The Best Careers for the Future: 8 Jobs With the Most Openings Through 2034
How the BLS Measures Job Openings
The BLS estimates future hiring needs by looking at total projected openings, which is a combination of two things:
- Growth openings—new jobs created as industries expand
- Replacement openings—jobs that become available when workers retire, switch fields, or leave the workforce
Most openings over the next decade come from replacement needs, not brand-new jobs. That means even fields with modest growth can still offer thousands of opportunities each year because large portions of the workforce are turning over.
For example, the field of nursing is projected to , which is only 2% higher than the national average, yet it still produces tens of thousands of openings each year because so many experienced nurses retire or shift into advanced roles.
The Best Careers for the Future
A Closer Look at These Roles
1. Home Health & Personal Care Aides
Average annual openings (2024-34): 765,800
Median annual salary: $34,900
Education pathway: High school diploma or equivalent. Some roles require short-term training or a certificate.
What do home health and personal care aides do?
Aides support people who need help with daily living so they can remain at home rather than enter long-term care facilities. Their work centers on building trust, offering routine support, and helping clients stay safe and comfortable in familiar environments.
Why demand remains strong:
- The U.S. population is aging and many older adults prefer to stay in their homes rather than move to institutional care.
- Part-time work is common in this field, which generates frequent replacement openings.
- Because the entry barrier is low, this can be an accessible path for students looking to enter the workforce quickly and build toward other healthcare credentials.
EXPERT TIP
You can start in healthcare as an aide and work your way up by adding new credentials. Many students earn an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) on their path to becoming an RN, or begin with an LPN certification before advancing into an online nursing program.
2. General & Operations Managers
Average annual openings (2024–34): 308,700
Median annual salary: $102,950
Education pathway: Bachelor’s degree in business, management, or a related field.
What do general and operations managers do?
General and operations managers keep organizations running smoothly. They oversee daily operations, manage budgets, coordinate teams, and set policies or workflows that help a business meet its goals. You’ll find them in nearly every industry, from healthcare and retail to tech startups and manufacturing.
Why demand remains strong:
- Businesses rely on operations managers to improve efficiency, handle staff supervision, and adapt to changing market needs.
- Management roles exist across many sectors and offer long-term stability.
- The rise of automation and digital tools creates more need for managers who can oversee systems, workflows, and change management.
EXPERT TIP
If you’re starting in an entry-level job, consider pairing your work experience with an online management or business management degree. It’s one of the most reliable ways to move into leadership roles and tap into higher-paying opportunities.
3. Registered Nurses
Average annual openings (2024–34): 189,100
Median annual salary: $93,600
Education pathway: Bachelor’s degree in nursing (BSN) is most common, though associate degrees and nursing diplomas also serve as paths to entry.
What do registered nurses do?
Nurses blend clinical skill with patient advocacy. They monitor health conditions, guide patients through treatment, and act as the steady point of communication among families, doctors, and care teams in fast-paced medical environments.
Why demand remains strong:
- A growing and aging population is increasing demand for healthcare services, especially for chronic conditions and long-term care.
- High turnover in healthcare and the need to replace thousands of retiring nurses each year contribute a large share of openings.
- The variety of settings (hospitals, outpatient care, home health) means entry-level opportunities are widely spread.
EXPERT TIP
If you’re aiming for a promising career now and in the future, plan for the BSN route or the RN to BSN route to take advantage of higher pay and advancement opportunities.
4. Teaching Assistants
Average annual openings (2024–34): 170,400
Median annual salary: $35,240
Education pathway: Some college coursework or an associate degree. Many states require a certification or assessment for paraprofessionals.
What do teaching assistants do?
Teaching assistants help classrooms run smoothly by giving students extra academic and behavioral support. They’re often the bridge between teachers and students, stepping in where individual attention is needed and helping maintain a stable, organized learning environment.
Why demand remains strong:
- Even though employment in this field is , the volume of replacement openings is large.
- The role serves as a practical entry point into education and can lead to further teacher credentialing.
- Schools and districts continue to need support staff who can assist with inclusive classrooms, special education support, and diverse student needs.
EXPERT TIP
If you’re drawn to teaching but aren’t ready for a full teacher pathway, starting as a teaching assistant gives you classroom experience and the option to build toward a bachelor’s in education while working.
5. Accountants & Auditors
Average annual openings (2024–34): 124,200
Median annual salary: $81,680
Education pathway: Bachelor’s degree in accounting or finance, often with certification (such as CPA) for advancement.
What do accountants and auditors do?
Accountants and auditors safeguard the financial health of an organization. They interpret financial data, identify risks, and ensure that companies follow regulations while making informed decisions about budgeting and spending.
Why demand remains strong:
- Organizations of all sizes and across all industries need financial oversight, budgeting, auditing, and risk-management expertise.
- Even with automation handling more routine tasks, demand is shifting toward analytical, advisory, and decision-support roles.
- Rising concerns around fraud prevention and financial security are driving demand for auditors who can assess systems and safeguard assets.
EXPERT TIP
If you’re interested in this role, build a solid foundation with an online degree in accounting and consider earning the CPA credential. Internships or part-time work during college can help you gain real-world experience and stand out when you begin your job search.
