Many of the fastest-growing industries in the United States require a bachelor’s degree or other training after high school. Whether you’re looking to apply to your first job or launch a new career path, these in-demand industries are excellent places to start your search.
The fastest-growing industries and careers are concentrated in several fields, including technical consulting, scientific, computer systems design, management, and healthcare. The total job growth in the United States is expected to increase by about 7.7% between 2020 and 2030, or from 153.5 million jobs in 2020 to 165.4 million jobs in 2030. There are expected to be more job openings in the service-providing industries rather than the goods-producing industries as has been the case in the past.
Although many jobs available only require on-the-job training or a certificate, most of the fastest-growing careers require an associate degree or higher. Review each industry and see which degree options may help you launch a career in one of these fastest-growing industries in the United States.
How to Apply to Industries in Demand
The top growing industries below represent some areas where the newest jobs will be created throughout the decade. Some of these positions are still highly competitive, so knowing the best training opportunities is essential to help you improve your application for an occupation in one of the fastest-growing industries.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the number of jobs requiring at least an associate degree is expected to grow faster than the average job growth. Here are the percentages of employment change by education level from 2020 to 2030:
- No formal education: 8.9%
- High school diploma: 5.1%
- Some college experience: 3%
- Postsecondary nondegree award: 9.7%
- Associate degree: 10.5%
- Bachelor’s degree: 9.9%
- Master’s degree: 16.4%
- Doctoral or professional degree: 7.7%
These projects include all occupations, regardless of the level of growth. Education is a significant component of your application, but many of these positions also require previous work experience. Look for internship opportunities to grow your relevant skills in the area. In addition to occupation skills, many companies are looking for new employees with the following employment skills:
- Leadership: Display your ability to lead teams and take initiative in the workplace.
- Analytical skills: These include identifying issues, considering solutions, and solving problems.
- Communication: Both written and verbal communication are critical skills in virtually any career. Many occupations also require video-calling communication skills.
- Attention to detail: Many careers require careful attention to detail to avoid making critical mistakes.
- Self-management skills: Show your prospective employer that you can start and complete a project on your own with little guidance.
- Decision-making: Similar to leadership skills, decision-making skills are essential for management and administrative positions.
Top Growing Industries in the United States
1. Management, Scientific, and Technical Consulting Services – 83% Growth
- Management Program
- Human Resources Degree
- Environmental Science Degree
2. Services for the Elderly and Persons With Disabilities – 74% Growth
- Human Services Degree
- Social Work Degree
3. Offices of Physical, Occupational, and Speech Therapists and Audiologists – 56% Growth
- Physical Therapy Degree
- Occupational Therapy Degree
4. Data Processing, Hosting, and Related Services – 53% Growth
- Computer Science Degree
- Computer Support Services Degree
- Computer Systems Security Degree
- Networking Degree
- Software Development Degree
- Systems Administration Degree
- Telecommunications Degree
- Web Design Degree
5. Home Health Care Services – 46% Growth
- Nursing Degree
- Adult Health Nursing Degree
- Nurse Midwife Program
- Registered Nursing Degree
6. Specialized Design Services – 46% Growth
- Interior Design Degree
- Industrial Design Degree
- Graphic Design Degree
7. Computer Systems Design and Related Services – 45% Growth
- Computer Science Programs
- Information Technology Degree
8. Offices of Mental Health Practitioners (Except Physicians) – 45% Growth
- Clinical Psychology Program
- School Psychology Degree
9. Other General Merchandise Stores – 41% Growth
- Management Program
- Pharmacy Technician Degree
10. Medical and Diagnostic Laboratories – 40% Growth
- Diagnostic and Treatment Technician Degree
- Medical Laboratory Technician Degree
- Healthcare Administration Degree
- Medical Assistant Degree
11. Offices of All Other Health Practitioners – 37% Growth
- Registered Nursing Degree
- Medical Office Assistant Degree
- Massage Therapy Program
- Nurse Anesthetist Degree
- Anesthesiologist Assistant Program
12. Veterinary Services – 35% Growth
- Veterinary Technologist Degree
- Veterinary Degree
- Medical Receptionist Degree
- Accounting Degree
13. Lessors of Nonfinancial Intangible Assets (Except Copyrighted Works) – 34% Growth
- Management Program
- Marketing Degree
- Accounting Degree
14. Waste Treatment and Disposal – 34% Growth
- Hazardous Materials Information Systems Technology Program
- Hazardous Materials Management Technician Program
- Accounting Degree
15. Offices of Physicians – 34% Growth
- Registered Nursing Degree
- Medical Assistant Degree
- Physician Assistant Degree
- Medical Insurance Coding Degree
- Health Information/Medical Records Degree
16. Personal Care Services – 32% Growth
- Cosmetology Program
- Manicurist Program
- Barbering Program
- Esthetician and Skin Care Program
- Hair Styling and Hair Design Program
- Make-Up Artists Program
17. Facilities Support Services – 31% Growth
- Criminal Justice Degree
- Corrections Degree
- Security Services Degree
- Management Program
18. Other Information Services – 31% Growth
- Library Science Degree
- Library Assistant Program
- Information Technology Degree
- Computer Engineering Degree
- Journalism Degree
- Business/Corporate Communications Degree
- Creative Writing Degree
- Publishing Degree
- Technical and Business Writing Degree
19. Offices of Chiropractors – 31% Growth
- Chiropractor Degree
- Chiropractor Assistant Degree
- Massage Therapy Degree
- Accounting Degree
- Physical Therapy Degree
20. Software Publishers – 30% Growth
- Software Development Degree
- Computer Science Degree
- Technical and Business Writing Degree
21. Support Activities for Road Transportation – 30% Growth
- Automobile Mechanic Technician Degree
- Transportation and Highway Engineering Degree
- Transportation and Transportation Management Degree
22. Support Activities for Air Transportation – 30% Growth
- Aircraft Mechanics Degree
- Aircraft Powerplant Technology Degree
- Commercial Flight Crew Program
23. Plumbing, Heating, and Air Conditioning Contractors – 29% Growth
- Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation, and Refrigeration Maintenance Programs
- Plumbing Technology Program
- Construction Trade Program
24. Independent Artists, Writers, and Performers – 29% Growth
- Acting Degree
- Creative Writing Degree
- Technical and Business Writing Degree
- Audiovisual Technician Degree
- Photography Degree
25. Offices of Dentists – 29% Growth
- Dentistry Degree
- Dental Hygiene Degree
Which Career Is Right for Me?
The fastest-growing industries cover a broad range of occupations. If you’re concerned about which career might be right for you, here are some questions to ask yourself:
- What are my interests?
- What tasks best fit my personality?
- What are my strengths?
- What are my past experiences?
Explore answers to these questions as you look for career pathways and degree programs. A degree program offers not only training for a career but can also help you explore the concepts and basic tasks to see if it’s an industry you’re excited to join or a new position you wish to apply for in your current industry.
In addition to skills and interests, it’s important to determine the type of career that best fits your personality. For example, a position in data processing may require greater attention to detail as well as knowledge of the latest technology. A career in a medical field may require a master’s degree or professional degree.
Launch a New Career in One of the Fastest-Growing Industries
Take the first step to joining one of the fastest-growing industries today. Look for training opportunities to earn a certificate, associate degree, bachelor’s degree, or postgraduate degree to improve your application. Earning a degree is a key step in becoming qualified for your chosen occupation in a desirable industry.