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Occupations with the Highest Job Growth

A Closer Look at These In-Demand Roles

1. Wind Turbine Service Technicians

What Do Wind Turbine Technicians Do?

Wind turbine technicians, or windtechs, are key players in renewable energy. They convert wind energy into electricity by maintaining and repairing turbines. This includes duties like inspecting towers, performing routine maintenance, troubleshooting systems, and replacing parts. While turbines have electronic monitoring systems, technicians must climb towers to address issues, using specialized tools, computers, and safety harnesses.

Entry-level technicians typically start at $47,360, while experienced professionals can earn over $90,300. Industry matters: machinery wholesalers pay the highest ($79,610), followed by wind power generation ($61,860).

Key Traits of Windtechs:

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

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

• Flexibility is an important characteristic as most windtechs work full-time and may need to respond to calls on evenings or weekends, reflecting the job's importance in maintaining energy infrastructure.

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 training for specific models. Certification isn’t required but can improve job prospects by demonstrating skills in safety, climbing, and rescue.

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. At job sites, installers use tools like drills, saws, and screwdrivers to ensure proper setup, often following building codes.

The median salary ($48,800) is slightly above the median for all U.S. occupations ($48,060). Entry-level workers in the lowest 10% earned less than $37,920, while top earners in the highest 10% made over $73,560.

Key Traits of PV Installers:

• Attention to detail ensures systems are installed correctly and function properly. Math skills are important for calculating angles, measurements, and areas. 

• Mechanical aptitude supports working with electrical and mechanical equipment to build structures, connect panels, and troubleshoot issues.

• The desire to be busy is a helpful trait. Most installers work full-time, reflecting the steady demand for solar energy installations in growing industries.

How Do You Become a PV Installer?

High school diploma and training needed

Most PV installers start with 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 to project management, sales roles, or start their own businesses.

3. Nurse Practitioners

What Do Nurse Practitioners Do?

Nurse practitioners (NPs) are advanced practice registered nurses who serve as primary and specialty care providers. They assess patients, diagnose illnesses, prescribe medications, and create treatment plans. NPs often focus on specific populations, such as pediatrics, geriatrics, or mental health. NPs play a critical role in patient-centered care, tailoring treatment to individual needs and empowering patients to lead healthier lives.

Salaries vary by industry, with NPs in outpatient care centers earning the most at $136,920, followed by those in hospitals ($136,050) and physicians’ offices ($126,270). The top 10% of salaries exceeded $211,820.

Key Traits of NPs:

• Critical-thinking abilities allow them to assess health changes, determine appropriate actions, and seek consultations when needed.

• Compassion is essential for providing empathetic care to patients. 

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

How Do You Become an NP?

Master's needed

To become a nurse practitioner (NP), you must first earn a registered nurse (RN) license, followed by at least a ³¾²¹²õ³Ù±ð°ù’s degree in nursing. Many programs prefer candidates with a bachelor’s in nursing as well, but bridge programs exist for RNs with associate degrees. 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, using tools and techniques like machine learning, data cleaning, and statistical modeling. Their work often begins with gathering raw data from sources like surveys or web scraping, followed by structuring it for analysis. Using data visualization tools, they present findings as charts or maps to communicate with both technical and nontechnical audiences, enabling better business strategies and process improvements. 

Entry-level positions in the lowest 10% earned below $61,070, while the top 10% made over $184,090. Salaries vary by industry, with the highest pay earned by those in scientific research and development services ($126,430).

Key Traits of Data Scientists:

• Strong analytical skills are essential for researching, interpreting findings, and deriving meaningful insights. 

• 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. 

How Do You Become a Data Scientist?

Bachelor's or master's needed

To become a data scientist, you'll need a bachelor’s in mathematics, a master's in statistics, or a degree in a related field. Many employers prefer a ³¾²¹²õ³Ù±ð°ù’s or even a doctoral degree. 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?

Information security analysts, often referred to as cyber analysts or ethical hackers, safeguard organizations' computer networks and systems by planning and implementing security measures. Their work involves monitoring networks for breaches, investigating incidents, and employing tools like firewalls and encryption software to protect sensitive data. 

