Healthcare leads fastest-growing jobs in America through 2035

Advanced practice registered nurse jobs are expected to jump from 336,300 to 474,100, an almost 41% increase, marking the highest growth rate among the listed occupations.

Five other occupations in the top 10 are also tied to healthcare, with employment projected to grow by at least 21.4% over the next decade.

The private healthcare and social assistance sector is projected to add over 2.2 million positions during this period, creating the most jobs of any sector. It is also expected to be the second-fastest-growing major industry, and account for about 37% of all new jobs added through 2035.

Medical workers at a hospital in the U.S. Photo by Reuters

According to the BLS report, this employment boom stems from both an aging population and the increasing prevalence of chronic health conditions such as heart disease, cancer, and diabetes.

In computer and mathematical fields, employment is projected to increase by about 35% for data scientists and 22% for computer and information research scientists.

The remaining two occupations in the top 10 are in renewable energy. The BLS noted that overall electricity demand is expected to surge, driven largely by the adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) and the need for related infrastructure like data centers.

Employment growth in four of the 10 fastest-growing industries is heavily tied to electricity demand. Solar, wind, and geothermal electric power generation are projected to be the fastest-growing specific industries.

While AI adoption is expected to boost demand for some occupations, the associated productivity gains may dampen employment in others.

Generative AI software, which can automate repetitive tasks and speed up workflows, may limit demand for certain jobs in the arts, design, entertainment, sports, and media sectors.

Similarly, the continued integration of AI-powered automation tools is likely to reduce the need for several office and administrative support roles.

The 20 fastest-growing occupations in the U.S. between 2025 and 2035, according to BLS:

Occupation

Employment force in 2025

Growth rate, 2025–35

2025 median annual pay

Nurse practitioners

336,300

41%

$132,300

Solar photovoltaic installers

31,100

37%

$53,140

Data scientists

275,600

35%

$120,230

Wind turbine service technicians

11,800

30%

$64,120

Medical and health services managers

640,400

24%

$123,860

Physical therapist assistants

114,100

23%

$68,380

Psychiatric technicians

161,500

22%

$45,130

Computer and information research scientists

38,600

22%

$140,300

Occupational therapy assistants

52,200

22%

$72,300

Ophthalmic medical technicians

72,500

21%

$45,570

Physician assistants

168,900

21%

$135,880

Information security analysts

192,900

21%

$129,180

Occupational health and safety technicians

31,200

19%

$61,560

Hearing aid specialists

11,200

19%

$65,160

Epidemiologists

12,800

19%

$87,220

Occupational health and safety specialists

143,100

19%

$90,150

Substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors

533,400

18%

$59,350

Home health and personal care aides

4,677,100

18%

$35,800

Health specialties teachers, postsecondary

278,400

18%

$107,310

Industrial machinery mechanics

446,900

18%

$64,520

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