The 10 Fastest-Growing Jobs of the Decade

People who pursue careers in high-demand fields may benefit from increased job opportunities. This blog post highlights 10 of the fastest-growing jobs for 2020-2030 based on Bureau of Labor Statistics projections. These jobs also pay over the $41,950 median annual salary for all occupations. Besides job outlooks and salary data, you'll find information about each role's daily activities and required education.

Wind Turbine Service Technicians

• Daily Activities: Wind turbine technicians, sometimes called windtechs, install and fix wind turbines. However, they spend most of their time maintaining these large structures. Tasks may involve replacing worn or broken parts and collecting turbine data for evaluation.

• Education Requirements: Wind turbine technicians need a certificate in wind energy technology. They can earn this credential at a technical school or community college. Some technicians go on to earn an associate degree. In addition, these professionals typically need one year of hands-on training.

Nurse Practitioner

• Daily Activities: A type of advanced practice registered nurse (APRN), nurse practitioners (NPs) perform similar tasks to registered nurses (RNs). Responsibilities include collecting medical histories and examining patients. Unlike RNs, NPs order diagnostic testing, diagnose and treat medical conditions, and prescribe medications. NPs typically pick a specialization, such as pediatrics, geriatrics, or family medicine.

• Education Requirements: Aspiring NPs need a master's degree, state RN licensure, passing certification exam scores, and a state APRN license. Nurse practitioner programs prepare students for this advanced nursing role.

Solar Photovoltaic Installers

• Daily Activities: Solar photovoltaic (PV) installers fit rooftops or other sites with solar panels that turn sunlight into electricity. They design an installation plan for each worksite and prepare the required materials. They maintain PV panel systems as needed, often working on a team.

• Education Requirements: While PV installers only need a high school or GED diploma, many workers take classes in the field. Topics include necessary safety protocols and designing and installing PV panels. Some professionals learn key skills through on-the-job training that may last up to a year. Licensure requirements for solar photovoltaic installers vary by state.

Agents and Business Managers of Artists, Performers, and Athletes

• Daily Activities: Agents and business managers represent their clients in interactions with hiring professionals. They promote various individuals, including artists, writers, athletes, or actors. Agents typically send out samples of their clients' work to secure roles or deals for them. They also manage contract negotiations.

• Education Requirements: Agents and business managers typically need at least a high school diploma. Many pursue a bachelor's degree in marketing, public relations, or business.

Makeup Artists, Theatrical and Performance

• Daily Activities: Makeup artists apply cosmetics to stage and film performers to portray different roles. Their work may involve applying prosthetics or fake hair. These professionals often collaborate with directors and backstage crew members to bring looks to life. Some makeup artists work for cosmetics companies or as freelancers. Freelancing can involve applying makeup for life events, such as weddings.

• Education Requirements: These professionals need at least a high school or GED diploma. Some makeup artists earn certification from a trade school or community college to boost their skills. Others may pursue an associate degree in the field.

Occupational Therapy Assistants

• Daily Activities: Occupational therapy assistants help patients learn and maintain the skills to perform daily activities. They may teach patients stretches and exercises to build strength, balance, and mobility. Other daily tasks may involve encouraging patients and recording their progress. Occupational therapy assistants may work with people with disabilities. For example, they can show patients with mobility disabilities how to safely move from a bed into a wheelchair.

• Education Requirements: Occupational therapy assistants need an associate degree in the field from an accredited program. They must also complete many weeks of fieldwork to gain real-world experience during their program.

Statisticians

• Daily Activities: Statisticians use data and mathematical formulas to help solve problems. Daily tasks may include creating experiments and surveys to gather data. They also make statistical models and use software to interpret results. Statisticians need good communication skills to present technical information in simple terms to other team members and clients.

• Education Requirements: Statisticians typically need a master's degree in statistics or math. However, some employers may hire candidates with a bachelor's degree for entry-level roles. People who want to teach math or statistics at postsecondary institutions may need a doctorate.

Physical Therapy Assistants

• Daily Activities: Physical therapy assistants work under physical therapists to provide direct care to patients. They help people recover from surgeries, injuries, and illness, often managing pain and improving mobility. Physical therapy assistants often use exercises, stretching, and massage to treat patients. Other responsibilities include reporting patient progress to their supervising physical therapist and teaching patients post-treatment care.

• Education Requirements: These professionals need a physical therapist assistant associate degree. The program needs Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education accreditation. Physical therapy assistants need a license to practice, which involves passing an exam. They may pursue optional certifications in the field.

Information Security Analysts

• Daily Activities: These professionals protect a company or organization's computer systems. Information security analysts install software to protect sensitive data and prevent hacking and other cyberattacks. They often create computer security best practices for their workplace.

• Education Requirements: Information security analysts need a bachelor's degree in information technology, engineering, or a computer-related field. Many employers prefer job candidates with prior relevant work experience. Earning a certification in the field may make candidates more competitive.

Film and Video Editors

• Daily Activities: Film and video editors organize images and footage from camera operators to make a final product. These editors need good communication skills to collaborate with directors on bringing a project to life. They then edit content with video-editing software to carry out the director's vision. Film and video editors play an important role in educating and entertaining audiences.

• Education Requirements: These professionals usually need a bachelor's degree in film or a related area. Film and video editors earn certifications in different editing software to strengthen their resumes. For example, degree-holders can become Adobe certified professionals.

Source: BLS