Emerging Career Trends: Jobs That Will Be in Demand in the Next Decade

Share this post:

Emerging Career Trends: Jobs That Will Be in Demand in the Next Decade

Upcoming Career Trends: In-Demand Jobs for the Next Decade

By 2030, various careers and industries are expected to see increased demand due to multiple factors. A significant area of growth will be the technology sector, with the United States leading the global market and holding a 33% share. This leadership is projected to continue, driven by the rising need for technological advancements and innovations. Career trends indicate that roles in tech will be particularly sought after, reflecting the sector’s critical role in future developments.
Simultaneously, as the U.S. population expands, the demand for services in healthcare, food service, arts and entertainment, and other sectors also surges. This population upsurge engenders escalated waste, pollution, and resource utilization, with manufacturing facilities significantly contributing to global gas emissions and climate alteration. Consequently, there is an increasing necessity for careers in environmental protection, some of which are yet to be conceived.

Tech Industry Jobs:

The technology sector represents one of the fastest-growing industries globally and in the U.S. due to the increasing reliance of society on online spaces. This growth has led to an expansion in tech job opportunities, including roles such as computer programmers, information security analysts, software developers, and network administrators. The constant advancements in technology not only create new job opportunities but also make some roles obsolete, thus ensuring the industry remains dynamic and ever-changing. As per the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), it is projected that information technology jobs will grow by approximately 13% from 2020 to 2030, which is significantly higher than the national average of 8%. The demand for tech professionals will be particularly high in areas such as cloud storage, data management, and information security. Notably, information security analysts and computer and information research scientists are expected to see impressive growth rates of 33% and 22% respectively. Furthermore, tech jobs often offer higher wages, with the median annual salary for IT and computing jobs at $97,430, which is more than double the national median wage of $45,760. Although education requirements for tech jobs vary, the industry provides numerous well-paying positions for individuals with a bachelor’s degree. Moreover, certain roles such as computer support specialists may even accept self-taught individuals without formal degrees. Continuous development of new educational programs in information technology aims to adequately train candidates for these promising roles.

Food Service Careers:

The expansion of the U.S. populace is driving the need for food service positions in various establishments including restaurants, fast food outlets, cafes, takeout services, and bars. This growth is attributed in part to the food service industry’s rebound from closures and staff reductions resulting from the impact of COVID-19. The demand is further fueled by the convenience of food delivery services for a bustling workforce. According to the BLS, it is foreseen that food service employment will escalate by 17% by 2030. Among the rapidly growing roles are bartenders, cooks, and servers, expected to see growth rates of 32%, 26%, and 20%, respectively. However, despite this rapid expansion, wages in the food service sector remain relatively modest, with a median wage of $25,980 in 2021. The median salaries for bartenders and cooks are $26,350 and $29,120, respectively, whereas managerial positions generally command slightly higher compensation. Typically, food service positions do not mandate post-secondary education, as most of the necessary training is provided on the job. These roles are commonly favored by young individuals in high school or college, as they are often part-time and necessitate minimal prior experience or training. The work environment is usually fast-paced and physically demanding, with schedules spanning weekends, holidays, evenings, and early mornings.

Healthcare Industry Jobs:

The healthcare industry encompasses a wide array of professions, many of which are expected to expand due to an aging population and the long-term effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. According to the BLS, healthcare jobs are projected to grow by 16% by 2030, with approximately 2.6 million new positions anticipated. Among the fastest-growing roles are nurse practitioners (45% growth), occupational therapy assistants (34% growth), home health aides (33% growth), and phlebotomists (22% growth). Salaries in the healthcare field vary significantly, ranging from $163,220 for dentists to $29,430 for home health aides. Educational prerequisites also differ, with physicians requiring doctoral degrees, occupational therapists and nurse practitioners needing master’s degrees, and registered nurses and dietitians holding bachelor’s degrees. Certain healthcare positions, such as pharmacy technicians and home health aides, are accessible with a high school diploma.

