45 Fastest Growing Careers

Do you want to choose a career where your chances of getting a job are high?

If so, pay special attention to careers with a high growth rate. A high growth rate indicates that there will be more jobs in the future than there are now. And that’s only a good thing.

We compiled a list of the top 45 fastest growing jobs in this article. The job growth rate was used to indicate growth in these fields. The growth rate is the projected percent change in employment from 2014 to 2024.

This list of fast growing jobs is limited to occupations with a growth rate of over 20%. Twenty-percent is nearly three times the average growth rate for all occupations. According to the BLS.gov, the average growth rate for all occupations is 7 percent.

In addition to the expected growth rate, the list also includes the median salary, the number of jobs in that particular profession in 2014, and the expected number of jobs in 2024. The data was collected from the BLS.gov.

When reviewing these fast growing careers, we found that over 55% of these jobs are in the healthcare industry. Healthcare is growing in part due to the increase in the aging baby boomer population.

Interestingly, over 64% of the jobs on this fast growing career list pay over $50K a year. The highest paying jobs on the list are anesthesiologists ($443k) and surgeons ($395k) which both earn very high 6-figure incomes. Most of the jobs are in the $50k to $80k a year range.

Read on to check-out the list of the 45 fastest growing careers!

1. Wind Turbine Technicians

Job Growth Rate (2014-2024): 108%
Median Salary (2015): $51,050 per year
Number of Jobs (2014): 4,400
# of New Jobs Added (through 2024): 4,800

Reasons for the Increase: Wind turbine technicians will see the highest job growth through 2024 because wind electricity generation is expected to grow. Specialized technicians will be hired to help with the installation and repair of new turbines.

2. Occupational Therapist Assistants

Job Growth Rate (2014-2024): 43%
Median Salary (2015): $57,870 per year
Number of Jobs (2014): 33,000
# of New Jobs Added (through 2024): 14,100

Reasons for the Increase: Part of the reason for high job growth in the field of occupational therapy is due to the fact that healthcare providers will be employing more assistants to lower the cost of offering occupational therapy services. In addition, the demand is likely to grow due to an increase in the elderly population.

3. Physical Therapist Assistants

Job Growth Rate (2014-2024): 41%
Median Salary (2015): $55,170 per year
Number of Jobs (2014): 78,700
# of New Jobs Added (through 2024): 31,900

Reasons for the Increase: Jobs as physical therapist assistants are expected to grow through at least 2024 due to the aging baby boomer population. In addition, assistants help lower the costs of physical therapy services and are therefore in demand.

4. Physical Therapist Aides

Job Growth Rate (2014-2024): 39%
Median Salary (2015): $25,120 per year
Number of Jobs (2014): 50,000
# of New Jobs Added (through 2024): 19,500

Reasons for the Increase: Physical therapist aides can expect to see a higher than average job outlook at least through 2024. This is due to two major reasons; the aging population and the reduction of costs in physical therapy services by using physical therapy aides.

5. Home Health Aides

Job Growth Rate (2014-2024): 38%
Median Salary (2015): $21,920 per year
Number of Jobs (2014): 913,500
# of New Jobs Added (through 2024): 348,400

Reasons for the Increase: Like many of the healthcare careers, home health aides will see a much faster than average increase in employment due to the growth of the elderly population. Home health aides are an alternative to more expensive nursing homes and hospitals.

6. Nurse Practitioners

Job Growth Rate (2014-2024): 35%
Median Salary (2015): $98,190 per year
Number of Jobs (2014): 126,900
# of New Jobs Added (through 2024): 44,700

Reasons for the Increase: Advanced practice registered nurses or nurse practitioner can perform many of the same services as physicians at a less expensive rate for the healthcare operation. In addition, nurse practitioner are expected to see much higher than average job growth due to the aging baby boomer population.

7. Physical Therapists

Job Growth Rate (2014-2024): 34%
Median Salary (2015): $84,020 per year
Number of Jobs (2014): 210,900
# of New Jobs Added (through 2024): 71,800

Reasons for the Increase: Employment for physical therapists is expected to grow much faster than the average for all occupations due to the aging population.

8. Statisticians

Job Growth Rate (2014-2024): 34%
Median Salary (2015): $80,110 per year
Number of Jobs (2014): 30,000
# of New Jobs Added (through 2024): 10,100

Reasons for the Increase: Employment of statisticians is expected to grow at a much faster rate than the average occupation. The growth is expected due to an increase in statistical analysis used to help inform policy, business, and healthcare decisions.

9. Occupational Therapist Aides

Job Growth Rate (2014-2024): 31%
Median Salary (2015): $27,800 per year
Number of Jobs (2014): 8,800
# of New Jobs Added (through 2024): 2,700

Reasons for the Increase: Occupational therapy aide job openings will continue to increase through 2024 due in part to the increase in the aging population. In addition, healthcare provides like therapy centers will hire more aides to help lower the cost of their services.

