The best jobs for the future will require skills that can respond to the ever-changing technological and societal landscape. Even though some jobs will disappear, many will remain future-proof as long as you continue learning and adapting.
In this article, we’ll explore the 11+ best jobs for the future, including their expected job growth and salaries. Then, we’ll show you which skills you need to develop to remain competitive, provide guidance on choosing the right role, and share the top platforms where you can find these high-demand positions. Let’s begin!
Key Takeaways
- The best jobs for the future are those that align with the fast-changing demand of technology, data, and artificial intelligence.
- Fields like IT and data science, healthcare, green energy, and finance will be open to hiring the most skilled talent.
- By the year 2027, 44% of employees will need to update their skills in creative and analytical thinking, technological literacy, AI and big data, continuous learning, and self-efficiency.
- To secure a role in the desired job for the future, take advantage of online platforms like LinkedIn and ZipRecruiter and use the power of networking.
- The educational path for the best jobs for the future looks different for each role, from going to coding boot camps to attending online courses that offer required certifications.
11+ Best Jobs for the Future + Salaries
The best jobs for the future are in fields such as information technology, data science, healthcare, green energy, and finance.
Let’s take a closer look at what each role involves, why it’s a future-proof career, and what average earning potential you can expect.
IT and data careers are the first ones on our list and for a good reason. Digitalization has been on the rise in the past few decades, and that’s not expected to change anytime soon. All this new technology relies on good developers and technically skilled professionals to build and maintain the systems we depend on.
Plus, our use of technology produces an unimaginable amount of data every second. That’s why some of the best jobs for the future will inevitably be in the IT and data sectors.
#1. Big Data Analyst
Big data analysts are responsible for analyzing vast amounts of data, identifying trends like consumer behavior, and providing actionable insights that align with business strategies. They collaborate with various departments, including finance and analytics, to ensure data-driven decision-making across the organization.
It’s one of the best jobs for the future because data is a crucial asset that drives business strategies across many industries. These include finance, healthcare, sales and marketing.
To land a position as a data scientist, you’ll need a bachelor’s degree in data science, statistics, or a related field. Knowledge of programming languages like Phyton, SQL, and R is crucial.
Expected job growth: 36% between 2023 and 2033
Approximate yearly salary: $108,020
#2. Software Engineer
Software engineers build, design, and maintain software solutions for companies across many industries. If you decide to pursue this career, some of your key responsibilities will include programming code, executing the full software development cycle, and documenting the software functionality.
What makes this career future-proof is that, as technology advances, the demand for secure, adaptable, and efficient software increases. Plus, the more technology evolves, the more a software engineer will be needed across most industries.
To become a software engineer, you don’t need to spend years chasing a computer science degree. You can get a proper education in many ways, including courses and coding boot camps, making this one of the best jobs for the future without a degree.
While it does require dedication, the hard work will pay off, as software engineering is among the highest-paying IT jobs.
Expected job growth: 17% between 2023 and 2033
Approximate yearly salary: $130,160
#3. Information Security Analyst
Information security analysts protect companies’ computer networks and systems from cyber-attacks and data breaches. The role consists of monitoring networks, installing and upgrading antivirus software, and reporting issues so they can be handled promptly.
Given that in today’s day and age, cyber threats are on the rise, protecting sensitive data is essential. That’s where the high demand for information security analysts comes into play—they work across many industries, including healthcare, insurance, finance, and government.
If you want to pursue this career, you’ll need a bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity or a related field such as computer science or engineering. For an entry-level position, a cybersecurity certification is often enough to land the role.
Expected job growth: 33% between 2023 and 2033
Approximate yearly salary: $120,360
#4. Artificial Intelligence Specialist
Artificial intelligence (AI) specialists are professionals who use machine learning, advanced analytics, and statistical methods to analyze and interpret complex digital data. The main responsibilities of this role include designing and implementing AI models and algorithms to streamline processes and encourage innovation, such as automating repetitive tasks.
It’s undoubtedly one of the world’s best jobs for the future. As more and more businesses implement AI for efficiency and automation, the demand for specialists who can leverage AI to solve complex challenges will continue to grow.
