Best Careers for the Next 10 Years
The future is bright for these professions based on hiring and pay.
The U.S. job market is looking good. And for some fields, it’s looking great. We analyzed hundreds of professions to see which are have the strongest job growth and highest salaries.
Here are three to pursue:
App Developer
Total number of jobs: 741,137
Sign up for Kiplinger’s Free E-Newsletters
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and more - straight to your e-mail.
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice - straight to your e-mail.
Job growth, 2005-2015: 28.2% (All jobs: 5.3%)
Projected job growth, 2015-2025: 22.7% (All jobs: 11.0%)
Median annual salary: $96,461 (All jobs: $43,430)
Typical education: Bachelor's degree
Got computer science and software skills? Good: You have choices. One of your best would be to become an app developer. The demand for mobile technology is skyrocketing and this means huge growth for these developers. You need only a bachelor's and can maybe get in with just an associate's.
Nurse Practitioner
Total number of jobs: 130,110
Job growth, 2005-2015: 30.3%
Projected job growth, 2015-2025: 25.7%
Median annual salary: $97,396
Typical education: Master's degree
Health care continues to see growth as more people get insurance. Being a nurse practitioner is a great way to tap into this. NPs do much of the same care as doctors and are paid well. You’ll need postgraduate study.
Market Research Analyst
Total number of jobs: 522,438
Job growth, 2005-2015: 28.0%
Projected job growth, 2015-2025: 28.2%
Median annual salary: $62,226
Typical education: Bachelor's degree
One exception to the tech and medical jobs dominating our list is market research analyst. Companies are awash in big data and need people who can make sense of it. The best jobs will go to those with a master’s degree in marketing, statistics or math.
Get Kiplinger Today newsletter — free
Profit and prosper with the best of Kiplinger's advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and much more. Delivered daily. Enter your email in the box and click Sign Me Up.
In his former role as Senior Online Editor, David edited and wrote a wide range of content for Kiplinger.com. With more than 20 years of experience with Kiplinger, David worked on numerous Kiplinger publications, including The Kiplinger Letter and Kiplinger’s Personal Finance magazine. He co-hosted Your Money's Worth, Kiplinger's podcast and helped develop the Economic Forecasts feature.
-
Here's How To Get Organized And Work For Yourself
Whether you’re looking for a side gig or planning to start your own business, it has never been easier to strike out on your own. Here is our guide to navigating working for yourself.
By Laura Petrecca Published
-
How to Manage Risk With Diversification
"Don't put all your eggs in one basket" means different things to different investors. Here's how to manage your risk with portfolio diversification.
By Charles Lewis Sizemore, CFA Published
-
How Big Should My Emergency Fund Be?
Brandon Copeland NFL linebacker and Kiplinger contributing editor Brandon Copeland discusses the importance of building an emergency fund.
By Brandon Copeland Published
-
Homeowners Insurance: How to Protect Your Home
Brandon Copeland NFL linebacker and Kiplinger contributing editor Brandon Copeland discusses the ins and outs of homeowners insurance.
By Brandon Copeland Published
-
The "Real" Cost of Buying a Car
Brandon Copeland Atlanta Falcons linebacker and Kiplinger contributing editor Brandon Copeland illustrates how car prices are far more than meets the eye.
By Brandon Copeland Published
-
How to Plan a Budget-Friendly Family Vacation
Brandon Copeland Atlanta Falcons linebacker and Kiplinger contributing editor Brandon Copeland provides tips on how to go on vacation without breaking the bank.
By Brandon Copeland Published
-
The Great Resignation: How to Quit Your Job With Confidence
Brandon Copeland Atlanta Falcons linebacker and Kiplinger contributing editor Brandon Copeland provides tips on how to properly quit your job and upgrade your career.
By Brandon Copeland Published
-
How to Achieve Your 2022 New Year's Resolutions
Brandon Copeland You've already made your New Year's resolutions. Atlanta Falcons linebacker and Kiplinger contributing editor Brandon Copeland explains how you can stick with them and accomplish them.
By Brandon Copeland Published
-
Santa's End-of-the-Year Finance Tips
Brandon Copeland Atlanta Falcons linebacker and Kiplinger contributing editor Brandon Copeland shares a few ways you can improve your finances before 2022 gets here.
By Brandon Copeland Published
-
Planning Your Child's Financial Future
Brandon Copeland Atlanta Falcons linebacker and Kiplinger contributing editor Brandon Copeland talks about ways to set your child up with a strong financial foundation.
By Brandon Copeland Published