Fastest Growing Occupations
2014–24, projected
FA S T E S T G R O W I N G , OV E R A L L
O C C U PAT I O N S W I T H M O S T N E W J O B S
Fast-growing occupations show how the economy is changing;
4 of the 5 fastest growing occupations are related to healthcare.
EMPLOYMENT CHANGE
Number of new jobs, in thousands
Wind turbine
service technicians
4.8
Occupational
therapy assistants
14.1
Physical
therapist assistants
31.9
Physical
therapist aides
Home health
aides
Occupations adding the most jobs show that there will be more opportunities
for employment in healthcare, retail trade, and food services.
MEDIAN ANNUAL WAGE, 2016
Percent change in employment
100.0%
+
8.0%
= 108.0%
$52,260
42.7%
$59,010
40.6%
$56,610
19.5
39.0%
348.4
38.1%
$25,680
$22,600
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
bls.gov
FA S T E S T G R O W I N G O C C U PAT I O N S ,
BACHELOR’S DEGREE OR HIGHER REQUIRED
Occupations that typically need a bachelor’s degree for entry tend to pay well.
EMPLOYMENT CHANGE
Number of new jobs, in thousands
Nurse
practitioners
34.0%
$85,400
10.1
33.8%
Physician
assistants
28.7
Operations
research analysts
27.6
Statisticians
71.8
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
BUREAU OF LABOR STATISTICS
UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF LABOR
458.1
25.9%
$21,920
Registered
nurses
439.3
16.0%
$68,450
Home health
aides
348.4
38.1%
$22,600
Combined food
preparation & serving
workers, including
fast food
343.5
10.9%
$19,440
Retail
salespersons
314.2
6.8%
$22,680
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
bls.gov
FA S T E S T G R O W I N G O C C U PAT I O N S , S O M E
P O S T S E C O N D A R Y E D U C AT I O N R E Q U I R E D
MEDIAN ANNUAL WAGE, 2016
EMPLOYMENT CHANGE
Number of new jobs, in thousands
$100,910
Physical
therapists
Personal
care aides
MEDIAN ANNUAL WAGE, 2016
35.2%
Percent change in employment
These fast-growing occupations require some postsecondary education,
but less than a bachelor’s degree, and have above-average pay.
Percent change in employment
44.7
MEDIAN ANNUAL WAGE, 2016
EMPLOYMENT CHANGE
Number of new jobs, in thousands
Percent change in employment
Wind turbine
service technicians
4.8
Occupational
therapy assistants
14.1
42.7%
$59,010
$80,500
Physical
therapist assistants
31.9
40.6%
$56,610
30.4%
$101,480
Commercial
divers
1.6
36.9%
$49,090
30.2%
$79,200
Web
developers
26.6%
$66,130
bls.gov
39.5
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
100.0%
+
8.0%
= 108.0%
$52,260
bls.gov
bls.gov