To get a job as an artificial intelligence specialist, you’ll need a bachelor’s degree in computer science, data science, artificial intelligence, or related fields.
Expected job growth: 26% between 2023 and 2033
Approximate yearly salary: $145,080
Healthcare and medical careers will likely be in high demand, as life expectancy in the USA has increased over the past two years. This means the aging population puts pressure on the healthcare system and requires more healthcare professionals to be available.
Plus, the modern lifestyle, which includes sedentary jobs coupled with stress from various sources, leads to all kinds of conditions that were not as frequent in the past.
#5. Physician Assistant
A physician assistant is a healthcare professional who supports doctors in performing examinations, diagnosing conditions, and offering treatment. They work in various medical areas, including family care, pediatrics, orthopedics, and surgery.
Given that healthcare needs are rising by the day due to the aftereffects of the pandemic, aging populations, and shortage of primary care physicians, this is one of the best careers for the future.
To get a job as a physician assistant, you’ll need to have a BSc/MA in Physician Assistant Studies, Health Science, or Medical Science.
Expected job growth: 28% between 2023 and 2033
Approximate yearly salary: $130,020
#6. Nurse Practitioner
Nurse practitioners are responsible for providing primary care for patients, performing physical exams, prescribing medications, and managing treatment plans. With their advanced nursing expertise, they play a vital role in managing patients’ health and addressing both acute and chronic conditions.
The employment of nurse practitioners is expected to grow rapidly in the upcoming years due to the increased healthcare needs and shortage of primary care providers.
Landing a job as a nurse practitioner requires a bachelor’s degree in nursing and typically several years of proven clinical experience.
Expected job growth: 40% between 2023 and 2033
Approximate yearly salary: $129,480
#7. Veterinarian
Veterinarians are medical professionals who specialize in diagnosing, treating, and preventing animal illnesses and injuries. Some of their responsibilities include performing checkups, administering vaccinations, prescribing medications, performing surgeries, and offering advice on animal care.
To perform the tasks, veterinarians used to rely on basic tools or hands-on checkups. But, thanks to AI, virtual and augmented reality, and genomics, veterinary care will get more advanced and innovative. This will increase demand for veterinarians who can use this technology, making it a future-focused career.
You’ll need a Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree to get into the veterinarian field. Having experience is highly valuable, at least as a veterinary assistant.
Expected job growth: 19% between 2023 and 2033
Approximate yearly salary: $119,100
#8. Speech-Language Pathologist
Speech-language pathologists are professionals who specialize in diagnosing, treating, and preventing communication disorders in people of all ages.
They work on improving receptive and expressive language disorders, typically in clinical or school settings. On the medical side, they help patients with swallowing and voice impairments in hospitals, nursing homes, or rehab facilities.
It’s one of the best jobs for the future, thanks to the medical advancements and the awareness of early intervention and prevention of speech and language disorders.
To enter this role, you’ll typically need a master’s degree in speech-language pathology with approximately two years of full-time study.
Expected job growth: 18% between 2023 and 2033
Approximate yearly salary: $89,290
Green careers are on the rise as the world shifts towards sustainability. The effects of climate change are increasing the urgency to act. Both companies and governments are aware of this; consequently, some of the best jobs for the future will be related to green energy.
#9. Sustainability Specialist
Sustainability specialists help organizations overcome environmental challenges by promoting eco-friendly practices and reducing their ecological footprint. Any green industry will promise a rewarding career for sustainability specialists, including retail, supply chain, technology, manufacturing, and transport.
This role will significantly increase in the upcoming years as many businesses become aware of its benefits. This includes cost reductions due to reduced energy consumption and lower waste disposal costs. Plus, as sustainability is a hot topic worldwide, many companies gain a competitive edge by promoting eco-conscious initiatives.
Becoming a sustainability specialist requires you to obtain a bachelor’s degree in business or environmental science.
Expected job growth: 7% between 2023 and 2033
Approximate yearly salary: $78,980
#10. Environmental Engineer
Environmental engineers protect the environment by reducing waste and pollution. The role involves improving environmental conditions through design technology and scientific principles.
It’s a highly impact-oriented career because, through your work, you make a difference in critical areas such as climate change, management of natural resources, waste management, and remediation of contaminated sites.