Salaries vary by industry, with analysts in the information sector earning $133,530 and those in finance and insurance making $126,230. The lowest 10% of earners made under $69,210, while the top 10% earned over $182,370.

Key Traits of Cyber Analysts:

• Creativity helps analysts anticipate potential risks and design innovative strategies to safeguard systems.

• Problem-solving skills are vital for responding to security alerts, identifying vulnerabilities, and resolving system and network issues effectively.

• 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 degree in 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 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, also known as healthcare administrators or executives, plan, direct, and coordinate healthcare services. They 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 by industry, with managers in hospitals earning $128,740, government roles at $125,590, and outpatient care centers at around $104,710.

Key Traits of Health Services Managers:

• Organization 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 expertise ensures managers 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 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. Licenses are mandatory for certain roles, like nursing home administrators, with requirements varying by state. Optional certifications can also enhance qualifications.

7. Physician Assistants

What Do Physician Assistants Do?

Physician assistants (PAs) examine, diagnose, and treat patients under a physician's supervision. They review medical histories, perform physical exams, order and interpret diagnostic tests, and diagnose illnesses or injuries. PAs provide treatments like setting fractures, stitching wounds, prescribing medications, and administering vaccinations. They also counsel patients and families on health management and track patient progress.

The lowest 10% earned less than $86,280, while the top 10% earned over $170,790. Salaries vary by industry, with PAs in outpatient care centers earning a median of $141,050 and those in hospitals making around $134,120.

Key Traits of PAs:

• Effective 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. 

8. 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. Collaborating with engineers and scientists, their contributions lead to advancements in areas like machine learning, cloud computing, and information security.

Salaries vary by industry, with the highest median wage in software publishing at $233,110, followed by $172,190 in research and development. Federal government roles offered $119,480, and positions in colleges and universities averaged $82,360.

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.

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

• Dexterity helps assistants 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 needed

Physical therapist assistants typically need an associate degree from an accredited program, which includes coursework in anatomy and clinical experience. 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. 

10. Operations Research Analysts

What Do Operations Research Analysts Do?

Operations research analysts turn complex problems into data-driven solutions, 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 insights help organizations cut costs and boost efficiency. By simulating real-world scenarios, they provide clear, actionable recommendations that drive smarter, more effective operations.

Salaries typically range from under $52,930 for the lowest 10% to over $148,920 for the top 10%. Pay varies by industry, with analysts in the federal government earning a median of $130,670, those in manufacturing making $108,410, and professionals in finance and insurance earning $83,240. 

Key Traits of Operations Research Analysts:

• Advanced math 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 skills help analysts interpret data using methods like forecasting and data mining.

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. 

Balancing Pay, Job Growth, and Security

Careers that offer both job security and strong pay provide the best foundation for long-term stability, but finding this balance requires understanding the connection between job growth and earning potential. High job growth indicates strong demand, reducing the risk of layoffs and increasing opportunities for advancement.

Many of the roles on this list, such as nurse practitioners and information security analysts, reflect industries experiencing long-term expansion, where skilled professionals remain in constant demand. Meanwhile, salary plays an equally critical role — ensuring that stability also comes with financial sustainability. While some high-growth careers, such as solar photovoltaic installers, may not top the salary charts, they provide consistent employment in essential sectors, while others, like data science, combine rapid growth with six-figure earnings.

For those looking to enter these fields, online education provides a flexible, accessible path. Whether pursuing an associate degree for physical therapist assistants or a ³¾²¹²õ³Ù±ð°ù’s for data scientists, online programs make career transitions possible without major life disruptions. In an era of automation and economic shifts, choosing a career with strong demand and realistic educational pathways is crucial for long-term success.

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: Meeting Sustainability Goals

2. Healthcare: Addressing an Aging Population

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

Many of these careers offer high job security, strong salaries, and clear educational pathways, making them promising choices for those entering the workforce or seeking a career change.