When considering a career change, it’s useful to think about your skills and interests to ensure you find something you will enjoy and can excel at. However, it’s also worth researching what jobs are always in demand, as this will increase your chances of earning well and improve your job security. Some of the jobs that will always be in demand require at least a bachelor’s degree in a related subject, whereas for others you only need a certification or relevant experience.
The following are all jobs growing much faster than average, along with their median earnings according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
1. Registered Nurse
Becoming a registered nurse means you’ll be joining the largest group of healthcare workers. You’ll be able to work at almost any type of clinical facility, including hospitals, physicians’ offices, and home health facilities. Duties are varied and interesting — as well as patient care, the job can involve educating people. Usually, registered nurses have bachelor’s degrees, but it’s also possible to gain a license after an associate’s degree or diploma.
Median Pay: $73,300
2. Nursing Assistant
Nursing assistants support registered nurses, working in clinical settings like hospitals as well as at residential facilities. The job involves providing patients with basic care, monitoring vitals, and maintaining records. You’ll need to study a program approved by your state and pass an exam before you can start working.
Median Pay: $29,640
3. Physician Assistant
Yet another way to join the healthcare field in a fast-growing position is as a physician assistant. You’ll work alongside doctors, surgeons, and other professionals, treating patients in all sorts of healthcare environments. This is a good career choice if you already have a bachelor’s degree in a health-related subject and you’re willing to study a master’s degree plus gain licensing in your state.
Median Pay: $112,260
4. Medical Services Manager
You can also work in healthcare without having direct contact with patients, such as by becoming a medical services manager. The main responsibilities of the job are to coordinate other medical staff and oversee either a particular department or the whole medical facility. A bachelor’s degree is required, although it’s common for employers to require a master’s degree.
Median Pay: $104,280
5. Veterinary Technician
Alternatively, you may prefer to support animal rather than human patients. With pet ownership increasing, the demand for veterinary technicians is on the rise. The job involves providing basic veterinary care, running diagnostic tests, and grooming animals. You should have an associate’s degree along with a license, certification, or registration (the exact requirements depend on your state).
Median Pay: $36,260
6. Software Developer
Think about how much software you use everyday. There’s a whole team of people who need to create that software — and one of them could be you. Most software developers obtain a bachelor’s degree in computer science and then become experts in coding. To be successful, you’ll also need to be creative, as you’ll need to think of new ways to solve problems, automate tasks, and improve everyday life for users.
Median Pay: $107,510
7. Market Research Analyst
There’s a growing demand for companies to understand their customers and deliver products people want to buy. Businesses also need to market their offerings in a way that appeals to users. A market research analyst studies consumer behavior and interprets analytics to provide companies with expert advice. You should have at least a bachelor’s degree, although you may need a master’s degree for some positions.
Median Pay: $63,790
8. Information Security Analyst
All kinds of businesses require information security analysts. These professionals play a crucial role in the company by implementing and testing security measures to protect networks and systems. The job is growing in demand as security becomes of increasing importance and data breaches are more common. You should have a bachelor’s degree in an area related to computing plus experience in IT.
Median Pay: $103,590
9. Management Analyst
Analysts of all types are in such high demand that there’s a third job to consider: management analyst. The position involves finding solutions to improve the efficiency of an organization to increase its profits. Again, you should have a bachelor’s degree (it’s better still if you have an MBA) and you’ll need experience in a managerial position.
Median Pay: $85,260
10. Financial Manager
Another job in high demand that involves supporting businesses is financial manager. The work involves creating reports, developing financial goals, and making sure all departments stay within budget, among other activities that will contribute to the financial success of the business. You only need a bachelor’s degree, but you should have at least 5 years’ experience in a related field.
Median Pay: $134,180
11. Postsecondary Teacher
All types of teachers are in high demand at all times, but the job outlook for postsecondary teachers is growing at a faster rate than average. This is also one of the most rewarding jobs you can have: you’ll be imparting your knowledge on students and preparing them for the workforce. To teach at a university, you’ll need a doctoral degree, but you may only need a master’s degree to work at a community college or technical school.
Median Pay: $79,540
12. Physical Therapist
After a severe injury, patients turn to physical therapists to help them regain movement and manage pain. In addition to clinical settings, physical therapists work in assisted living facilities. The job requires a doctor of physical therapy degree and a license to work in your state.
Median Pay: $89,440
13. Computer Support Specialist
The person you call when you have a problem with a piece of equipment or software is a computer support specialist. Ever more organizations are hiring these professionals to be able to provide customers with round-the-clock support. The great thing about this job is there are no specific qualifications required. However, you will need to possess a good understanding of the type of technical issues users may be facing and excellent communication skills to walk users through resolving problems. In addition, an associate’s degree or certifications are useful for improving your employability.
Median Pay: $54,760
14. Information Systems Manager
To support businesses, rather than users, with their computing and IT requirements, become an information systems manager. A large part of the job is project management, but you’ll also strategize for future needs, negotiate with vendors, and maintain security for the organization. You’ll need at least a bachelor’s degree and it’s helpful to have a master’s degree.
Median Pay: $151,150
15. Home Health Aide
As a home health aide, you’ll visit clients’ where they live and support them in everyday tasks, including personal care. The demand for this work is growing as more elderly people are choosing to age in place. You’ll usually receive on-the-job training, but you’ll be at an advantage over other candidates if you become certified before applying for jobs.
Median Pay: $25,280
16. Construction Manager
If you have experience in construction, a logical step to advance your career is to become a construction manager. You’ll need a bachelor’s degree in construction, but you’ll find this a worthwhile investment, as the job is in high demand. The position involves supervising construction projects, managing budgets, and coordinating a team. You’ll sometimes be in an office, but most of the time, you’ll be on the construction site.
Median Pay: $97,180
17. Web Developer
For a job you can do remotely, perhaps being your own boss, look no further than a career as a web developer. As well as creating new sites, you’ll maintain website performance for clients. It helps to have at least an associate’s degree, although there are no specific educational requirements. More important is that you have experience building websites and knowledge of coding languages.
Median Pay: $77,200
18. Statistician
All sorts of organizations need statisticians, including healthcare, agriculture, and even the federal government. You’ll work on a team with scientists, engineers, or researchers to collect and analyze data. You usually need a master’s degree, but it is possible to find positions that require just a bachelor’s degree.
Median Pay: $93,290
19. Occupational Therapist
For a job with a large amount of variety, become an occupational therapist. You’ll work with all kinds of patients, including people with disabilities and those who have suffered an injury or illness, helping them in their daily lives through the use of therapeutic activities. Some occupational therapists work in medical settings; others visit patients’ homes. You’ll need both a master’s degree and a license.
Median Pay: $86,280
To change careers, you may decide to continue working while you study part time. However, the problem with this strategy is you’ll have a lot on your plate. A virtual assistant can help by taking on the work you lack the time to do yourself, allowing you to dedicate more time to your studies. You can also continue to benefit from a virtual assistant after you’ve started your new job. Receive a 10-percent discount on all the virtual assistant services from MYVA360 — including for a medical virtual assistant — by scheduling a consultation.