Landing a position as an environmental engineer typically requires a bachelor’s degree in environmental engineering or a related field such as chemical, civil, or general engineering.
Expected job growth: 7% between 2023 and 2033
Approximate yearly salary: $100,090
Finance and actuarial careers will be highly sought-after, as many major crises impacted the financial system in the past years. This made it clear that better risk assessment is required to prevent similar events in the future.
With predictable challenges like AI development and climate change, there’s an increased need for finance experts who can create strategies to help avoid major financial crises.
#11. Actuary
Actuaries conduct complex risk analyses and predict the outcome of potential investments based on statistics and mathematical models. Their responsibilities involve evaluating data to guide financial and insurance decisions.
The future is bright for actuaries due to the growing needs in big data analysis, demographic shifts, evolving regulations, and emerging technologies—all requiring expert risk assessment and predictive modeling. Plus, it’s a career with great earning potential, making it one of the best jobs for the future with a high salary.
To get into an actuary career, it’s necessary to have a bachelor’s degree in mathematics, actuarial science, statistics, or some other analytical field.
Expected job growth: 22% between 2023 and 2033
Approximate yearly salary: $120,000
#12. Financial Risk Analyst
As the name suggests, financial risk analysts identify and analyze financial risks that employers and organizations might face. Their daily responsibilities include creating strategies to minimize potential losses and ensure that financial decisions align with the company’s risk tolerance.
You can specialize as a financial risk analyst in four main areas—credit, market, operational, and regulatory risk analysis. In an increasingly complex global market where organizations are looking to protect themselves against financial uncertainties, these diverse options make it a highly sought-after role for the future.
To become a financial risk analyst, you’ll typically need a bachelor’s degree in finance, economics, or a related field.
Expected job growth: 9% between 2023 and 2033
Approximate yearly salary: $99,890
6 Top Skills for The Future
The job market is rapidly evolving, and so is the need to improve the necessary skills so that you’re a match for the best jobs for the future. In fact, nearly half (44%) of employees will need to update their skills by 2027, according to The Future of Jobs Report 2023.
Let’s look at the top six skills for the future in more detail:
Creative Thinking
This is a skill that AI and technology can’t replace. There’s always a need for fresh ideas and new ways of handling challenges in any industry. Creative minds bring those ideas and help companies stay competitive.
Some roles that require creative thinking include sustainability specialist, content strategist, and healthcare innovator.
Analytical Thinking
Thinking analytically helps you solve complicated issues, determine the cause behind certain outcomes, and sort through data effortlessly. Many businesses base their decisions on data, so it’s crucial to interpret complex quantitative, qualitative, or abstract information accurately.
The best jobs for the future that would benefit from this key skill include business analyst, big data analyst, cybersecurity analyst, and AI specialist.
Technological Literacy
With the increasing adoption of digital platforms, AI, big data, and other emerging technologies, it only makes sense that this is the third crucial skill to develop or improve to be successful in your role.
Technological literacy means understanding core technologies, using them successfully, and being comfortable adapting to tech advancements. You need technological literacy in future-proof careers like software development, healthcare, financial services, and data science.
AI and Big Data
According to the Access Partnership and Amazon Web Services (AWS) survey, 73% of employers consider hiring talent with AI skills and experience. Taking this large number into account, there’s no doubt that AI will create new job opportunities and become a basic requirement across many industries.
These include machine learning, robotics engineering, business intelligence analysts, and healthcare technologists.
Continuous Learning
Continuous learning and self-development is a never-ending cycle in such a fast-changing job market. To develop this skill, you might need to attend workshops, enroll in online courses, or engage in industry-specific forums.
While self-directed learning and keeping up-to-date with trends are crucial, businesses will also need to provide on-the-job training to keep their workforce current.
Self-Efficiency Skills
Most of the best jobs for the future are dynamic, meaning you have to bring your self-efficiency skills to the table. These include resilience, flexibility, and adaptability.
Staying resilient means that you can recover quickly from challenges at the workplace and not let them take your focus from the work. Flexibility is about being able to pivot swiftly and efficiently when something new comes along.
This goes hand in hand with adapting to the changes and being open-minded when facing challenges, which are skills important for many careers, such as healthcare, teaching, and cybersecurity.
