Top 10 Fastest-Growing Jobs

Job growth is an important consideration when choosing a career. Some of the fastest-growing jobs, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), include nurse practitioners, wind turbine service technicians, and data scientists.

Whether you’re preparing to enter the job market or switching careers, it’s good to know which industries and fields have the brightest hiring outlook. Keep reading for a breakdown of the fastest-growing jobs in 2026 and beyond.

What Is Considered a Fast-Growing Job?

The BLS regularly projects which occupations will see the highest growth. The most recent data available predicts changes from 2025 to 2035. Some occupations grow faster than others as demand for those jobs rises. A fast-growing job is one that’s expected to grow at an above-average rate. The following list includes both on-site roles and remote opportunities. (Here’s a great roundup of more work-at-home jobs for retirees and stay-at-home parents.)

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Who Should Consider a Fast-Growing Job?

Fast-growing jobs are appealing to a wide range of people because it can be easier to find a position when there are more openings to go around. Companies may also be more likely to offer signing bonuses to attract talent.

However, it’s important to consider whether the current demand is sustainable over the long term. After large numbers of people rush to fill jobs in a specific industry, hiring may then taper off.

The economy is another consideration. A job that’s fast-growing in a healthy economy may be less so in a downturn or recession. In-demand jobs that are connected to entertainment, travel, or recreation, for example, may be less attractive if people are cutting back their spending on trips to the movies, vacations, or costly hobbies.

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Pros and Cons of Being in a Fast-Growing Job

Every job has advantages and disadvantages, and fast-growing fields are no exception. Considering the potential benefits and drawbacks can help you decide if pursuing a fast-growing job makes sense for you.

Pros of Fast-Growing Jobs	Cons of Fast-Growing Jobs
More room for advancement at a faster pace	May not be sustainable over the long term, especially in newer industries
Higher salaries if demand for qualified workers outpaces supply	Does not always translate to higher pay, especially in fields that don’t require higher education
Opportunity to get in on the ground floor of a new industry or sector that’s poised for long-term growth and development	May be more demanding in terms of the time involved and scope of duties

What to Expect in a Fast-Growing Job

One of the main advantages of a fast-growing job is that it may be easier to get hired when demand is high. Employers may also offer higher pay or enhanced employee benefits to attract talent. If a high salary is important to you, check out this list of the highest paying jobs by state.

However, landing a bigger entry-level salary isn’t guaranteed. Fast-growing tech jobs, for instance, will pay more than food service jobs even if demand is at a similar level.

If you do manage to snag a higher salary with a fast-growing job, it’s important to think about what you’ll be required to do in exchange for those paychecks. For example, accepting a role with a clean energy startup could pay well, but if the company is small, you might be expected to work well beyond the standard 40-hour week.

No matter the size of your paycheck, it helps to stay on top of your budget. A spending app lets you see all of your money in one place.

Top 10 Fastest-Growing Jobs in 2026

The BLS collects data on job growth and employment outlook across a variety of occupations. Read on for a breakdown of the fastest-growing jobs through 2035.

You may also be interested in this list of trades that make the most money.

1. Nurse Practitioner

Median pay: $132,300

Job growth outlook: 41%

Job description: Nurse practitioner (NP) is one of the fastest-growing health care jobs. NPs can act as primary care providers or specialty care providers in doctors’ offices, hospitals, and other health care facilities. NPs may specialize in a particular type of care, such as geriatrics or pediatrics.

Job duties:

•   Assessing patients to determine care needs

•   Determining how to improve or manage patient health

•   Developing strategies for implementing a plan of care

Pros:

•   High earning potential

•   Well-above-average job growth

•   Opportunity to specialize

Cons:

•   Can be a highly stressful job

•   Requires advanced education

•   May require working long shifts

2. Solar Photovoltaic Installers

Median pay: $53,140

Job growth outlook: 37%

Job description: Solar photovoltaic (PV) installers, also called PV installers, are responsible for assembling and maintaining systems that convert sunlight into energy. They may also connect the system’s solar panels to the electrical grid. This job may be salaried or hourly.