10. Physician Assistants

Job Growth Rate (2014-2024): 30%
Median Salary (2015): $98,180 per year
Number of Jobs (2014): 94,400
# of New Jobs Added (through 2024): 28,700

Reasons for the Increase: Physician assistants are expected to see higher than average job growth in part because they can perform many of the same services as physicians at a less expensive rate. An additional reason is the increase in the elderly population.

11. Operations Research Analysts

Job Growth Rate (2014-2024): 30%
Median Salary (2015): $78,630 per year
Number of Jobs (2014): 91,300
# of New Jobs Added (through 2024): 27,600

Reasons for the Increase: The increase in job growth for operations research analysts is due to technological advances allowing companies to use data in a valuable way. Operations research analysts will be needed to help businesses make better decisions.

12. Personal Financial Advisors

Job Growth Rate (2014-2024): 30%
Median Salary (2015): $89,160 per year
Number of Jobs (2014): 249,400
# of New Jobs Added (through 2024): 73,900

Reasons for the Increase: The aging baby boomer population is the biggest driving force behind the increase in growth for financial advisers. Job seekers with the right certifications will have the best prospects in this field.

13. Cartographers and Photogrammetrists

Job Growth Rate (2014-2024): 29%
Median Salary (2015): $61,880 per year
Number of Jobs (2014): 12,300
# of New Jobs Added (through 2024): 3,600

Reasons for the Increase: Although this is a small occupation, job prospects should be good for cartographers and photogrammetrists due to the increasing use of maps for government planning.

14. Genetic Counselors

Job Growth Rate (2014-2024): 29%
Median Salary (2015): $72,090 per year
Number of Jobs (2014): 2,400
# of New Jobs Added (through 2024): 700

Reasons for the Increase: While employment of genetic counselors is high, it is a small occupation. New developments in lab tests and genetic testing will result in the growth.

15. Interpreters and Translators

Job Growth Rate (2014-2024): 29%
Median Salary (2015): $44,190 per year
Number of Jobs (2014): 61,000
# of New Jobs Added (through 2024): 17,500

Reasons for the Increase: Employment growth for interpreters and translators is expected to be high due to the increase in globalization and diversity in the U.S. population.

16. Audiologists

Job Growth Rate (2014-2024): 29%
Median Salary (2015): $74,890 per year
Number of Jobs (2014): 13,200
# of New Jobs Added (through 2024): 3,800

Reasons for the Increase: Although an increase in the number of audiologists is expected, it’s a small occupation. The increase is due to the aging baby-boomer population in addition to the early identification of hearing disorders in infants.

17. Optometrists

Job Growth Rate (2014-2024): 27%
Median Salary (2015): $103,900 per year
Number of Jobs (2014): 40,600
# of New Jobs Added (through 2024): 11,000

Reasons for the Increase: Since vision problems typically develop later in life, the aging population is expected to result in the need for more optometrists. That, plus the increase in diabetes are expected to cause a high job growth rate for optometrists over at least the next 10 years.

18. Web Developers

Job Growth Rate (2014-2024): 27%
Median Salary (2015): $64,970 per year
Number of Jobs (2014): 148,500
# of New Jobs Added (through 2024): 39,500

Reasons for the Increase: The expansion of eCommerce will cause the growth for web developers well into 2024. The explosion of mobile devices will result in more work.

19. Forensic Science Technicians

Job Growth Rate (2014-2024): 27%
Median Salary (2015): $56,320 per year
Number of Jobs (2014): 14,400
# of New Jobs Added (through 2024): 3,800

Reasons for the Increase: Employment for forensic science technicians is expected to grow due to scientific and technological advances. Forensic evidence is expected to provide greater value in trials.

20. Occupational Therapists

Job Growth Rate (2014-2024): 27%
Median Salary (2015): $80,150 per year
Number of Jobs (2014): 114,600
# of New Jobs Added (through 2024): 30,400

Reasons for the Increase: Occupational therapy is an important treatment for many people with autism, cerebral palsy, and many other illnesses and disabilities as well as the aging population. Therefore, the job outlook for occupational therapists is high.

21. Diagnostic Medical Sonographers

Job Growth Rate (2014-2024): 24%
Median Salary (2015): $63,630 per year
Number of Jobs (2014): 112,700
# of New Jobs Added (through 2024): 27,600

Reasons for the Increase: The need for diagnostic medical sonographers is expected to increase due to advances in imaging technologies and the aging population.

22. Personal Care Aides

Job Growth Rate (2014-2024): 26%
Median Salary (2015): $20,980 per year
Number of Jobs (2014): 1,768,400
# of New Jobs Added (through 2024): 458,100

Reasons for the Increase: Employment of personal care aides is expected to grow due to the aging population and the lower cost for an aide as opposed to a nursing home.

