Last year, we presented the 5 Most In-Demand Industries in 2021 for job seekers and career changers. A few prominent industries from last year have grown even more, and new industries are becoming more popular as the COVID-19 pandemic landscape changes.
In this post, we detail five industries to watch in 2022, that are expected to have a high demand for professionals, as they’re among the fastest-growing industries this year. Some are poised to continue growing in the next decade or beyond.
If you’re interested in changing your career or updating your resume to fit an industry like those below, contact us for a free career coach consultation.
1. Healthcare Jobs
Healthcare remains a top industry to watch in 2022. Employment in healthcare occupations is expected to grow 16% between 2020 and 2030, which is higher than the 15% growth rate it was listed at last year. The industry will add around 2.6 million new jobs, as populations age and create a greater demand for healthcare services.
In healthcare, like in many industries, the higher your education, the higher your earning potential. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports the median annual wage for healthcare technical occupations and healthcare practitioners (dental hygienists, physicians, surgeons and registered nurses) was higher than the median yearly salary for all jobs. If you’re new to the healthcare industry, jobs like home health aide and veterinary assistant typically require a high school diploma or equivalent to enter the industry.
2. Computer and Information Technology Jobs
Computer and information technology occupations remain in our top in-demand industries from 2021 into 2022. These jobs are expected to grow 13% from 2020 to 2030, which is higher than last year’s growth rate of 11%. Cloud computing, information security and big data collection and storage are trends that are driving industry growth.
The good news for career changers is that there is an abundance of online training for IT and computer jobs. Bootcamps and free education sites like Coursera and EdX can help you learn the skills you need to enter the industry. The median annual wage for IT and computer jobs was $91,250 in May 2020, which is much higher than the median yearly salary for all occupations, at $41,950.
3. Entertainment & Service Industry Jobs
As more entertainment venues open up and more people head out into the world, that’s created a high demand for people to return to entertainment- and service-based industries. The BLS released its fastest growing occupations between 2020 and 2030, and the top 20 included in its rankings:
- #1: Motion picture projectionists – 70% growth rate, 2020-2030
- #3: Ushers, lobby attendants and ticket takers – 62% growth rate, 2020-2030
- #6: Cooks, restaurant – 49% growth rate, 2020-2030
- #7: Agents and business managers of artists, performers and athletes – 46% growth rate, 2020-2030
- #8: Costume attendants – 44% growth rate, 2020-2030
- #9: Exercise trainers and group fitness instructors – 39% growth rate, 2020-2030
- #11: Athletes and sports competitors – 38% growth rate, 2020-2030
- #12: Makeup artists, theatrical and performance – 37% growth rate, 2020-2030
- #15: Entertainment attendants and related workers, all other – 35% growth rate, 2020-2030
- #18: Miscellaneous entertainers and performers, sports and related works – 34% growth rate, 2020-2030
- #20: Film and video editors – 33% growth rate, 2020-2030
As you can see from this list, live entertainment and live activities like group fitness classes are expected to increase in demand over the next decade. Most jobs on this list don’t require college education. They may be good options for a second, part-time job or to enter an industry that increases your employee engagement in your job.
4. Environment-/Green-Focused Jobs
Environmentally-based and green-focused jobs remain on our list in 2022. On the BLS rankings for most in-demand jobs this year, wind turbine service technicians land in the #2 spot, with a growth rate of 68% between 2020 and 2030. Solar photovoltaic installers land at #5, with a 52% growth rate between 2020 and 2030. Both these percentages are higher than last year’s, at 61% and 51%, respectively
Other “green jobs” the BLS reports are expected to increase in demand include:
- Environmental scientists and specialists, including health
- Hazardous materials removal workers
- Environmental engineers
- Environmental science and protection technicians, including health
- Environmental engineering technicians
- Conservation scientists
Many green jobs, like solar photovoltaic installers, only require a high school education to apply. Others, like environmental engineering and scientist jobs, may require up to a master’s degree or higher.
5. Personal Care Jobs
In what have been a stressful past couple years for many people, it’s not surprising personal care and service occupations are becoming more popular in demand. According to the BLS, employment in these positions is expected to grow 22% between 2020 and 2030, which is much faster than all occupations. Around 841,000 new jobs in these areas are expected to be added.
Personal care and service occupations include:
- Manicurists and pedicurists
- Skincare specialists
- Childcare workers
- Animal care and service workers
- Barbers, hairstylists and cosmetologists
- Fitness trainers and instructors
- Funeral service workers
- Gambling service workers
- Recreation workers
If you’ve ever wanted to work in a job where you’re helping others achieve self-care or enjoy recreation, these entry-level jobs provide opportunity.
Find Your Dream Career
As we look ahead in 2022 and beyond, it’s expected that healthcare, IT, entertainment, environmental and self-care jobs will become more popular. Some of these jobs offer part-time employment opportunities if you already work full-time, while others can lead to fulfilling careers when you have the right education and skills.
If you’re interested in switching things up in your career, learn more about our career coaching services.