Job duties:

•   Measuring, cutting, and assembling the support structure for solar panels

•   Installing, activating, and testing solar modules, panels, and support structures

•   Performing routine PV system maintenance

Pros:

•   Significant job growth projected through 2035

•   No higher education required

•   Opportunities for advancement in the field

Cons:

•   Requires lifting and handling heavy equipment

•   Requires strong math and communication skills

•   Must be comfortable with heights

3. Data Scientist

Median pay: $120,230

Job growth outlook: 35%

Job description: Data scientists extract and analyze data. They may collect or categorize data, offer interpretations of data, or create visual representations to showcase their findings. These individuals typically work in an office setting or from home. Because this role doesn’t require much interaction with customers or colleagues, it can be a good job for antisocial people. This is a strong option if you need a job that will pay off your student loans.

Job duties:

•   Collecting and organizing data

•   Testing data and developing algorithmic models

•   Analyzing data to create recommendations for business entities

Pros:

•   Offers competitive pay and strong earning potential

•   Has the opportunity to work a flexible schedule or remotely

•   May appeal to people looking for a creative-adjacent job

Cons:

•   Potentially tedious or boring work

•   Long hours tied to menial workload demands

•   Advanced degree requirements for select positions

4. Wind Turbine Service Technician

Median annual pay: $64,120

Job growth outlook: 30%

Job description: Wind turbine service technicians install, repair, and service wind turbines. They may work full-time or be on call for emergency repairs.

Job duties:

•   Installing wind turbines

•   Making necessary repairs to turbine equipment

•   Completing regular maintenance and service to keep turbines operating properly

Pros:

•   Only technical or trade school degrees required

•   Opportunity to travel

•   Steady job growth as the industry develops

Cons:

•   Long on-the-job training period

•   High-elevation work conditions

•   Higher potential for accidental injury

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5. Medical and Health Services Manager

Median pay: $123,860

Job growth outlook: 24%

Job description: Medical and health services managers are responsible for managing their facility and coordinating medical and health services for patients. They should be up to date on the latest laws, regulations, and technology in health care.

Job duties:

•   Creating and executing policies, goals, and procedures for a facility

•   Ensuring a facility complies with laws and regulations

•   Recruiting, training, and managing staff

Pros:

•   Competitive salary

•   Flexible hours

•   Room for advancement for those interested in leadership roles

Cons:

•   May have long work hours

•   May require a bachelor’s degree, a license, and/or work experience

•   Has a high rate of injury and illness

6. Physical Therapist Assistant

Median pay: $68,380

Job growth outlook: 23%

Job description: Physical therapist assistants (PTAs) collaborate with physical therapists to help patients regain their mobility and manage their pain. PTAs may also be responsible for cleaning and setting up treatment areas or moving patients around the facility.

Job duties:

•   Treating patients through exercise, massage, and other interventions, under the supervision of a physical therapist

•   Recording the patient’s progress and sharing progress with the physical therapist

•   Helping move patients in and/or out of treatment areas

Pros:

•   Solid earning potential

•   The possible option of working part-time

•   Rewarding work from helping patients recover

Cons:

•   Standing for long periods of time

•   Physical strain on the body

•   Potentially having to work nights and weekends

7. Psychiatric Technician

Median pay: $45,130

Job growth outlook: 22%

Job description: Psychiatric technicians (PTs) provide care for people with mental health conditions or developmental disabilities. PTs can work in a variety of settings, including psychiatric hospitals and residential mental health facilities, in teams led by physicians or registered nurses.

Job duties:

•   Monitoring patients and listening to their concerns

•   Providing therapeutic care

•   Leading patients in recreational activities

Pros:

•   Can be rewarding to help care for patients

•   Often has part-time work available

•   Can focus on a variety of specialized areas, such as dermatology, pathology, or emergency medicine

Cons:

•   Can be physically and emotionally demanding work

•   May be required to work nights, weekends, or holidays

•   Typically needs a postsecondary certificate or bachelor’s degree, and some states require technicians to be licensed

8. Computer and Information Research Scientist

Median pay: $140,300

Job growth outlook: 22%

Job description: Computer and information research scientists use their expertise and experience to improve existing technologies and create new ones. The work can help fuel innovation and solve problems in science, medicine, and business, among other fields.

