The 9 Fastest Growing Careers in the U.S.

Wonder what the world’s fastest growing careers are? Every two years, the US Bureau of Labor issues statistics regarding the nation’s fastest growing (and shrinking) careers. Based on their predictions, we would like to present you with a countdown of the jobs that are the most likely to grow over the course of the next decade. We have also included information on whether a degree is required, so you’ll know what college to enroll in, if any of the options look promising to you.

Wondering if you have made the right employment choice? Or maybe thinking about making a career change? If you have answered “yes” to either of these questions, then this list is for you. Let’s take a look at the countdown, in a style similar to our coverage of the world’s most valuable brands.

No. 9: Veterinarians

VeterinarianPublic Domain Image: Public Domain

Projected increase (%): 28

Degree required: Doctor of Veterinary Medicine

In most household, pets are now considered a member of the family. Because of this, increasing number of pet owners seek the help provided by a specialized veterinarian.

See the rest of the world’s fastest growing careers on the following pages:

No. 8: Medical Assistants

US_Navy_070724-N-4954I-148_Lt._Kevin_Haveman,_with_3rd_Medical_Battalion,_cleans_teeth_with_a_dental_assistant_from_the_East_Meets_West_Dental_Program_at_Nai_Hiem_Dong_Medical_StationPublic Domain Image: Public Domain

Projected increase (%): 36

Degree required: Associate’s

The predicted growth of this career is based on the expansion of the health care system as well as on the growing numbers of elderly.

No. 7: Theatrical & performance make-up artists

USMC-100508-M-6457M-002Public Domain Image: Public Domain

Projected increase (%): 40

Degree required: varies, typically only a high school diploma or a GED

Although one of the fastest growing careers, the theatrical and performance industry is still one of the smallest industries around, and make-up artists may have a tough time finding a job.

No. 6: Personal Financial Advisers

800px-Money_555Public Domain Image: Public Domain

Projected increase (%): 41

Degree required: Bachelor’s

With more and more people looking to better handle their finances, there is an expected rise in demand for personal financial advisers.

No. 5:  Veterinary technologists & technicians

USMC-110328-M-2306T-045Public Domain Image: Public Domain

Projected increase (%): 42

Degree required: Bachelor’s or Associate’s

With the increase of pet owners looking for state of the art and highly specialized services, more and more veterinary offices will hire technologists and technicians in this field.

No. 4: IT Software Engineers

Computers_chips_circuitsPublic Domain Image: Public Domain

Projected increase (%): 45

Degree required: Bachelor’s

Software and computer applications are nowadays the norm for any business who wishes to become successful. Because of this, the demand for engineers in this field is presumed to grow significantly over the following years.

No. 3: Home Health Aid

USMC-03785Public Domain Image: Public Domain

Projected increase (%): 48

Degree required: none

Home health aides help patients with at-home recovery or aid the elderly in maintain autonomy. Although this career is presumed to grow significantly over the course of the next decade, the downside is that most home health aides work by the hour.

No. 2: Home Care Aid

487px-Domestic_servant_ironing

Public Domain Image: Public Domain

Projected increase (%): 50

Degree required: varies, not typically required

As the elderly population of the US is on the rise, more and more senior citizens will choose to rely on the help provided by home care aids.

No. 1: Network systems & data communications analyst

US_Navy_090310-D-5972N-009_Information_Systems_Technician_2nd_Class_Ryan_Allshouse_uses_the_intrusion_detection_system_to_monitor_unclassified_network_activity_from_the_automated_data_processing_workspacePublic Domain Image: Public Domain

Projected increase (%): 54

Degree required: Bachelor’s

With more businesses using technology as an integrated part of their operations, the demand for this type of analysts will grow exponentially.