New data has identified the fastest-growing careers in the US over the next decade, with nurse practitioners leading the pack by a wide margin.
The rankings come from a study by career tools platform LinkedIn Profile Analyzer by ResumeCoach, which used US Bureau of Labor Statistics Employment Projections to calculate the percentage change in employment between 2025 and 2035 for each profession, alongside median salary data from the Bureau’s 2025 figures.
Nurse practitioners are projected to grow by 41.0% over the decade, rising from 336,300 workers in 2025 – 474,100 by 2035, an increase of 137,800 roles. The profession offers 29,400 average annual openings and a median annual wage of $132,300.
Solar photovoltaic installers follow with 36.5% projected growth, expanding from 31,100 – 42,400 workers, a gain of 11,300 positions. The role has 4,200 average annual openings and a median annual wage of $53,140.
Data scientists rank 3rd, with employment expected to climb by 34.6%, from 275,600 – 371,000 workers, an increase of 95,400. There are 24,800 average annual openings and a median annual wage of $120,230.
Wind turbine service technicians place 4th, with projected growth of 29.5%, from 11,800 – 15,300 workers, adding 3,500 jobs. The field has 1,500 average annual openings and a median annual wage of $64,120.
Medical and health services managers round out the top 5, with projected growth of 24.2%, rising from 640,400 – 795,500 workers, an increase of 155,100. There are 62,300 average annual openings and a median annual wage of $123,860.
Rounding out the top 10
Physical therapist assistants come in 6th, with projected growth of 23.0%, from 114,100 – 140,400 workers, adding 26,200 positions. The role has 18,500 average annual openings and a median annual wage of $68,380.
Psychiatric technicians take 7th place, with projected growth of 22.3%, from 161,500 – 197,500 workers, a gain of 36,000 jobs. There are 17,000 average annual openings and a median annual wage of $45,130.
Computer and information research scientists rank 8th, with projected growth of 21.8%, from 38,600 – 47,000 workers, adding 8,400 roles. The field has 2,900 average annual openings and a median annual wage of $140,300.
Occupational therapy assistants place 9th, with projected growth of 21.5%, from 52,200 – 63,400 workers, an increase of 11,200. There are 8,100 average annual openings and a median annual wage of $72,300.
Ophthalmic medical technicians close out the list in 10th, with projected growth of 21.4%, from 72,500 – 88,000 workers, adding 15,500 positions. The role has 11,800 average annual openings and a median annual wage of $45,570.
Full ranking
| Occupation | Employment 2025 | Employment 2035 (projected) | Numeric change 2025–2035 | Percent change 2025–2035 (projected) | Annual openings (average) | Median annual wage (OEWS May 2025) |
| Nurse practitioners | 336,300 | 474,100 | 137,800 | 41.0% | 29,400 | $132,300 |
| Solar photovoltaic installers | 31,100 | 42,400 | 11,300 | 36.5% | 4,200 | $53,140 |
| Data scientists | 275,600 | 371,000 | 95,400 | 34.6% | 24,800 | $120,230 |
| Wind turbine service technicians | 11,800 | 15,300 | 3,500 | 29.5% | 1,500 | $64,120 |
| Medical and health services managers | 640,400 | 795,500 | 155,100 | 24.2% | 62,300 | $123,860 |
| Physical therapist assistants | 114,100 | 140,400 | 26,200 | 23.0% | 18,500 | $68,380 |
| Psychiatric technicians | 161,500 | 197,500 | 36,000 | 22.3% | 17,000 | $45,130 |
| Computer and information research scientists | 38,600 | 47,000 | 8,400 | 21.8% | 2,900 | $140,300 |
| Occupational therapy assistants | 52,200 | 63,400 | 11,200 | 21.5% | 8,100 | $72,300 |
| Ophthalmic medical technicians | 72,500 | 88,000 | 15,500 | 21.4% | 11,800 | $45,570 |
Chelsea Jay, Career Services Expert and Contributor at ResumeCoach, said those interested in these fastest-growing careers should first understand exactly what employers in those fields are looking for and require, noting that qualifications vary significantly between the professions, with many requiring a degree, specialist training, or industry certification. She added that highlighting transferable skills such as communication, problem-solving, organisation, and teamwork is also important, particularly for career changers looking to show how their previous experience applies to a new role.
Jay noted that nurse practitioners and occupational therapy assistants require specific education and training, while data science and computer and information research call for strong technical and analytical skills. Wind turbine service technicians and solar photovoltaic installers can benefit from technical training, practical experience, and relevant certifications. She advised that whichever career interests a job seeker most, they should tailor their CV to the specific job description and use clear examples of their skills and achievements to stand out as a strong candidate.