Job duties:

•   Developing and/or improving computer software and hardware

•   Creating new computing languages and tools

•   Designing and overseeing experiments on software systems

Pros:

•   Opportunity to work on cutting-edge projects

•   Ability to help create innovations and improvements

•   Option to specialize in various fields, including artificial intelligence or robotics

Cons:

•   Online work environment

•   Advanced degree requirements (master’s degree or Ph.D.)

•   Potentially long work hours

9. Occupational Therapy Assistant

Median pay: $72,300

Job growth outlook: 21%

Job description: Occupational therapy assistants (OTAs) collaborate with occupational therapists to help patients build or recover the skills they need for everyday living and working. OTAs may also be responsible for administrative tasks.

Job duties:

•   Guiding patients through exercise and other interventions to improve their motor skills and functional capabilities

•   Leading children in play activities that help them meet their developmental milestones

•   Recording the patient’s progress and sharing the details with the occupational therapist

Pros:

•   Solid earning potential

•   The possible option of working part-time

•   Professionally rewarding work

Cons:

•   Often requires standing for long periods of time

•   Can put physical strain on the body

•   May require working nights and weekends

10. Ophthalmic Medical Technician

Median pay: $45,570

Job growth outlook: 21%

Job description: Ophthalmic medical technicians (OMTs) provide patients with clinical care under the supervision of an ophthalmologist. OMTs are also responsible for procedural tasks, such as patient scheduling and office management.

Job duties:

•   Taking patient medical histories

•   Performing diagnostic tests

•   Supervising other ophthalmic staff

Pros:

•   May have opportunities for advancement

•   Generally does not require working on evenings or weekends

•   Can be entered through on-the-job training and independent study

Cons:

•   Advanced education and training often required for higher salaries

•   A lot of time spent standing and walking

•   Rapidly evolving technology requires continual upskilling

Fastest-Growing Jobs by 2027 Outlook

The fastest-growing jobs in 2026 include all of the options listed above. Other jobs projected to have above-average growth through 2035 include:

•   Physician assistants

•   Information security analysts

•   Occupational health and safety technicians and specialists

•   Hearing aid specialists

•   Epidemiologists

•   Substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors

•   Home health and personal care aides

•   Health specialties teachers, postsecondary

•   Industrial machinery mechanics

Which job skills will be most in demand in the future? According to the World Economic Forum, the following skills will be highly sought after by employers within the next few years:

•   AI and big data

•   Networks and cybersecurity

•   Technological literacy

•   Creative thinking

•   Resilience, flexibility, and agility

•   Curiosity and lifelong learning

•   Leadership and social influence

Some of these are soft skills, meaning they’re based around communication and self-management. However, it’s clear that technological skills and computer skills will continue to be an important consideration for employers in the future.

The Takeaway

The Bureau of Labor Statistics regularly publishes lists of jobs with good potential for recent grads and career changers. This year’s list of the top fields for job growth includes energy, health care, computers, and data science. It’s a wide range, with something for everyone. And while some roles require a college degree, others welcome high school grads.

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FAQ

What is the most needed job in 2026?

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, nurse practitioners are among the fastest-growing jobs for 2026 and beyond. That’s due largely to increased demand for health care providers during the past few years, but it was also one of the fastest-growing jobs before 2020.

What job has the highest future growth?

The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that, second only to nurse practitioners, solar photovoltaic installers are set to see the highest job growth through 2035. As the country looks to reduce carbon emissions and demand for electricity increases, solar energy systems are expected to become more popular. This will likely create more job opportunities for qualified service technicians who can install and maintain the equipment.

Which jobs will be in demand in the next 10 years?

Some of the jobs that will be in the highest demand in the next 10 years include nurse practitioners, wind turbine service technicians, data scientists, information security analysts, and medical and health services managers. These roles reflect a broad long-term trend, driving sustained hiring demand across renewable energy, health care technology, and data security sectors.

What fields are driving job growth in 2026?

Job growth is primarily driven by the renewable energy, health care, computer, and data science sectors. Increased demand for clean energy and cybersecurity, combined with expanding health care needs, continues to create strong hiring opportunities across these industries.

Do fast-growing jobs always require a college degree?

No, not all fast-growing occupations require a four-year degree. Roles such as wind turbine service technicians and solar photovoltaic installers often require trade school training or a high school diploma, making them accessible options for career changers.

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