Arts and Entertainment Careers:

The arts and entertainment sector is projected to experience growth, fueled by increased investment in creating joy, providing escapism, and offering learning opportunities. According to the BLS, there is expected to be significant expansion in various entertainment jobs by 2030. Special effects artists, producers, directors, film and video editors, and actors are anticipated to experience growth rates of 16%, 24%, 29%, and 32%, respectively. Salaries in the entertainment industry vary, with producers and directors earning a median salary of $79,000, and video editors earning $60,360. Educational requirements also differ, with many positions accessible to individuals with a high school diploma, while others, such as animators and producers, typically require a bachelor’s degree.

Education Careers: 

The field of education continues to demonstrate a consistent demand for new professionals, attributed to the expanding U.S. population. According to the BLS, it is projected that approximately 920,500 new positions in the education sector will be created by 2030. While the overall growth rate for education jobs stands at 10%, specific roles such as archivists, postsecondary teachers, and instructional coordinators are anticipated to experience faster growth rates of 19%, 12%, and 10% respectively.  In terms of remuneration, educators generally command salaries higher than the national median, with a median salary of $57,220 in 2021. Postsecondary teachers and instructional coordinators receive median salaries of $79,640 and $63,740, respectively. The majority of education positions necessitate at least a bachelor’s degree, with some requiring a master’s or doctoral degree. Additionally, teachers are required to obtain certification, typically through state-specific standardized exams and teacher training programs.  

Travel and Transportation Jobs:

With the easing of COVID-19 restrictions, we anticipate a surge in travel and transportation jobs to meet the heightened demand. According to the BLS, there is expected to be substantial job growth for passenger vehicle drivers, airline and commercial pilots, and flight attendants by 2030, with growth rates of 25%, 13%, and 30% respectively. Most positions in the travel industry typically do not require extensive formal education, with many roles accessible to individuals with a high school diploma. However, becoming a pilot necessitates extensive training, including flight instruction and the attainment of a bachelor’s degree. Salaries in this sector vary, with passenger vehicle drivers earning an average of $37,540, flight attendants earning around $60,000, and pilots earning an annual average of $134,630.  

Environmental Careers:

The current demand for environmental careers is being propelled by the pressing need to address climate change. Although the Bureau of Labor Statistics anticipates average growth for environmental jobs, these positions play a pivotal role in the effort to combat climate change. Environmental scientists, conservation scientists, foresters, and environmental science technicians are poised to experience growth rates ranging from 5% to 11% by 2030. Salaries for environmental careers exhibit variability, with environmental science technicians earning $47,370 and zoologists earning $64,650 in 2021. Most environmental jobs necessitate post-secondary education, typically a bachelor’s degree, although some technician roles require an associate’s degree. These occupations often encompass fieldwork and may be situated within non-profit conservation agencies or companies with a focus on environmental compliance.

Conclusion

In the next decade, various sectors are set to experience significant growth and transformation, presenting a myriad of career opportunities. The technology sector continues to lead, driven by society’s increasing reliance on digital spaces and innovations in data management and security. Meanwhile, the healthcare industry is expanding rapidly due to an aging population and ongoing public health challenges, ensuring a steady demand for skilled professionals. The food service and arts and entertainment industries are poised for growth as well, fueled by changing consumer preferences and the post-pandemic rebound. Education remains a vital sector, necessitating skilled educators to meet the needs of a growing population. Moreover, the easing of travel restrictions is expected to boost jobs in the travel and transportation industry. Environmental careers are becoming increasingly crucial, reflecting the urgent need to combat climate change and promote sustainability. As these trends unfold, individuals can explore diverse pathways in sectors that align with their skills and interests, embracing opportunities for growth and innovation across these evolving industries. The upcoming decade promises to reshape the workforce landscape, offering exciting prospects for career advancement and development.

Read More-

 

Leave A Comment

More Posts

Send Us A Message