30 of the Most In-Demand Jobs

What jobs are in demand? What does “in demand” even mean?

It’s important to find a career with long-term potential. Along with doing something about which you’re passionate, your career needs to have a purpose and place in the rapidly changing and advancing world.

Below, we’ve identified some of the fields that have the greatest growth potential, meaning there is likely to be an increasing number of openings and opportunities for these professions in the coming years, according to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Thirty of the Most In-Demand Jobs

1. Accountant / Auditor

Projected Job Growth by 2026: 10%*

Median Annual Salary: $69,350

Accountants and auditors work with financial records. They may be self-employed and work with many clients or work on behalf of a specific company to ensure the accuracy and efficiency of financial operations and documents.

2. Administrative Services Manager

Projected Job Growth by 2026: 10%

Median Annual Salary: $94,020

Sometimes called administrative managers, administrative services managers facilitate administrative activities, including office maintenance, planning, and sometimes bookkeeping, of their organizations.

3. Audiologist

Projected Job Growth by 2026: 21%

Median Annual Salary: $75,920

A doctorate and state license are required to practice audiology, which involves diagnosing hearing issues and sometimes fitting patients for hearing aids.

4. Computer and Information Research Scientist

Projected Job Growth by 2026: 19%

Median Annual Salary: $114,520

Computer and information research scientists create solutions and design new approaches for using technology in a range of businesses and professions.

5. Construction Manager

Projected Job Growth by 2026: 11%

Median Annual Salary: $91,370

Construction managers act as the project managers specifically for construction projects, planning and coordinating deadlines, budgets, and other aspects of the projects.

6. Dental Hygienist

Median Annual Salary: $74,070

Often working with a dentist, the dental hygienist educates patients on oral health and provides preventative dental care services. She also cleans and inspects the patient’s teeth.

7. Emergency Medical Technician / Paramedic

Projected Job Growth by 2026: 15%

Median Annual Salary: $33,380

Often the first responders in cases where emergency medical services are required, EMTs and paramedics render medical services to patients in life-threatening situations. EMTs are entry-level emergency workers, while paramedics (paraprofessionals) require more advanced training.

8. Financial Analyst

Projected Job Growth by 2026: 11%

Median Annual Salary: $84,300

Financial analysts assist clients with their investments, applying their financial knowledge to help business and people make decisions about where and how to grow their income.

9. Financial Manager

Projected Job Growth by 2026: 19%

Median Annual Salary: $125,080

Working with all financial aspects of organizations, financial managers plan out strategies and help businesses meet their financial goals.

Financial managers are responsible for the financial health of an organization. They produce financial reports, direct investment activities, and develop strategies and plans for the long-term financial goals of their organization.

10. Genetic Counselor

Projected Job Growth by 2026: 29%

Median Annual Salary: $77,480

Genetic counselors advise individuals on their risk of inheriting or passing on medical conditions such as genetic disorders.

11. Home Health Aide / Personal Care Aide

Projected Job Growth by 2026: 41%

Median Annual Salary: $23,130

Home health and personal care aids assist individuals who have disabilities or illnesses, helping them with daily tasks and care. Home health aides tend to have a higher degree of training than personal care aides and may also provide medical services.

12. Information Security Analyst

Projected Job Growth by 2026: 28%

Median Annual Salary: $95,510

Information security analysts protect the computer and technology networks of their organizations from cyber attacks and other threats.

13. Interpreter / Translator

Projected Job Growth by 2026: 18%

Median Annual Salary: $47,190

Both interpreters and translators translate languages into another language; interpreters assist with spoken language, while translators work with written language.

14. Management Analyst

Projected Job Growth by 2026: 14%

Median Annual Salary: $82,450

Also called consultants, management analysts develop solutions to improve the efficiency of organizations and increase the profitability of their activities.

15. Market Research Analyst

Projected Job Growth by 2026: 23%

Median Annual Salary: $63,230

These marketing professionals look at market trends and climates to help clients understand what services or products their customers and prospective customers want and how to best package them.

16. Marketing Manager

Projected Job Growth by 2026: 10%

Median Annual Salary: $129,380

Marketing managers and other levels of marketers plan and implement promotional strategies to generate demand and interest in products.

17. Massage Therapist

Projected Job Growth by 2026: 26%

Median Annual Salary: $39,990

Massage therapists provide therapeutic massage to clients, working on the joints and soft tissue muscles of the body. They may provide routine services or offer pain or injury relief.

18. Mathematician / Statistician

Projected Job Growth by 2026: 26%

Median Annual Salary: $84,760

Mathematicians and statisticians use mathematical theories, methods, and techniques and numerical data to help businesses and other industries solve problems.

19. Medical Assistant

Projected Job Growth by 2026: 29%

Median Annual Salary: $32,480

Medical assistants work alongside physicians in healthcare facilities, performing administrative and clinical tasks.

20. Medical Records and Health Information Technician

Projected Job Growth by 2026: 13%

Median Annual Salary: $39,180

These personnel work in healthcare facilities to compile and process patient records.

21. Nurse Practitioner

Projected Job Growth by 2026: 31%

Median Annual Salary: $110,930

Nursing practitioners obtain master’s degrees in nursing. Their responsibilities include diagnosis, patient care and evaluation, and treatment, as well as prescribing medication.

22. Occupational Therapist

Projected Job Growth by 2026: 24%

Median Annual Salary: $83,200

Working with sick or disabled clients, occupational therapists provide therapy to assist patients with the completion of everyday activities and help them develop skills or methods for continuing their routine activities.

23. Operations Research Analyst

Projected Job Growth by 2026: 27%

Median Annual Salary: $81,390

Essentially problem solvers, operations research analysts create and recommend solutions to help organizations reduce costs and run more efficiently.

24. Optometrist

Projected Job Growth by 2026: 18%

Median Annual Salary: $110,300

These eye doctors diagnose and treat problems with vision and the eyes.

25. Personal Financial Advisor

Projected Job Growth by 2026: 15%

Median Annual Salary: $90,640

Personal financial advisors assist clients with planning for and meeting their financial goals, dealing with areas such as investments, insurance, taxes, and retirement savings.

26. Physician Assistant

Projected Job Growth by 2026: 27%

Median Annual Salary: $104,860

Part of a patient’s medical team, PAs examine, diagnose, and participate in treatment plans.

27. Physical Therapist

Projected Job Growth by 2026: 28%

Median Annual Salary: $86,850

Often working with patients after injuries, PTs assist patients with rehabilitation. PTs also participate in treatment programs for patients with chronic illnesses.

28. Postsecondary Teacher / Instructors

Projected Job Growth by 2026: 15%

Median Annual Salary: $76,000

Instructors and professors work at academic institutions to teach as well as perform research in many cases. They work at colleges, universities, or professional and vocational schools.

29. Registered Nurse

Projected Job Growth by 2026: 15%

Median Annual Salary: $70,000

Registered nurses (RNs) work with patients to provide care, advice, and support.

30. Software Developer

Projected Job Growth by 2026: 24%

Median Annual Salary: $103,560

Software developers create programs and applications for computers, smartphones, and other devices.

* Projected growth between 2016–2026 according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Median salaries reflect data from the BLS and may vary according to experience, location, education, and many other factors.

Finding the Right Job for You

What are your goals and interests? To find the best career path for you—or consider the options and specialties within different fields and industries—check out our other career guides:

• These are the 25 Best Careers for Women

• 25 Low-Stress and Fun Jobs That Pay Well

• The 37 Best STEM Jobs

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