6. Software Developers
Average annual openings (2024–34): 115,200
Median annual salary: $133,080
Education pathway: Bachelor’s degree in computer science or software engineering. Some developers enter the field through or self-guided training.
What do software developers do?
Developers turn problems into digital solutions. They build the applications and systems people rely on, working through technical challenges and collaborating with teams to create tools that are functional, reliable, and intuitive to use.
Why demand remains strong:
- Almost every industry now depends on software, which creates an ongoing need for developers who can build and maintain digital systems.
- New specialization areas (AI tools, cloud computing, cybersecurity, data engineering) contribute to growth openings.
- As organizations continue shifting toward automation and data-driven operations, developers play a central role in building the technology behind those processes.
EXPERT TIP
If you're aiming for this field, start building a portfolio early that includes class projects, personal apps, or open-source contributions. Pairing an online computer science degree with certifications in areas like cloud computing or data analytics can open even more doors.
7. Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder & Mental Health Counselors
Average annual openings (2024–34): 48,300
Median annual salary: $59,190
Education pathway: Bachelor’s degree in psychology, counseling, or social work. Most states require a master’s degree for licensure as a mental health counselor.
What do these counselors do?
Counselors guide people through mental health, addiction, or behavioral challenges by offering structured support and long-term coping strategies. Their work is rooted in listening, relationship-building, and helping clients regain stability at vulnerable moments.
Why demand remains strong:
- The need for accessible mental health and addiction services continues to grow, especially among young adults.
- More people are seeking treatment due to expanded insurance coverage, reduced stigma, and rising awareness of mental health needs.
- creates ample replacement openings each year.
EXPERT TIP
If you're interested in this path, consider starting with an online social work degree. You can then begin working in supportive roles while pursuing a master’s in social work, which is the most direct route to becoming a licensed counselor with higher earning potential.
8. Lawyers
Average annual openings (2024–34): 31,500
Median annual salary: $151,160
Education pathway: Bachelor’s degree followed by a Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school. Must pass the state bar exam to practice.
What do lawyers do?
Lawyers interpret the law and use it to resolve disputes, protect clients’ rights, and guide decisions that carry financial, personal, or social consequences. Their work spans research, strategy, and advocacy across a wide range of specialties.
Why demand remains strong:
- Legal needs span every sector, which creates ongoing demand for skilled attorneys.
- Emerging areas like privacy law, cybersecurity, AI regulation, and compliance are expanding career pathways for new graduates.
- Steady levels of civil and commercial litigation continue to drive demand for lawyers who can manage disputes and represent clients.
EXPERT TIP
If you’re thinking about law school, you can begin by building experience in the field. Many students start with a paralegal certificate or an associate degree in paralegal studies, which offer practical exposure to legal work and help strengthen future JD applications.
Degree vs. Non-Degree Pathways: What This Means for Job Seekers
One of the biggest takeaways from the BLS data is that there isn’t just one way into a stable, future-focused career. Some of the roles with the highest projected openings, like home health aides or teaching assistants, have low barriers to entry and allow you to start working quickly. These paths can be appealing if you’re trying to earn income while training for your next step.
At the same time, many careers offering long-term growth, such as software developers, registered nurses, and accountants, typically require a degree. For these fields, formal education often leads to advancement opportunities and higher salaries.
The good news is that these pathways can connect. You can start in a non-degree role and build credentials over time. For example, a home health aide can train into LPN or RN programs, while a teaching assistant can pursue an education degree.
Choosing the Right Career Path for You
Choosing the right path starts with understanding what kind of work feels natural to you. The best careers for the future differ in their daily expectations, so think about the environments where you thrive and the training you’re willing to take on.
It also helps to look at the skills you want to build. Many high-demand roles rely on communication, digital literacy, and analytical thinking. These high-value skills can make it easier to change directions later or grow into specialized, higher-paying roles over time.
Most importantly, choose a career that supports the kind of life you want. Some jobs offer predictable schedules, while others involve shift work, client interaction, or project-based timelines. When your career aligns with your long-term goals, it’s easier to stay motivated and build momentum.
If you're ready to take the next step, explore popular online degree programs to see which paths match your goals and interests.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which industries have the most job openings over the next decade?
Healthcare, education, and skilled trades are projected to generate the most openings through 2034, making them promising choices for steady hiring.
How do I choose a career that fits my strengths and goals?
Consider the type of work that comes naturally to you, such as people-focused, hands-on, analytical, or tech-driven tasks. From there, look for career paths that align with the training you’re willing to pursue and the environments where you do your best work.
Do I need a college degree to qualify for the best careers for the future?
Not always. Many high-opening roles start with certificates or associate degrees, though bachelor’s and master’s programs offer access to higher-paying and more advanced positions.
What are the best careers to change into in your 30s or 40s?
Careers with clear entry points, like healthcare support roles, teaching assistants, counseling, and some tech paths, tend to be accessible and in demand for adult learners.
What skills should I focus on for long-term job security?
Communication skills, digital literacy, and problem-solving remain valuable across fields. These high-value skills help you stay adaptable as industries evolve.