Written by Coursera Staff • Updated on
Learn which jobs are estimated to exceed the average growth rate in the next decade.
A high-demand job typically means that either there are more opportunities than qualified candidates to fill them, or that there will be more jobs available over the next several years. These types of jobs tend to have several benefits, including more competitive salaries, increased opportunities for advancement, and in some instances, even greater job security.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) has estimated the job growth rate over the next decade for 324 occupations in the United States. Based on that projected data, we’ve compiled a list of 12 in-demand jobs that exceed the average growth rate of 9 percent and may be worth considering as you look for your next role.
12 high demand jobs
We’ve organized the list below by job growth rate. As you’ll notice, many of the jobs fall within the health care and technology industries, both of which are among the fastest growing industries.
1. Computer manager
Computer managers oversee a company’s network and IT services, ensuring users can access required software and tools without interruption. In addition to developing short-term and long-term system plans, troubleshooting problems, and managing all network-related budgets, computer managers also stay up-to-date about new programs or technology in case they might be useful to purchase and implement.
Median salary (US): $151,150
Estimated job growth: 11 percent
Typical requirements: Bachelor’s degree and over five years of experience
2. Paralegal
Paralegals support lawyers in a number of administrative ways, helping prepare research, documentation, and other important materials for briefs, cases, and trials. Thanks to the information they are responsible for collecting, paralegals must have a strong understanding of the legal system. Depending on the type of lawyer they work for, paralegals can specialize in an area of law, such as estate planning, corporate finance, or litigation.
Median salary (US): $52,920
Estimated job growth: 12 percent
Typical requirements: Associate degree
3. Technical writer
Technical writers make it easier to use a variety of products and services by creating clear how-to guides, instruction manuals, and other materials to help users. More than needing to clearly communicate about technical matters, they need to have a firm understanding of the subject they’re writing about, such as technology or finance, in order to convey the necessary information accurately.
Median salary (US): $74,650
Estimated job growth: 12 percent
Typical requirements: Bachelor’s degree
4. Web developer
Web developers create websites for brands, companies, and clients. There are four main types of website developers: back-end, front-end, fullstack, and webmaster. Each category focuses on a specific aspect of building and overseeing a website. Website developers typically must know at least one programming language and have some understanding of fundamental design principles.
Median salary (US): $77,200
Estimated job growth: 13 percent
Typical requirements: Bachelor’s degree
5. Financial manager
Financial managers oversee a company’s finances, including their profits and expenditures. In addition to monitoring the money that flows in and out of a business, they strategize about larger financial decisions with the aim of achieving financial well-being for a company. Thanks to the nature of their work, financial managers need to be strong communicators, planners, and organizers.
Median salary (US): $134,180
Estimated job growth: 17 percent
Typical requirements: Bachelor’s degree plus five years of experience
6. Medical assistant
Medical assistants provide support in doctor’s offices, hospitals, and other medical facilities. They are often the first to interact with a patient, taking their medical history and facilitating a smooth visit, which can include submitting prescriptions to area pharmacies and explaining medications to patients. Medical assistants may also perform basic lab tests, collect lab specimens, and perform a range of duties to help doctors, physician assistants, and nurse practitioners.
Median salary (US): $35,850
Estimated job growth: 18 percent
Typical requirements: High school diploma and training or professional certificate
Learn more: 15+ High-Paying Jobs that Don’t Require a Degree
7. Software developer
Software developers code and create software, apps, and make updates to existing interfaces, ensuring that everything runs smoothly. They work behind the scenes to design and build the programs people use everyday on their computers and mobile devices. Software developers need to know a programming language and have an understanding about what users need from a specific piece of software in order to create a useful and impactful product.
Median salary (US): $110,140
Estimated job growth: 22 percent
Typical requirements: Bachelor’s degree
8. Market research analyst
Market research analysts are a key part of a company’s market strategy because they investigate and provide actionable insights when it comes to competitors, customers, and new markets. Market research analysts also develop new ways of collecting data to help them understand what customers want, what competitors offer, and where a new product or service could potentially fit. Their work entails a combination of strong mathematical and analytical skills alongside critical thinking and clear communication.
Median salary (US): $65,810
Estimated job growth: 22 percent
Typical requirements: Bachelor’s degree
9. Substance abuse counselor
Substance abuse counselors work closely with people who are struggling with a substance abuse disorder, such as drugs or alcohol. They may meet with patients individually or in groups to assess the issue and provide treatment that strives to modify behavior and help patients recover. Because substance abuse counselors spend a lot of time investigating why an issue arose in the first place, they must be empathetic listeners as well as critical thinkers.
Median salary (US): $47,660
Estimated job growth: 23 percent
Typical requirements: Bachelor’s degree
Learn more: Your Guide to Social Work Degrees
10. Health services manager
Health services managers work behind the scenes in health care administration to keep doctor’s offices, hospitals, and other provider locations organized and on task. Their job is to make sure everything operates smoothly so that patients can receive timely care and providers can effectively do their jobs. Health services managers often need to have a developed understanding of not only the medical system, but also the legal and financial systems (like insurance) that impact health care.
Median salary (US): $104,280
Estimated job growth: 32 percent
Typical requirements: Bachelor’s degree and around five years of experience
11. Statistician
Statisticians are problem-solvers who use data, mathematics, and other statistical information to identify a range of solutions. They often work for companies, either as full-time employees or consultants, using their analytical skills to understand business-related issues and determine the best outcome. Statisticians can apply their skill sets to a number of industries.
Median salary (US): $93,290
Estimated job growth: 33 percent
Typical requirements: Master’s degree
12. Nurse practitioner
Nurse practitioners are advanced in their field, having achieved higher education than a registered nurse in order to consult with and diagnose patients. Nurse practitioners work in a variety of health care specializations, including pediatric, psychiatric, and women’s health. Nurse practitioners must complete significant clinical training in order to work more closely with patients and be strong communicators and critical thinkers.
Median salary (US): $116,670
Estimated job growth: 45 percent
Typical requirements: Master’s degree
Learn more: 9 Jobs for Better Work-Life Balance
Benefits of working in a high-demand job
While a high-demand job doesn’t always correlate with job security, the two can be closely related, meaning that a job with a good deal of projected growth can offer some amount of security. By 2030, the global management consulting firm McKinsey & Company estimates that automation will disrupt 400 million jobs [1]. Over the course of the pandemic, jobs in technology and finance grew while roles in tourism, construction, and retail declined [2].
As automation continues to disrupt jobs and industries, replacing workers, it can be useful to move into a career path or industry that is projected to experience high growth and remain in-demand. Beyond security, other benefits of high-demand jobs include:
Higher salaries
Faster advancement
Less competition for available jobs
Next steps
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Updated on
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This content has been made available for informational purposes only. Learners are advised to conduct additional research to ensure that courses and other credentials pursued meet their personal, professional, and financial goals.
