No matter how secure you felt in your career in 2024, no industry has been fully immune this year to the deadly pandemic that has affected every facet of how we live our lives. Whether you are experiencing job loss or cut hours, are adjusting to work-from-home life, or have had to grow your company in a completely different direction, Americans have had to innovate to keep their companies afloat and put food on the table.
While the future may feel uncertain in the wake of Covid-19, experts suggest that there is still hope for a bright future in the medical and tech fields, with opportunities for growth just around the corner in the coming years. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that in the next decade we will see an increase of 6 million jobs, where 5 out of the 20 most in-demand positions will be in the healthcare and social assistance industries. Another fast-growing sector is tech, and the BLS predicts software development and IT security jobs will be very in-demand in the next decade.
Whether you are looking to start a new business venture, go back to school for a second degree, or if you are searching for a new job in a post-pandemic world, consider this list of the top ten high-paying jobs that will catapult you into the future.
1. Healthcare
There has been a huge need for compassionate and skilled healthcare workers this year, and in the next decade, the demand for jobs in this field will continue to grow. Experts predict healthcare-related occupations will continue to be in high demand in this fast-growing sector.
Jobs in demand include physicians assistants, registered nurses, occupational therapists, and nurse practitioners, to name a few. If you are searching for a job in the medical industry, a reputable job search engine like PracticeMatch is a great place to get started.
The sky is the limit when it comes to a career in the healthcare industry, and while the mountain of education required is steep to climb, it is a career field that can prove very rewarding despite the everyday challenges you’ll face.
2. Software Developers
Ever wonder how the apps you use every day are created? Then you may be interested in exploring one of the most in-demand positions for the next decade: the software developer. In this job, you will need strong analytical skills and concentration to create the technology many take for granted but are dependant on in everyday life. If you are a creative thinker who loves innovation and has a passion for technology, this job is a high-paying and fulfilling option to carry you into the future.
3. Statistician
The statistician uses data collection and analysis to solve the world’s problems, helping others by drawing helpful conclusions from their findings and decisions. The best thing about this profession is the statistician isn’t tied to one field, using their skills to aid in issues in entertainment, sports, human rights, the environment, or healthcare. If you want to use science and data to solve real-world problems, consider exploring statistics.
4. IT Manager
Information Technology managers are in charge of navigating modern technology in the workplace, and how it affects a company’s goals and needs. The landscape of technology is ever-changing, and modern companies need someone who can execute the company’s vision in the meeting room and keep their computer systems and important data free from malware, meltdowns, or hacking.
IT is a growing sector as almost all companies need these services to stay abreast of the latest technology and ahead of potential cyber threats. From the healthcare industry and financial companies to the local and federal government, every company can use an IT manager to make their operations run smoother.
5. Financial Manager
If you are quick on your feet, have a head for numbers, and are interested in helping large companies keep track of their finances, this high-paying job may be for you. A financial manager has his or her finger on the pulse of the company’s finances, compiling cash-flow statements, presenting profit projections, and communicating comprehensive reports to the company. This is a highly competitive job, but one that can open up a world of opportunity for the right person.
6. Operations Resrach Analyst
In this career, incredible problem-solvers use their skills to help businesses evolve into more efficient and cost-effective institutions. Using math, statistics, data mining, and analytics, the operations research analyst diagnoses what may be slowing a company down and helps optimize the company’s impact in their chosen field. If you feel you have what it takes to aid in guiding these advanced decisions, consider looking into becoming an operations research analyst.
7. Mechanical Engineer
Although our modern technology has allowed engineers to make calculations in a whole new way, this is an essential job that remains relevant even in the wake of technological advancements. If you are passionate about figuring out how things work, love critical thinking, and pride yourself on your excellent problem-solving skills, mechanical engineering is a solid field that experts predict will continue to symbiotically grow in the next decade alongside technology.
8. Pilot
Pilots do so much more than transport passengers and luggage for major airlines! Pilots work for the government, transport wealthy clients on luxury private jets, dispense pesticides over crop fields, and so much more. There is also plenty of opportunity for growth as many pilots go on to work in related jobs such as air traffic control. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts growth in this industry in the coming decade as there is an increasing need to transport patients between healthcare facilities and hospitals.
If we’ve learned anything from the past year, it is that no person or institution can perfectly predict the future, and sometimes even the best-laid plans often go awry. While no job is a completely failsafe option, there are many ways we can set ourselves up for success by investing in education and job opportunities that are future-focused.