How to Discover Which Future-Proof Career Path is Right for You?
To discover which future-proof career path is right for you, you need to define your needs, wants, interests, and long-term goals. Think about what’s vital for you in a career—is it the room for growth, compensation, level of fulfillment, location, or work-life balance?
To accompany these findings, you can also benefit from assessing your personality type, as these tests often list suitable career options. Some popular tools include the Myers-Briggs type indicator, the Keursey temperament sorter, and the Jungian type index.
Researching fast-growing industries and high-demand skills is the next key task that will help you understand what the best jobs for the future hold. As we mentioned, these include fields like tech, healthcare, and green energy, and they all come with special skills you need to be aware of.
Once you have your job picks, take your time to see what they involve in more detail. Look at the daily activities, educational requirements, and growth possibilities within each.
Another great way to discover which future-proof career is right for you is by participating in internships, freelance work, or informational interviews. This will give you first-hand experience and ease the process of making the right career decision.
Lastly, consider the power of networking. Talking to someone already in the career you’re interested in brings a lot of value. You’ll be able to understand their day-to-day responsibilities and get insights into their thoughts on the role’s growing capacities.
Educational Path for Future Careers
Which educational path you’re going to take for future careers will depend on your experience, background, and the industry you want to enter.
To get into the tech field, you can learn in-demand skills by enrolling in coding boot camps. These programs allow you to get introduced to programming languages and frameworks, thus securing your chances of landing an entry-level position. Some of the best coding boot camps include Codesmith, 100devs, freeCodeCamp, and Scrimba.
If you’re an experienced tech professional and want to hone your skills to meet the requirements of this ever-evolving field, consider the following options:
- Register for advanced boot camps like Rithm School
- Enroll in online courses such as Udacity, edX, and Coursera
- Join hackathons
- Earn professional certifications
Another high-demand field that requires continuous education is data science. If you want to advance your knowledge, look into data science certifications such as AWS cloud certificates. Or, enroll for an IBM Data Science certificate and build the foundations needed to enter the field.
Green energy and environmental science is the next rapidly growing industry with a strong demand for specialized education. Take advantage of educational programs like GreenLearning, Solar Energy International, and online platforms like edX that offer certifications.
Lastly, as AI and digital tools are emerging in healthcare, medical professionals must stay current through continuous education. There are many courses in AI for healthcare, with some of the most popular being on platforms like Coursera, DeepLearning, and FutureLearn.
Where to Find the Best Jobs for the Future?
Online job boards are the best places to look for in-demand careers for the future. Plenty of online platforms provide hiring opportunities, making it easy to find roles that align with your expertise.
Let’s start with the most popular job-hunting platforms: LinkedIn, ZipRecruiter, Indeed, Glassdoor, and CareerBuilder. They come with advanced filters to help you find the best careers for the future, including industry, location, experience levels, salary range, and job type.
The beauty of these sites is the integrated one-click apply option; just have your resume polished, and you’re good to go. Plus, you can see the connections who work at specific companies. This is where networking comes into play—don’t be afraid to reach out to those connections for insights and referrals.
If you’re in the healthcare field, there are also industry-specific sites where you can find your dream job. These include Health eCareers, PracticeLink, and MedJobCafe. Networking events are a must to level up your chances of successfully landing a healthcare role. Consider attending healthcare conferences, webinars, and local medical association meetings.
Other fields have dedicated job boards, too. Dice and GitHub Jobs, for example, are go-to sites for those in tech and IT with plenty of roles in software development, data science, and cybersecurity. If finance is your path, eFinancialCareers has you covered with job listings in investment banking, asset management, and fintech. All these sites allow you to dive into the best jobs for the future, all while connecting with employers and colleagues.
Final Thoughts
The world is changing rapidly, and so are the requirements for future-proof careers. Remember, as long as you stay proactive and continuously learn and develop new skills, there will be a career waiting for you. Adaptability and commitment to growth will keep you competitive, no matter which path you choose.
While tech roles are likely to stay in high demand, other sectors like healthcare, finance, and sustainability also offer some of the best jobs for the future. Endless possibilities await those willing to grow, so best of luck on your job hunt!
