s progress. Their day-to-day work is all about direct care — encouraging, guiding, and adjusting treatments to support recovery. With every session, PTAs make a real impact, helping people regain independence and improve their quality of life.

Key Traits of PTAs:

• Compassion and providing empathetic care is vital when working with patients in pain. 

• Dexterity helps PTAs perform manual therapy and exercises.

• Physical stamina supports the demands of standing, kneeling, and moving throughout long workdays.

How Do You Become a PTA?

Associate degree and licensure/certification needed

Physical therapist assistants typically need an associate degree from an accredited program, which includes coursework in anatomy and clinical experience. And all states require assistants to be licensed or certified, often requiring the National Physical Therapy Exam and continuing education. Duties and scope of practice for PTAs can vary based on state regulations. 

8. Actuaries

What Do Actuaries Do?

Actuaries are, at their core, professional risk translators. They analyze data related to health trends, accidents, natural disasters, and economic shifts to help organizations make the best financial decisions. Most actuaries work in insurance, finance, or consulting, where they design policies, set pricing, and model long-term liabilities. The goal is to give companies a clear-eyed view of their financial future so they can remain stable and competitive even as circumstances change.

The median annual salary for actuaries is $125,770, with earnings ranging from under $75,240 for the lowest 10% to more than $206,430 for the highest 10%. Actuaries working in management of companies earn some of the highest wages, with median pay of $133,030, followed by finance and insurance roles at $126,830.

Key Traits of Actuaries:

• Deep mathematical fluency in probability, statistics, and calculus are the primary tools of the trade used for modeling risk and forecasting outcomes.

• Analytical thinking helps actuaries interpret large datasets and identify meaningful patterns. 

• Communication skills help when it comes to explaining technical findings to executives, clients, and stakeholders.

How Do You Become an Actuary?

Bachelor’s degree plus professional certification exams

Actuaries typically begin with a bachelor’s degree in mathematics, actuarial science, statistics, business, or a related analytical field. Coursework often includes economics, corporate finance, and data analysis. To become fully qualified, candidates must pass a series of professional certification exams, which may take several years to complete. (Many employers support this process by covering exam costs and providing study time.)

9. Operations Research Analysts

What Do Operations Research Analysts Do?

Operations research analysts turn complex problems into data-driven solutions by using mathematics, statistics, and logic to improve decision-making. They analyze challenges in industries like logistics, healthcare, and business, building models to test different strategies. From optimizing resource allocation to refining pricing and production schedules, their expertise helps organizations cut costs and boost efficiency. By simulating real-world scenarios, they provide recommendations that drive smarter operations.

The median salary for this role has increased by over $7,600 since last year's projections, which is a signal of the job's rising market value. For operation research analysts, salaries typically range from under $53,910 for the lowest 10% to over $159,280 for the top 10%. Pay varies by industry, with analysts in the federal government earning a median of $136,700, which is by far the highest of any subgroup. Those in manufacturing make $107,360, while professionals in scientific and technical services make closer to $99,600.

Key Traits of Operations Research Analysts:

• Advanced mathematical expertise in areas like statistics, calculus, and linear algebra are fundamental to developing models and methods. 

• Problem-solving skills drive the diagnosis and resolution of complex issues.

• Strong analytical instincts help analysts translate data using methods like forecasting and data mining into recommendations stakeholders can act on.

How Do You Become an Operations Research Analyst?

Bachelor's and (sometimes) a master's needed

Operations research analysts typically need at least an undergraduate degree in the field, like a bachelor’s in business or an engineering degree. Some positions may require a ³¾²¹²õ³Ù±ð°ù’s degree as well. Certain roles may require security clearances, especially for government positions. 

10. Physician Assistants

What Do Physician Assistants Do?

Physician assistants (PAs) practice medicine under the supervision of a licensed physician, but they have more of a hands-on role. They are the ones taking medical histories and conducting physical exams, ordering and interpreting diagnostic tests, and they can also prescribe medications, to name a few tasks. They also serve as patient educators, helping individuals and families understand treatment plans. In many settings, PAs are the primary point of contact for patient care.

