Today, workers need to constantly be conscious of the ways technology is disrupting the workforce.
With rapid improvements in technologies like artificial intelligence and machine learning, some jobs may be at risk. Workers who want a job 20 years from now should focus on gaining skills and experience in fast-growing industries.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) analyzed the 20 occupations with the highest percent change of employment between 2016 and 2026 and found that there are several jobs with double-digit job growth. But though these jobs are projected to grow quickly, they don't necessarily offer robust wages. BLS figures indicate that there is a wide range in how well these opportunities compensate workers.
Here are the fastest-growing jobs according to the BLS, and how much they pay:
20. Massage therapists
Growth rate from 2016 to 2026: 26 percent
Median pay: $39,990 per year
18. Forest fire inspectors and prevention specialists (tie)
Growth rate from 2016 to 2026: 27 percent
Median pay: $37,380 per year
18. Operations research analysts (tie)
Growth rate from 2016 to 2026: 27 percent
Median pay: $81,390 per year
16. Information security analysts (tie)
Growth rate from 2016 to 2026: 28 percent
Median pay: $95,510 per year
16. Physical therapists (tie)
Growth rate from 2016 to 2026: 28 percent
Median pay: $86,850 per year
11. Bicycle repairers (tie)
Growth rate from 2016 to 2026: 29 percent
Median pay: $28,390 per year
11. Genetic counselors (tie)
Growth rate from 2016 to 2026: 29 percent
Median pay: $77,480 per year
11. Medical assistants (tie)
Growth rate from 2016 to 2026: 29 percent
Median pay: $32,480 per year
11. Occupational therapy assistants (tie)
Growth rate from 2016 to 2026: 29 percent
Median pay: $59,310 per year
11. Physical therapist aides (tie)
Growth rate from 2016 to 2026: 29 percent
Median pay: $25,730 per year
10. Mathematicians
Growth rate from 2016 to 2026: 30 percent
Median pay: $103,010 per year
8. Physical therapist assistants (tie)
Growth rate from 2016 to 2026: 31 percent
Median pay: $57,430 per year
8. Software developers, applications (tie)
Growth rate from 2016 to 2026: 31 percent
Median pay: $101,790 per year
7. Statisticians
Growth rate from 2016 to 2026: 34 percent
Median pay: $84,060 per year
6. Nurse practitioners
Growth rate from 2016 to 2026: 36 percent
Median pay: $103,880 per year
5. Physician assistants
Growth rate from 2016 to 2026: 37 percent
Median pay: $104,860 per year
4. Personal care aides
Growth rate from 2016 to 2026: 39 percent
Median pay: $23,100 per year
3. Home health aides
Growth rate from 2016 to 2026: 47 percent
Median pay: $23,210 per year
2. Wind turbine service technicians
Growth rate from 2016 to 2026: 96 percent
Median pay: $53,880 per year
1. Solar photovoltaic installers
Growth rate from 2016 to 2026: 105 percent
Median pay: $39,490 per year
According to the BLS, solar photovoltaic installers, often referred to as "PV installers," assemble, install and maintain solar panel systems and are part of the fastest-growing occupation. The job pays around $39,490 per year — or about $19 an hour — and does not typically require education beyond high school. Some PV installers take courses at technical or community colleges.
The highest-paying job on the list is physician assistant, which typically pays about $104,860. Unlike PV installers, becoming a physician assistant requires significant education beyond high school, typically including a master's degree.
Other high-paying jobs on the list include nurse practitioner ($103,880 per year), mathematician ($103,010 per year) and software developer ($101,790 per year) while some of the lowest-paying jobs are personal care aide ($23,100 per year) and home health aide ($23,210 per year).
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