By Deborah Jeanne Sergeant
Ideally, you should find a job that you enjoy, pays well and also will continue to remain in high demand. The Bureau of Labor Statistics outlook predicts that 4.7 million jobs will join the nation’s economy between 2022 and 2032. Many of those will be among the following hot jobs (statistics from the Bureau of Labor Statistics):
1. Software developer
Median salary $127,260. Job growth: 25.7% or 410,400 new jobs.
As technology continues to advance, software developers will be in high demand to create the software necessary. A degree isn’t necessary. However, a bachelor’s degree in computer science is helpful and experience is a must-have.
2. Medical and health services manager
Median salary $104,830. Job growth: 28.4% or 144,700 new jobs.
As baby boomers continue to age and require more healthcare, any profession related to the medical field will continue to grow, including those who manage healthcare facilities. A bachelor’s degree in health administration is likely required, along with working in healthcare in a hands-on role. A master’s degree would open further opportunities.
3. Financial manager
Median salary $139,790. Job growth: 16% or 126,600 new jobs.
Managing a company’s finances is a vital role for mid-sized and larger firms. Most companies require a bachelor’s degree, but hiring agents prefer a master’s.
4. Nurse practitioner
Median salary $121,610. Job growth: 44.5% or 118,600 new jobs.
Along with physician assistants, nurse practitioners represent advanced healthcare practitioners who are filling the role of primary care provider to patients who have basic healthcare needs. As with any role in healthcare, the need for nurse practitioners will continue to stay robust. Nurse practitioners must become bachelor’s trained registered nurses and then complete a master’s within their specialty before passing a state licensing exam and national certification.
5. Dental hygienist
Median salary $81,400. Job growth: 7.4% or 16,300 new jobs.
While previous generations tended to only go to the dentist when a problem arose, baby boomers, Gen X and millennials are all about prevention. Caring for teeth can prevent many oral health problems, meaning hygienists have plenty of work cleaning, treating and examining the teeth and mouth. Hygienists need to have an associate degree and license from their state.
6. Management analyst
Median salary: $95,290. Job growth: 9.7% or 95,700 new jobs.
The business world has become ever more complex as the world “shrinks” and technology advances. Management analysts help guide companies as they create plans for financial sustainability and growth. A bachelor’s is essential, but companies prefer a master’s degree.
7. IT manager
Median salary: $164,070. Job growth: 15.4% or 85,900 new jobs.
Technology is integral to modern life and IT managers keep companies’ tech working through maintenance, repair and upgrades. Most IT managers have a bachelor’s degree, but a master’s would offer an advantage over other candidates.
8. Lawyer
Median salary: $135,740. Job growth: 7.6% or 62,400 new jobs.
Attorneys have numerous opportunities to practice law, from civil to criminal to corporate legal matters. A juris doctor degree is required, along with passing the state bar exam.
9. Data scientist
Median salary: $103,500. Job growth: 35.1% or 59,300 new jobs.
Statistics help business and consumers plan and make decisions. They also influence machine learning (AI), an emerging trend in many industries. A data scientist should have a bachelor’s degree in mathematics or computer science. A master’s degree or doctorate gives the data scientist an edge.
10. Physician assistant
Median salary: $126,010. Job growth: 26.6% or 39,300 new jobs.
Like nurse practitioners, physician assistants’ role augments that of a physician. Both are known as “physician extenders.” The physician assistant must have a bachelor’s degree, although a doctorate is preferred. Unlike nurse practitioners, physician assistants don’t follow a nursing educational track.