23. Phlebotomists

Job Growth Rate (2014-2024): 25%
Median Salary (2015): $31,630 per year
Number of Jobs (2014): 112,700
# of New Jobs Added (through 2024): 28,100

Reasons for the Increase: Job openings for phlebotomists are expected to increase through at least 2024 due to the need for blood tests and blood work related services.

24. Nurse Midwives

Job Growth Rate (2014-2024): 25%
Median Salary (2015): $92,510 per year
Number of Jobs (2014): 5,300
# of New Jobs Added (through 2024): 1,300

Reasons for the Increase: Growth for nurse midwives will occur due to an emphasis on preventive care and the growing population.

25. Solar Photovoltaic Installers

Job Growth Rate (2014-2024): 24%
Median Salary (2015): $37,830 per year
Number of Jobs (2014): 5,900
# of New Jobs Added (through 2024): 1,400

Reasons for the Increase: Job openings for solar photovoltaic installers are expected to be on the rise due to the expansion of solar energy and the popularity of solar leasing plans.

26. Emergency Medical Technicians and Paramedics

Job Growth Rate (2014-2024): 24%
Median Salary (2015): $31,980 per year
Number of Jobs (2014): 241,200
# of New Jobs Added (through 2024): 58,500

Reasons for the Increase: Demand for EMT’s and paramedics is expected to grow at least through 2024 due to the increase in the aging population as well as an increase in the number of specialized medical facilities.

27. Opticians, Dispensing

Job Growth Rate (2014-2024): 24%
Median Salary (2015): $34,840 per year
Number of Jobs (2014): 75,200
# of New Jobs Added (through 2024): 17,800

Reasons for the Increase: The increase in the number of people with diabetes and the growing baby boomer population will increase the demand for opticians and dispensing opticians.

28. Medical Assistants

Job Growth Rate (2014-2024): 23%
Median Salary (2015): $30,590 per year
Number of Jobs (2014): 591,300
# of New Jobs Added (through 2024): 138,900

Reasons for the Increase: Like many other healthcare careers, the increase in employment of medical assistants is primarily due to the growing baby boomer population.

29. Reinforcing Iron and Rebar Workers

Job Growth Rate (2014-2024): 23%
Median Salary (2015): $48,010 per year
Number of Jobs (2014): 18,700
# of New Jobs Added (through 2024): 23,100

Reasons for the Increase: The job outlook for reinforcing iron and rebar workers is expected to grow 23% through 2024 which is much faster than the average occupation. The reason for this growth is that many highways and bridges will need to be maintained or replaced and through legislative funding.

30. Biomedical Engineers

Job Growth Rate (2014-2024): 23%
Median Salary (2015): $86,220 per year
Number of Jobs (2014): 22,100
# of New Jobs Added (through 2024): 5,100

Reasons for the Increase: Employment of biomedical engineers is expected to increase due to growing technology that can be applied to biomedical advances like Smartphone technology and 3-D printing. In addition, the growing baby boomer generation will increase the need for certain procedures.

31. Orthotists and Prosthetists

Job Growth Rate (2014-2024): 23%
Median Salary (2015): $64,430 per year
Number of Jobs (2014): 8,300
# of New Jobs Added (through 2024): 1,900

Reasons for the Increase: Orthotists and prosthetists will likely see more demand due in part to advances in technology. In addition, the aging baby-boom population will create more need for these professionals.

32. Helpers–Brickmasons, Blockmasons, Stonemasons, and Tile and Marble Setters

Job Growth Rate (2014-2024): 22%
Median Salary (2015): $29,320 per year
Number of Jobs (2014): 23,500
# of New Jobs Added (through 2024): 5,300

Reasons for the Increase: Employment of construction laborers is sensitive to economic changes. However, brickmasons, blockmasons, stonemasons, and tile and marble setters are expected to increase due to the construction of new homes, schools, and other buildings.

33. Substance Abuse and Behavioral Disorder Counselors

Job Growth Rate (2014-2024): 22%
Median Salary (2015): $39,980 per year
Number of Jobs (2014): 94,900
# of New Jobs Added (through 2024): 21,200

Reasons for the Increase: Demand for substance abuse and behavioral disorder counselors is on the rise due to counseling services being increasingly covered by health insurance. In addition, more states are seeking counseling rather than jail time for drug offenders.

34. Cardiovascular Technologists and Technicians

Job Growth Rate (2014-2024): 22%
Median Salary (2015): $54,880 per year
Number of Jobs (2014): 52,000
# of New Jobs Added (through 2024): 11,500

Reasons for the Increase: Employment for cardiovascular techs is expected to increase due to advances in imaging technology and the growing baby boomer population.

