The American job market is changing fast. Some jobs are shrinking. Others are growing at a pace that is hard to ignore. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) tracks this closely. It publishes projections that show which occupations are expected to add the most jobs, in percentage terms, over the next several years. This article shows the top 10 fastest growing jobs in the USA, how quickly each one is growing, and how much it pays.
Key Takeaways
- Nurse practitioners are the fastest growing job in the USA, with 41% projected growth and a median salary of $132,300.
- Six of the top ten fastest growing jobs are in healthcare, because an older population needs more care.
- Fast growth does not always mean high pay, since computer research scientists earn $140,300 while psychiatric technicians earn $45,130.
The Top 10 Fastest Growing Jobs in the USA
The table below shows the 10 fastest growing occupations in the United States by projected growth rate through 2035. The data comes from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
| Rank | Occupation | Projected Growth Rate (2025-2035) | Annual Median Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Nurse Practitioners | 41% | $132,300 |
| 2 | Solar Photovoltaic Installers | 37% | $53,140 |
| 3 | Data Scientists | 35% | $120,230 |
| 4 | Wind Turbine Service Technicians | 30% | $64,120 |
| 5 | Medical and Health Services Managers | 24% | $123,860 |
| 6 | Physical Therapist Assistants | 23% | $68,380 |
| 7 | Psychiatric Technicians | 22% | $45,130 |
| 8 | Computer and Information Research Scientists | 22% | $140,300 |
| 9 | Occupational Therapy Assistants | 21% | $72,300 |
| 10 | Ophthalmic Medical Technicians | 21% | $45,570 |
| 11 | Physician Assistants | 21% | $135,880 |
| 12 | Information Security Analysts | 21% | $129,180 |
| 13 | Occupational Health and Safety Technicians | 19% | $61,560 |
| 14 | Hearing Aid Specialists | 19% | $65,160 |
| 15 | Epidemiologists | 19% | $87,220 |
| 16 | Occupational Health and Safety Specialists | 18% | $90,150 |
| 17 | Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors | 18% | $59,350 |
| 18 | Home Health and Personal Care Aides | 18% | $35,800 |
| 19 | Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary | 18% | $107,310 |
| 20 | Industrial Machinery Mechanics | 18% | $64,520 |
1. Nurse Practitioners (41%)
Nurse practitioners top the list with a projected growth rate of 41%. They can examine patients, diagnose illnesses, and prescribe medicine, which makes them a big help to clinics and hospitals that are short on doctors. The median salary for this occupation in is $132,300 a year.
2. Solar Photovoltaic Installers (37%)
Solar installers come in second at 37%. These workers put solar panels on rooftops and in large solar farms. As more homes and businesses switch to solar power, demand for installers keeps climbing. The median pay for this occupation is $53,140.
3. Data Scientists (35%)
Data scientists are expected to grow by 35%. Companies collect huge amounts of information, and they need people who can turn it into useful decisions. The median salary for this occupation is $120,230.
4. Wind Turbine Service Technicians (30%)
These technicians climb, inspect, and repair wind turbines. This field is projected to grow 30%, and the median salary is $64,120. It is a hands-on job that does not usually need a four-year degree.
5. Medical and Health Services Managers (24%)
Hospitals and clinics are big businesses, and someone has to run them. These managers plan, direct, and coordinate health services. Growth in this occupation is projected at 24%, with a median salary of $123,860.
6. Physical Therapist Assistants (23%)
Physical therapist assistants help patients recover from injuries and surgeries, working under a licensed physical therapist. The job is expected to grow 23%, and the median pay is $68,380.
7. Psychiatric Technicians (22%)
Psychiatric technicians care for people with mental health and behavioral conditions. Growth is projected at 22%. The median salary is $45,130, the lowest on this list, but the demand for this kind of care is significant.
8. Computer and Information Research Scientists (22%)
These researchers work on new ways to use computing technology and solve complex problems. Growth in this field is projected at 22%, and this job pays the most on the list, with a median salary of $140,300.
9. Occupational Therapy Assistants (21%)
Occupational therapy assistants help people get back to everyday tasks like dressing, cooking, and working after an injury or illness. The job is projected to grow 21%, with a median salary of $72,300.
10. Ophthalmic Medical Technicians (21%)
These technicians assist eye doctors by running tests, taking measurements, and preparing patients for exams. Growth in this occupation is projected at 21%, and the median salary is $45,570.
What the BLS Data Tells
Healthcare is the biggest winner. Six of the ten jobs are in healthcare, from nurse practitioners to therapy assistants. America’s population is getting older, and older people need more medical care. That demand is not going away soon.
Clean energy is growing fast. Solar installers and wind turbine technicians both made the top five. As the country adds more renewable power, it needs workers to build and maintain it.
Tech jobs pay the most. Data scientists and computer research scientists both earn more than $120,000 a year at the median.
Growth does not always mean high pay. Psychiatric technicians and ophthalmic medical technicians earn a little over $45,000, while nurse practitioners earn nearly three times that. Fast growth means more openings, but you still need to check the pay for the path you choose.
If you are early in your career, this list can help you decide what to study or train for. If you already have a job, it can show you which nearby fields are hiring. Many of these roles, like therapy assistants and technicians, can be reached with shorter training than a full degree, though some, like nurse practitioner, need advanced education.
Keep in mind that these are national projections. Local job markets differ, so it is worth checking demand and pay in your own state before making a big move.
The Bottom Line
According to the BLS, nurse practitioner is the fastest growing job, with a projected growth rate of 41%. Computer and information research scientists have the highest median salary on this list at $140,300 a year. Nurse practitioners are next at $132,300. The country is getting older, adopting new energy, and relying more on data. Careers in healthcare, clean energy, and technology are where much of the new hiring is expected to happen.