The lowest 10% earned less than $95,240, while the top 10% earned over $182,200. Salary is highest among PAs who work in government roles ($151,470) and outpatient centers ($147,650).

Key Traits of PAs:

• Clear and compassionate communication is essential for PAs to explain medical information in patient-friendly terms. 

• Emotional stability is critical, especially in high-pressure settings like surgery or emergency care. 

• Strong interpersonal skills enable teamwork with other healthcare professionals, ensuring coordinated patient care.

How Do You Become a PA?

Master's degree needed

PAs typically need a ³¾²¹²õ³Ù±ð°ù’s degree from an accredited program, which requires a bachelor’s degree and patient care experience for admission. Bachelor's degrees in healthcare management or a related field, such as a biology degree, are the most common. A Master of Physician Assistant Studies (MPAS) is required. Licensure is required in all states and involves passing the PANCE exam. PA-C certification must be maintained with continuing education and recertification exams. 

Bonus Mention: Computer and Information Research Scientists

What Do Computer and Information Research Scientists Do?

Computer and information research scientists design innovative applications for new and existing technologies. They solve complex computing challenges in fields like business, science, and medicine. Specializations range from programming to robotics, where they explore ways for machines to interact with the physical world. 

The highest median wage for this career choice is in the software publishing sector at $237,990, followed by $166,620 in computer systems design. Research and development roles in the physical, engineering, and life sciences come in around $153,430, while federal government roles are around $123,340. 

Key Traits of Computer and Information Research Scientists:

• Interpersonal skills foster collaboration with programmers, managers, engineers, and other specialists.

• Logical thinking ensures sound reasoning when developing intricate algorithms.

• Advanced math skills are useful for tackling technical computing challenges.

How Do You Become a Computer and Information Research Scientist?

Master's needed

Computer and information research scientists typically need a ³¾²¹²õ³Ù±ð°ù’s degree in computer science, a computer engineering master's degree, or an advanced degree in a related field. Some roles, especially in the federal government, may accept candidates with only a bachelor’s degree, while others prefer a PhD. Specialization in fields like biology may be required for certain roles, such as biomedical applications.

Balancing Pay, Job Growth, and Long-Term Security

The careers on this list are growing in demand for reasons that are not going away any time soon. The aging population will continue to age. The clean energy transition is accelerating. AI is embedding itself into every industry. Cyberthreats are multiplying. These aren't short-term trends. These structural shifts will shape the labor market for decades to come. 

The most strategic career choices sit at the intersection of high demand and strong compensation. NPs and information security analysts, for example, offer both simultaneously. Physician assistants hold the highest median salary on the entire list, at $133,260, while still growing at 20%. Data scientists combine a 34% growth rate with six-figure earning potential. Even roles like solar PV installer (which don't sit at the top of the salary charts) offer consistent, reliable employment in a vital, expanding sector.

The good news is that the barriers-to-entry in these fields are lower than ever. Whether you're looking at a certificate program that gets you into renewable energy, an online associate degree leading you to a PTA career, or a fully accredited master's program for nurse practitioners, online education has made these a realistic path without requiring you to step away from work, family, or your current life.

That said, finding the right program for you matters. Degree requirements, costs, and outcomes can vary from school to school. Figuring out where to start can quickly get overwhelming. Use the program search tool below to filter programs by field and degree level—it will lead you to accredited online options from our partner colleges that will get you where you want to go, efficiently and affordably.

Trending Job Sectors and Key Drivers of Growth

The fastest-growing careers in our list above fall into three primary categories: renewable energy, healthcare, and technology, data science, and business analytics. These sectors are expanding due to shifting economic demands, demographic trends, and technological advancements. Here's why these job types are thriving:

1. Renewable Energy: The Infrastructure of the Future

2. Healthcare: Addressing an Aging Population

3. Technology, Data Science, & Business Analytics: Driving Innovation and Strategy

FAQs About the Top Jobs with High Job Security