35. Law Teachers, Postsecondary

Job Growth Rate (2014-2024): 22%
Median Salary (2015): $105,250 per year
Number of Jobs (2014): 21,100
# of New Jobs Added (through 2024): 4,600

Reasons for the Increase: The increase in postsecondary law teachers in due in part to the increase in enrollments at postsecondary institutes. Many additional postsecondary law teachers are expected to be needed to help education new lawyers and attorneys for the future.

36. Massage Therapists

Job Growth Rate (2014-2024): 22%
Median Salary (2015): $38,040 per year
Number of Jobs (2014): 168,800
# of New Jobs Added (through 2024): 36,500

Reasons for the Increase: Demand for massage therapy services due to more healthcare providers understanding the benefits of massage will result in the increase in employment for massage therapists.

37. Mathematicians

Job Growth Rate (2014-2024): 21%
Median Salary (2015): $111,110 per year
Number of Jobs (2014): 3,500
# of New Jobs Added (through 2024): 700

Reasons for the Increase: Employment for mathematicians is expected to increase by 21% through 2024, however, this occupation is small. Therefore, mathematicians with the best backgrounds will have the best job prospects. The increase will be due to an increase in the amount of digitally stored data. Mathematicians will be needed to analyze the data collected to help companies improve their businesses.

38. Criminal Justice and Law Enforcement Teachers, Postsecondary

Job Growth Rate (2014-2024): 21%
Median Salary (2015): $58,770 per year
Number of Jobs (2014): 17,400
# of New Jobs Added (through 2024): 3,700

Reasons for the Increase: The increasing demand in postsecondary criminal justice and law enforcement teachers is mostly due to the increase in enrollments at postsecondary institutes. New teachers with a background in criminal justice and law enforcement will be needed to help train people in these fields.

39. Speech-Language Pathologists

Job Growth Rate (2014-2024): 21%
Median Salary (2015): $73,410 per year
Number of Jobs (2014): 135,400
# of New Jobs Added (through 2024): 28,900

Reasons for the Increase: Speech-language pathologists will likely see more demand through 2024 because there will be more need for these professional as the baby-boom population grows older. In addition, an increase in awareness of speech and language disorders in younger children will contribute.

40. Athletic Trainers

Job Growth Rate (2014-2024): 21%
Median Salary (2015): $44,670 per year
Number of Jobs (2014): 25,400
# of New Jobs Added (through 2024): 5,400

Reasons for the Increase: Sports-related injuries, especially at a young age, will result in the increase in need for athletic trainers. Additionally, advances in treatments in injury prevention and it’s identification are expected to increase the need for athletic trainers.

41. Anesthesiologists

Job Growth Rate (2014-2024): 21%
Median Salary (2015): $443,859 per year
Number of Jobs (2014): 33,700
# of New Jobs Added (through 2024): 7,100

Reasons for the Increase: Anesthesiologists will likely see more demand through at least 2024 due to the growth in the aging population resulting in the need for more surgeries and procedures requiring anesthesia.

42. Computer Systems Analysts

Job Growth Rate (2014-2024): 21%
Median Salary (2015): $85,800 per year
Number of Jobs (2014): 567,800
# of New Jobs Added (through 2024): 118,600

Reasons for the Increase: Business organizations are increasing their dependence on information technology which will result in the hiring of more computer systems analysts to design and install new computer systems.

43. Medical Secretaries

Job Growth Rate (2014-2024): 21%
Median Salary (2015): $33,040
Number of Jobs (2014): 527,600
# of New Jobs Added (through 2024): 108,200

Reasons for the Increase: Medical secretaries will likely see more demand because due to the growth of the healthcare industry. This growth is expected due to the growing aging population as well as the increase in individuals with health insurance.

44. Surgeons

Job Growth Rate (2014-2024): 20%
Median Salary (2015): $395,456
Number of Jobs (2014): 46,000
# of New Jobs Added (through 2024): 9,100

Reasons for the Increase: Employment for surgeons is expected to increase due to the growing and aging population which will require more surgical procedures. However, growth in this field will be tempered due to new technologies that may lead to less invasive procedures.

45. Clinical, Counseling, and School Psychologists

Job Growth Rate (2014-2024): 20%
Median Salary (2015): $70,580
Number of Jobs (2014): 155,300
# of New Jobs Added (through 2024): 30,500

Reasons for the Increase: Higher need for psychological counseling in hospitals, mental health centers, and schools will drive growth for clinical, counseling, and school psychologists. The increase in awareness between mental health and learning will increase the need in schools.

That’s a wrap on the list of the fastest growing careers!

We hope you found this list helpful.

Remember, things change, but these statistics can guide you in finding a job with a high job outlook. This may make your professional life much easier as opposed to getting into a job where growth rates are in decline.