What are the 10 fastest growing jobs in the USA (with salaries)

Planning for the future starts with knowing which jobs are in high demand. The Bureau of Labor Statistics recently published its list of the fastest growing occupations and renewable energy leads the way.

Explore the top 10 fastest growing careers in the United States below, including average pay, education requirements, certifications, and transferable skills.

Top 10 fastest growing jobs in the USA 

1. Wind turbine service technicians

Wind turbine technicians, often called wind techs, maintain and repair turbines and assist with new installations. They can also pivot to related fields such as communications infrastructure or industrial machinery maintenance.

• Average salary: $62,580 per year
• Number of positions: 13,600
• Projected growth for the next ten years: 50%
• Education: High school diploma or technical training
• Certifications: Electrical safety, tower climbing, self-rescue
• Work environment: Wind energy sector, power and communication line construction, and industrial machinery repair and maintenance
• Career path: Team leader, site administrator, or transition to HSEQ roles
• Key skills: Mechanical aptitude, troubleshooting, physical stamina, comfort with heights and confined spaces, accurate documentation

Note: With policy uncertainty slowing offshore wind development in 2025, technicians may find more opportunities in onshore projects or transferable roles in other sectors.

Explore Wind Energy jobs here.

2. Solar photovoltaic installers 

Solar PV installers assemble, install, and maintain systems that convert sunlight into electricity, often on rooftops. They design configurations based on customer needs and site conditions and may also work in related trades like electrical contracting. 

• Average salary: $51,860 per year 
• Number of positions: 28,600 
• Projected growth for the next ten years: 42% 
• Education: High school diploma or technical training
• Certifications: MCS Installer certifications, City & Guilds 2399 Solar Photovoltaics and others 
• Work environment: Solar farms, electrical contractors, wiring installations and power and communication line construction 
• Career path: Crew lead, solar technician/specialist, PV electrician, solar designer
• Key skills: Experience in construction, such as electrician, roofer, carpenter or labourer. 

Note: With policy uncertainty slowing solar PV development in 2025, technicians may find more opportunities in transferable roles in other sectors. 

Check out Solar Energy job openings.

3. Nurse practitioners 

Advanced practice registered nurses (APRN) coordinate patient care and may provide primary and specialty healthcare. They can be anaesthetists, midwives and nurse practitioners in general. Most APRNs work full-time. 

• Average salary: $129,210 per year 
• Number of positions: 382,700 
• Projected growth for the next ten years: 40% 
• Education: Master’s degree in nursing. They must also be licensed in their state and pass a national certification exam
• Certifications: Positions may require Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR), Basic Life Support (BLS) and Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) certification 
• Work environment: Hospitals, physicians' offices, clinics, outpatient care centres and others 
• Career path: Management or administrative roles, and academia 
• Key skills: Clinical instructions, formulation of treatment plans, empathy, quality and safety, collaboration and communication 
  

Find Health, Safety and Environmental job positions.

4. Data scientists 

Data scientists transform data into actionable insights using advanced analytics and machine learning. They collect, organise, and analyse information to guide strategic decisions. 

• Average salary: $112,590 per year 
• Number of positions: 245,900 
• Projected growth for the next ten years: 34% 
• Education: Bachelor’s in math, statistics, computer science, engineering, or related fields; some roles require a master’s or Ph.D 
• Certifications: Azure Data Scientist Associate, SAS Certified Data Scientist, Certified Analytics Professional (CAP), and others 
• Work environment: Tech consulting, research, insurance, corporate management, and computer systems design 
• Career path: Advancement to Lead Data Scientist or Chief Data Scientist 
• Key skills: Programming, statistics, database management, machine learning, data visualization, and cloud computing 

Explore IT & Telecom job positions.

5. Information security analysts 

Information security analysts protect organisations’ computer networks and systems by implementing and monitoring security measures. They identify vulnerabilities, prevent breaches, and ensure compliance with cybersecurity standards. 

• Average salary: $124,910 per year 
• Number of positions: 182,800
• Projected growth for the next ten years: 29%  
• Education: Bachelor’s degree in computer science or related field; some roles require relevant experience. Certifications are often preferred. 
• Certifications: CISSP, CompTIA Security+, Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH), and others 
• Work environment: Computer systems design, consulting firms, financial services, and corporate IT departments 
• Career path: Advancement to senior roles such as Security Manager and Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) 
• Key skills: Network security, risk assessment, incident response, encryption, compliance, and cloud security
  

Explore IT & Telecom job positions.

