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Fastest-growing US jobs and what they pay
Growth rates tell you where employers will struggle to find people — and where pay and signing bonuses tend to rise. These occupations are projected to grow far faster than the roughly 3% average for all jobs.
| Occupation | Median pay (2025) | Growth 2025–35 | Typical entry path |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nurse practitioners | $132,300 | +41% | Master's degree (MSN) + RN license |
| Data scientists | $120,230 | +35% | Bachelor's degree (math, statistics, CS) |
| Solar photovoltaic installers | $53,140 | +37% | High school + on-the-job training |
| Wind turbine technicians | $64,120 | +30% | Technical school certificate |
| Medical & health services managers | $123,860 | +24% | Bachelor's degree + experience |
| Physical therapist assistants | $68,380 | +23% | Associate degree + state license |
| Physician assistants | $135,880 | +21% | Master's degree + national certification |
| Information security analysts | $129,180 | +21% | Bachelor's degree + certifications |
| Occupational therapy assistants | $72,300 | +21% | Associate degree + state license |
| Industrial machinery mechanics | $64,520 | +18% | High school + 1 yr+ training |
| Mental health & substance abuse counselors | $59,350 | +18% | Bachelor's degree (master's for licensure) |
| Home health & personal care aides | $35,800 | +18% | High school; short state training |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook — Fastest growing occupations and Most new jobs, 2025–35 projections; median pay is May 2025. Pay varies by state, employer and experience.
Two patterns stand out. First, healthcare dominates: an aging population means more demand for nurses, therapists, aides and the managers who run clinics and hospitals. Second, many strong-paying roles do not require a four-year degree — wind and solar technicians, machinery mechanics and therapy assistants can qualify through a certificate or associate degree in two years or less.
Healthcare: the biggest hiring engine in the country
Registered nurses alone are projected to need about 180,800 openings every year through 2035, with a median salary of $97,550 (May 2025). Nurse practitioners, physician assistants and health services managers earn well above $120,000 at the median.
Registered nurse (RN)
Hospitals, clinics, home health and travel-nursing agencies all compete for RNs. Many hospitals offer tuition reimbursement to move from ADN to BSN, and specialties such as ICU, OR and emergency typically pay more.
Nurse practitioner
NPs diagnose and treat patients, and in many states can practice independently. It is the fastest-growing large occupation in the country, driven by shortages in primary care.
Medical assistant
One of the quickest routes into healthcare, with over 100,000 new jobs projected. Certification (CMA or RMA) improves hiring odds and pay.
Home health & personal care aide
The single largest source of new US jobs — about 847,300 over the decade. Pay is modest, but it is a common first step toward LPN or RN training.
Technology and cybersecurity
Software developers (median $135,980), information security analysts ($129,180) and data scientists ($120,230) remain among the best-paid growing occupations. Computer and information systems managers earn a median of $175,140.
- Cybersecurity hiring is driven by ransomware, cloud migration and compliance rules. Certifications such as CompTIA Security+, CISSP and cloud-security credentials are widely requested in job postings.
- Data science and AI roles expect Python, SQL, statistics and experience with machine-learning tools. A portfolio of real projects often matters as much as the degree.
- Cloud and IT roles (AWS, Azure, Google Cloud) are a practical entry point: an associate-level cloud certification plus help-desk or support experience can lead to six-figure engineering jobs within a few years.
Skilled trades, clean energy and transportation
With many tradespeople retiring, employers are paying for apprenticeships and commercial driving training. These careers let you earn while you learn — and avoid student debt.
| Career | Median pay (2025) | How people qualify |
|---|---|---|
| Electrician | $63,190 | 4–5 year paid apprenticeship, then state license |
| Industrial machinery mechanic | $64,520 | Technical training + on-the-job experience |
| Wind turbine technician | $64,120 | Technical school certificate (often under 1 year) |
| Heavy & tractor-trailer truck driver | $58,640 | Commercial Driver's License (CDL) training, 3–8 weeks |
| Solar PV installer | $53,140 | On-the-job training; NABCEP certification helps |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook — Fastest growing occupations and Most new jobs, 2025–35 projections; median pay is May 2025. Pay varies by state, employer and experience.
Many trucking companies and utilities sponsor CDL or lineworker training in exchange for a work commitment. Read these agreements carefully: if you leave early, you may be required to repay the training cost.
Benefits worth comparing before you accept an offer
Salary is only part of total compensation. When comparing two US job offers, look at:
- Health insurance: monthly premium, deductible and out-of-pocket maximum. A cheaper premium with a high deductible can cost more if you need care.
- Retirement plan: a 401(k) or 403(b) with an employer match is effectively extra salary — a 4–6% match on a $60,000 salary is worth $2,400–$3,600 a year.
- Paid time off and sick leave, including how it grows with seniority.
- Tuition assistance or student-loan repayment help — common in healthcare, retail and logistics.
- Shift differentials and overtime: nights, weekends and holidays often pay 10–20% more.
- Signing and relocation bonuses, and whether they must be repaid if you leave within a set period.
Work authorization for non-US citizens
Anyone working in the US must prove they are authorized to work (employers verify this with Form I-9). If you are not a citizen or green-card holder, the most common routes are:
- H-1B — specialty occupations that require at least a bachelor's degree (common in tech, engineering and healthcare). Subject to an annual cap and selection process for most employers; fees and rules have changed recently.
- H-2A / H-2B — temporary or seasonal agricultural and non-agricultural work, sponsored by a US employer.
- Employment-based green cards (EB-2, EB-3) — permanent residence sponsored by an employer; registered nurses have historically been a major EB-3 category.
- TN status — for eligible Canadian and Mexican professionals under the USMCA.
Rules and fees change often, so always confirm details on the official USCIS website or with a licensed immigration attorney.
How to get started this month
- Pick a direction. Choose one field from the tables above that matches your education, budget for training, and how quickly you need income.
- Check the credential. Find out which license, certification or degree the role requires in the state where you want to work.
- Build a US-style resume. One to two pages, no photo or date of birth, with measurable achievements and keywords from the job posting.
- Use trusted job sources. Apply through employer career pages, reputable job boards and state workforce agencies (American Job Centers are free).
- Compare full offers. Weigh pay, benefits, schedule and growth — not just the hourly rate.
Last reviewed: September 2026. Figures are national medians and may differ in your area.
