The future is always uncertain, but there are some careers that are expected to be in high demand for many years to come. If you want to make sure that your career is in high demand for the foreseeable future, then consider one of these ten careers!
We discuss future careers as well as the necessary skills to pursue them. We also cover certain trends that we notice will influence how we work in the future.
Check out my other Education Articles for even more information.
- What are the best careers for the future?
- 1. Nurses, pharmacist and doctors (healthcare)
- 2. Teachers (education)
- 3. Renewable energy experts
- 4. Computer/web developers, information security analysts and IT professionals (technology)
- 5. Legal professions such as lawyers (law)
- 6. Accountants and auditors (finance)
- 7. Engineers and architects
- 8. Artists, writers, producers and directors (media/entertainment)
- 9. Skilled tradespeople (construction)
- 10. Police officers and security experts (public safety)
- Projected employement increase by degree:
- What technologies will be in high demand in the next few years?
- How can you prepare for a career in technology?
- The future of work and possible trends
- What should you do if you’re not sure what career to pursue?
- Best careers for the future – Summary
What are the 10 best careers to have for the future?
The 10 careers that will be in high demand going forward will be across a wide array of fields. These include:
1. Nurses, pharmacists, and doctors (healthcare)
Healthcare, not surprisingly, will continue to play a growing role in society. Healthcare professionals such as registered nurses and doctors are in high demand, and with an aging population, this is only going to continue to grow.
- Registered nurse
- Physical therapists/physical therapy
- Health services manager
- Physician assistant
- Occupational therapists
But don’t overlook other employment opportunities in healthcare such as pharmacy technicians and medical assistants, and health services managers.
2. Teachers (education)
The teaching profession is expected to be in high demand going forward. In the US, elementary and secondary schools will add over 100,000 new teachers by 2026.
With increasing population growth projections over the next several years, we’ll need more elementary school teachers than ever before. If you’re interested in educating kids or adults and mentoring them along the way, then think about becoming a teacher!
Low initial teacher pay continues to be an issue across many school districts, but the best teachers are often able to make a comfortable living with good benefits.
To become a teacher, you’ll need a bachelor’s degree and a teaching certificate from your state. Depending on what you want to teach and what age group, there may be additional requirements.
3. Renewable energy experts
We’ve been hearing about the expanding field of renewable energy for years, and it shows no sign of slowing down. Job growth in the area of renewable energy is expected to grow between 52% and 68% from 2020 to the year 2030, depending on the job.
There are many jobs in the area of renewable energy, such as solar panel installers and wind turbine technicians. If you have an interest in helping to shape a more sustainable future with clean energy, this may be the best career for you!
To get started on your path towards a job of the future in renewable energy, check out local community colleges that offer training programs. You can also find a technical school as well as get on-the-job training.
4. Computer/web developers, information security analysts, and IT professionals (technology)
IT professionals such as web developers and information security analysts are two areas in the IT field that are expected to see an increase in demand. These careers are best suited to people who are interested in problem-solving and staying up-to-date with the latest technology trends.
- Software development and web developer
- Data science
- Database administrator
- Computer systems analysts
- Computer science
If you have an interest in working with computers, then one of these jobs may be a good fit for you! You’ll need at least a bachelor’s degree plus some technical training for these jobs.
With the ever-growing use of technology, there is no end in sight to the need for IT professionals.
5. Legal professions such as lawyers (law)
The legal profession consists of mediators, lawyers, judges, paralegals, and legal assistants, among others. While all these careers are expected to increase, the highest demand will be for paralegals and legal assistants.
A paralegal is a great career choice if you are interested in law but don’t want to go to law school. An associate’s degree or certificate from a paralegal program is typically required.
As a paralegal, you can expect to make around $50,000 per year or more depending on where you live and your level of experience.
These jobs will be best suited to people who have an interest in law and enjoy working with others. You’ll need at least an associate’s degree or a bachelor’s degree and some on-the-job training to get started.
6. Accountants and auditors (finance)
Accountants and auditors work with financial records. They are responsible for ensuring that financial records are accurate and comply with laws and regulations. They also help to ensure that companies are run efficiently and profitably.
The best part about being an accountant or auditor is that the job growth outlook is good! The employment of accountants and auditors is projected to grow about 7% over the next decade. This growth is attributed to the increasing complexity of financial regulations and the need for more accurate and timely financial information
- Financial managers
- Market research analysts
- Financial analysts
- Accountant
For these professions, you’ll need at least a bachelor’s degree in accounting or a related field, such as business administration. Certifications such as a licensed Certified Public Accountant (CPA) might enhance job prospects.
These jobs will be best suited to people who have an interest in finance and enjoy working with numbers.
7. Engineers and architects
Engineering is another field that is expected to see sustained growth in the years ahead. Engineers are needed to design the various products that we use on a daily basis, and there will continue to be new products that need to be designed and manufactured. Engineers help to plan, design, build and maintain various structures, such as buildings and bridges.
Most engineers need a bachelor’s degree in engineering. However, there are some jobs, such as technician, that require only an associate’s degree.
The employment opportunities in architecture and engineering fields are expected to rise 6 percent from 2020 to 2030, around as quickly as the average for all occupations.
8. Artists, writers, producers, and directors (media/entertainment)
Careers in the media sector such as writers or producers are expected to grow in the next decade. With the advent of new technologies, there is an ever-growing demand for people who can create content for various platforms such as TV, movies, and the internet.
Many producers start their careers as assistants or interns and then work their way up the ladder. A bachelor’s degree in a related field is typically required.
These jobs will be best suited to people who have an interest in writing, producing, and directing.
9. Skilled tradespeople (construction)
The skilled trades are always in high demand, and this is not going to change anytime soon. Skilled workers are needed for everything from construction to manufacturing. If you know a trade, then you will be in high demand no matter what the future holds.