6. Medical and health services managers 

Medical and health services managers are also known as healthcare executives or administrators. They plan, direct, and coordinate the business activities of healthcare providers. Functions may include overseeing an entire facility, department, or a medical practice. 

• Average salary: $117,960 per year
• Number of positions: 616,200 
• Projected growth for the next ten years: 23% 
• Education: Bachelor’s degree in healthcare administration or a related field; some roles require a master’s degree. Prior experience in clinical or administrative roles is common. 
• Certifications: Certified Medical Manager (CMM), Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives (FACHE), and others 
• Work environment: Hospitals, nursing homes, outpatient care centres, and group medical practices 
• Career path: Advancement to senior roles such as Director of Operations or Chief Executive Officer (CEO) 
• Key skills: Leadership, healthcare regulations, budgeting, strategic planning, and data analysis 
  

Find Health, Safety and Environmental job positions.

7. Physical therapist assistants 

Physical therapist assistants (PTAs) work under the supervision of physical therapists to help patients regain movement and manage pain after injuries or illnesses. They guide patients through exercises, monitor progress, and assist with treatment plans. 

• Average salary: $65,510 per year 
• Number of positions: 157,100
• Projected growth for the next ten years: 16%
• Education: Associate’s degree from an accredited program; most states require licensure or certification 
• Certifications: State-specific licensure; optional credentials from professional organisations 
• Work environment: Physical therapy offices, hospitals, nursing care facilities, and home health services 
• Career path: Advancement to senior PTA roles, clinical coordinator, or transition to physical therapist with further education 
• Key skills: Patient care, therapeutic exercise techniques, communication, documentation, and knowledge of anatomy and physiology 

Find Health, Safety and Environmental job positions.

8. Actuaries 

Actuaries analyse financial risk using mathematics, statistics, and data modelling. They help businesses and organisations make informed decisions about insurance, pensions, and investments. 

• Average salary: $120,000 per year
• Number of positions: 31,400 
• Projected growth for the next ten years: 23% 
• Education: Bachelor’s degree in mathematics, actuarial science, statistics, or related fields; professional certification is essential 
• Certifications: Society of Actuaries (SOA) or Casualty Actuarial Society (CAS) credentials 
• Work environment: Insurance companies, consulting firms, government agencies, and corporate finance departments 
• Career path: Advancement to senior actuary, actuarial manager, or chief risk officer 
• Key skills: Probability, statistics, financial theory, data analysis, and proficiency with modelling software 

Check out Accounting and Finance job positions.

9. Operations research analysts 

Operations research analysts use advanced mathematical and analytical methods to help organisations solve problems and improve decision-making. They develop models, analyse data, and recommend strategies to optimise efficiency and reduce costs. 

• Average salary: $89,300 per year 
• Number of positions: 121,000 
• Projected growth for the next ten years: 23% 
• Education: Bachelor’s degree in operations research, mathematics, engineering, computer science, or related fields; some roles require a master’s degree 
• Certifications: Optional credentials such as Certified Analytics Professional (CAP) 
• Work environment: Finance, insurance, manufacturing, government, and consulting firms 
• Career path: Advancement to senior analyst, operations research manager, or director of analytics 
• Key skills: Mathematical modelling, data analysis, optimisation techniques, programming, and critical thinking 

Check out Accounting and Finance job positions.

10. Physician assistants 

Physician assistants (PAs) practice medicine under the supervision of physicians and surgeons. They examine patients, diagnose illnesses, and provide treatment, often serving as primary care providers in many settings.

• Average salary: $131,410 per year 
• Number of positions: 168,800 
• Projected growth for the next ten years: 27% 
• Education: Master’s degree from an accredited PA program; all states require licensure 
• Certifications: National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA) certification 
• Work environment: Hospitals, outpatient care centres, physician offices, and surgical settings 
• Career path: Advancement to lead PA, clinical director, or specialisation in areas such as surgery or emergency medicine 
• Key skills: Clinical assessment, medical knowledge, patient communication, diagnostic reasoning, and teamwork 

Explore Health, Safety and Environmental job openings.

Planning a career change or starting fresh? Create a development plan  

A career development plan is a perfect tool for people who are changing directions in their professional life or simply for someone who is just getting started. This helps you define goals, identify the skills you need, and map out how to achieve them—giving you control over your professional future. 

Watch the video below to learn how to create your own plan. 

Looking for your next job? 

If you know your goals and the role you want, Airswift can help. Explore our career advice articles for tips on interviews, team management, and work-life balance. 

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