eeling stuck about what professional direction to take? In a rapidly changing world, choosing the right career is more important than ever. With advancements in technology, shifts in the global economy, and evolving industry demands, some jobs are becoming more valuable while others are fading away.
Whether you’re entering the workforce for the first time or considering a career change, it’s crucial to focus on fields with strong growth potential, job security, and competitive salaries.
In this article, we will look at ten of the best careers, and hopefully you will find one that piques your interest! These careers are the best in terms of:
- Stability
- Opportunity
- Industry trends
Let’s get started and choose the best career for your future!
Healthcare, Software, and More!
Exploring Various Careers and Seeing Which One is Right for You
Let’s take a look at these top ten careers to consider, and see if one is the right fit. Many of the best careers will probably require schooling, although the degrees of which may vary. Keep this in mind as we explore.
Wind Energy Technicians
This career may seem random, but in terms of future job security, wind energy-related jobs are one of the nation’s fastest-growing fields. Per the Bureau of Labor Statistics, wind energy technicians have a 60% growth projected between 2023-2033. As the push for renewable energy intensifies, the demand for professionals capable of installing and maintaining wind turbines is surging. As long as the federal government keeps the push for renewable energy, wind energy is a safe career choice for the future. If you want to travel abroad, Denmark has one of the largest turbine manufacturers globally. If you would rather stay in the US, NextEra Energy is one of the largest renewable energy companies that builds and operates wind farms!
Data Scientists
This probably comes as less of a surprise as there is an increasing reliance on big data across industries. This makes it a necessity for professionals who can analyze and interpret complex data. Data scientists analyze data to make meaningful conclusions for businesses and organizations. This requires a heavy math, computer, and analytical background, as well as the ability to communicate and collaborate effectively. This job has a six-figure median salary and skyrocketing job growth, with a 41.7% increase in employment within the professional, scientific, and technical services sectors. If you're looking for data scientist roles in the U.S., there are plenty of opportunities across different industries. Data science is huge in financial modeling, fraud detection, and risk analysis, so companies like Goldman Sachs, JPMorgan Chase, and Visa are perfect. Companies like Pfizer and Moderna use data science for drug discoveries and patient analytics. Big companies like Google, Amazon, and Meta lead in cloud computing and machine learning.
Nurse Practitioner
An aging population is driving the need for professionals who can provide clinical expertise and focus on disease prevention and health management. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a remarkable 46% growth in employment between 2023 and 2033. In the United States, the median annual wage was $129,480 per year, making it a high-paying career. This would require becoming a registered nurse and typically this involves earning a Master of Science in Nursing.
Physical Therapist
On the same note, as the demand for healthcare services continues to rise, physical therapists are becoming more essential than ever. With an aging population and a growing focus on rehabilitation and preventative care, physical therapy is a career with strong job security and high earning potential. With a median annual salary of $97,710 and a projected growth of 14 percent from 2023 to 2033 (which is much faster than the average for all occupations), being a physical therapist is a great choice for the future. Physical therapists entering the occupation need a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree. If you are interested in physical therapy, there are a number of options across different settings. Hospitals and rehab centers, like Mayo Clinic and ATI Physical Therapy respectively, are clear choices. However, you can also consider working with the elderly, athletes, or children if you would prefer a more specialized PT career. There are many different ways you can develop your job in PT!
Software Developer
As technology continues to evolve, the demand for innovative software solutions has increased tremendously. Companies in all kinds of different industries are looking to transform digitally, making software development one of the most sought-after jobs worldwide. The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates a projected 300,000 new job openings, making this a great career to consider. Typically, this kind of work requires a bachelor’s degree in computer science if this is a career you may be considering.
Restaurant Cook
If these first eight jobs seemed a little intimidating, or if you have no interest in the STEM field, maybe give cooking a chance! The employment of cooks is projected to be just under 10%, still a noticeable growth within the next ten years. Over 400,000 cook jobs are projected each year, mostly due to retiring. If you have a culinary passion and wish for job security over pay, being a restaurant cook could be your calling! Though some chefs go to culinary school, it is certainly not required for the career. There are a number of companies where you can use your cooking talents. From hotels and resorts to local restaurants, and even private chefs, there are a number of different paths you can take.
Physician Assistant
A PA is a licensed medical professional who provides routine patient care with similar responsibilities as an MD, but with a requirement to operate under the supervision of physicians and surgeons. The employment landscape for PAs is exceptionally promising. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 28% growth in PA employment from 2023 to 2033, a rate significantly higher than the average for all occupations. This surge is expected to result in approximately 12,900 job openings annually over the decade, driven by factors such as an aging population and an increased emphasis on cost-effective healthcare delivery.
Actuary
Actuaries are professionals who analyze financial risks using mathematics, statistics, and financial theory, primarily serving the insurance industry. Actuaries make around $120,000 annually and have a projected growth rate of 21.8% within the decade. This is a great option if you have a strong statistical or mathematical background and are looking for a high paying career with good job security. The largest employers of actuaries are insurance companies, like MetLife, State Farm, and Allstate. You can also work with consulting firms, financial services, or government agencies. You have a lot of flexibility with this career to use your talents and interests where they are most needed!
Artificial Intelligence
AI is currently at the forefront of technological innovation, and has applications in numerous sectors, making it a pretty versatile career. Whether or not you agree with the implications of AI, there is a great demand for experts in the field, and it has a projected growth rate of 21%. The demand for AI roles spans multiple industries, including healthcare, finance, automotive, and technology. If you have a strong background in computer science, mathematics, and data analysis, this may be the career for you.
Human Resource Specialist
HR professionals play a vital role in managing an organization's workforce, encompassing functions such as recruitment, employee relations, compensation, and benefits administration. If you have a bachelor’s in human resources, business, or another related field, this career is perfect. The annual median pay is $67,650, and there is a projected growth rate of 9%. With about 80,000 openings, this is a job that you can get into without worry of pay or security. This is a perfect career if you have strong communication skills, as well as a strong background in reading and writing.
And there you have it! These are the ten best jobs to consider with interests, talents, pay, and security in mind. If you feel stuck on what to do next, try to imagine yourself in any of these potential careers and see which one fits best!