The skilled trades include carpenters, electricians, equipment operators, drywall and flooring installers, masonry work, and so on.
Construction workers followed by electricians will see the greatest amount of new job growth in this field.
Skilled trades are best suited for people who enjoy working with their hands and building things. Skilled trades are best suited to people who have at least a high school education, but will need an apprenticeship. Some will also need licensing in their field.
These jobs will be best suited to people who want to work with their hands and don’t mind getting dirty
10. Police officers and security experts (public safety)
Police officers and detectives work in the public safety sector. They are responsible for enforcing the law and keeping people safe. Security experts work in a variety of industries to protect people, property, and information.
Both police officers and security experts typically need anywhere from a high school diploma to a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice or a related field. Plus, graduating from a training academy will be required.
Police officers and security experts will continue to be in high demand in the years ahead as there will always be a need to keep people safe.
These jobs are best suited to people who have an interest in protecting communities and keeping people safe.
Projected employment increase by degree:
Here we show where the largest increase in employment is expected to be seen broken down by degree level over the next decade. This data is pulled from the U.S. Bureau Of Labor Statistics.
- Master’s degree – +16.4%
- Associate’s Degree – +10.5%
- Bachelor’s degree – +9.9%
- Some college, no degree – 3%
As you can see from the data above, those with a master’s degree are projected to see their employment opportunities rise by over 16% in the next ten years.
Interestingly, the labor force of older Americans is expected to grow tremendously over the next decade. This is partly due to baby boomers retiring, and partly due to the increasing life expectancy of Americans. As a result, many industries such as healthcare and social assistance are expected to see large growth.
What technologies will be in high demand in the next few years?
In the next decade, employment in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) occupations is expected to rise almost twice as fast as all jobs due to technological advancements.
5 of these technologies include:
- Artificial Intelligence (AI)
- Augmented reality/Virtual Reality (AR/VR)
- Cybersecurity
- Internet of Things (IoT) and smart devices
- 5G – 5th gen. mobile network
We look at these technologies briefly below.
1. Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning
- Every industry will be impacted by AI and machine learning in the future.
- AI is being used to make decisions for humans in many areas such as finance, healthcare, transportation, and manufacturing.
- Jobs that will be impacted by AI include accountants, radiologists, human resources professionals, and truck drivers.
2. Augmented Reality/Virtual Reality (AR/VR)
- AR/VR is best known for its use in creating video games, but apps are also being developed for education, healthcare, and other areas.
- AR/VR is best suited to people who have an interest in technology and love working with their hands.
3. Cybersecurity
- A Cybersecurity expert work to protect our data by identifying vulnerabilities that hackers could use to gain unauthorized access.
- Cybersecurity professionals are best suited for people who have an interest in technology and math, as well as problem-solving skills.
4. Internet of Things (IoT) and smart devices
- Everything from appliances to entire cities are becoming smarter thanks to IoT-connected devices.
- The demand for IoT experts is expected to rise as we become more and more connected.
5. 5G – 5th generation mobile network
- 5G technology is the next step in mobile networks and will provide even faster speeds than what we have today.
- It is expected to provide speeds up to 100 times faster than current networks. This provides the opportunity for IoT devices to explode more into our daily lives; think about everything around you connected to the network.
“Computer occupations as a group are projected to grow about 3 times as fast as the average between 2019 and 2029 at 11.5 percent.” – bls.gov
As we are connected more and more by our devices, expanding technologies such as the Internet of Things (IoT), artificial intelligence (AI), and 5G are expected to create a surge in demand for engineers, software developers, and other professionals.
These growing technologies will play an increasing part in our everyday lives and represent the best and most exciting career opportunities for those who have an interest in technology.
So there you have it! These are just a few of the technologies that will be in high demand in the next few years. The best way to stay ahead of these trends is to continue learning and upgrading your skills.
How can you prepare for a career in technology?
To ensure you will be properly prepared for a career in technology, it is best to start with a strong foundation in mathematics and science. You can then build on this knowledge by taking courses in computer programming, networking, and other related subjects.
- Look at your own interests and see where they might match up in a certain area of technology.
- Take advantage of the myriad of ways to learn today such as online courses, boot camps, etc.
- Be adaptable and have a willingness to learn. Technology changes rapidly, so it is important to be able to adapt and upgrade your skills as needed.
The future of work and possible trends
Technology allows for a more individualized level of service to be customized and delivered right in our hands, or on our portable devices.
The future of work will certainly involve us being more connected to and with our devices than ever before.
This trend might enable a more employee-centered work environment over a company-centered environment. This could lead to more people working from home, or at least from anywhere.
It may also be possible that we have a shift in the overall mindset of employees. Work will not just be seen as another obligation but rather a way for people to do what they love and are best suited for. In this case, work might become more personal.
What should you do if you’re not sure what career to pursue?
Many students have no idea what career they want to pursue in the future. That’s okay. If you are also one who isn’t sure, there are a few things you can do to help narrow it down:
- Talk to people in various careers and ask them what their job is like on a day-to-day basis. See the bls.gov interviews section.
- Attend job fairs and meet with professionals in various careers to ask them questions about their work.
- Research different careers and what type of education and training is needed for each one.
- Try a self-assessment career exploration tool such as O*NET Interest Profiler. This tool asks a series of questions about your interests to help narrow down possible career fields.
Best careers for the future – Summary
While it can be hard to predict exactly what will happen in the next ten years, one thing is certain: those who upgrade their skills and continue with ongoing education are best positioned to succeed.
Thanks for reading best careers for the future. We hope this article was enlightening and helped you find new ideas about the best careers for the next decade!