Looking for a career that pays well and has room for advancement? You can have both! According to Bureau of Labor Statistics forecasts, some of the highest-paying jobs will also have the fastest job growth between 2019 and 2029.
Over the next ten years, employment is expected to increase by 6 million people, from 162.8 million to 168.8 million.
Salaries will vary depending on your level of experience, expertise, and location within the country. A primary care nurse practitioner’s pay in Waltham, Massachusetts, for example, is 7% more than the national average; an operations manager’s salary in Perry, Iowa, is 27% higher than the national median; and an electrician’s income in Savannah, Georgia, is 2% higher.
The occupations at the top of the list are a mix of health care, finance, skilled trades, and business, with one tech position tossed in for good measure.
1. Managers
General and operations managers operate in a variety of industries, assisting in the planning, direction, and coordination of public and private sector operations. Their typical responsibilities include managing a company’s daily operations, coordinating with departments, overseeing enterprise sales, and negotiating contracts, all with the objective of improving efficiency.
2. Nurse Practitioners
It should come as no surprise that not only are health-care occupations among the highest-paying, but they’re also expected to add the newest positions. Nurse practitioners (NPs) provide advanced nursing services to patients and their families as primary and specialized care professionals. NPs, like medical doctors, will analyze a patient’s health to choose the best medical therapy for them based on their specific needs, and they can also prescribe drugs and conduct lab tests.
3. Financial Managers
Are you good with money? Managers of financial institutions take things to the next level. They prepare financial reports, manage investments, and devise strategies to assist businesses or customers in achieving their financial objectives. They’re also well compensated, with the average annual wage resting at $129,000. This field is expected to grow by 15% between 2019-2029.
4. Software Developers
Technology is a hotbed of high-paying job opportunities. These tech-savvy employees are responsible for developing applications that allow consumers to perform specific tasks on a computer or other device, as well as the underlying systems that operate software programs. They frequently work with other computer experts to provide the best software for organizations and customers.
5. Management Analysts
Management analysts, as the job title suggests, must have excellent analytical abilities since they examine business operations and advise business executives on how to make their organizations more successful. Before recommending new systems, methods, or organizational changes, they must collect and interpret financial information, such as revenue and expense reports, interview individuals, and conduct on-site observations.
6. Medical Managers
These specialists help healthcare providers plan, direct, and organize their commercial activities. The majority of them work in hospitals, nursing homes, and group medical offices, where they supervise other office workers, manage patient payments and billing, and arrange the schedules of physicians, nurses, and other healthcare personnel.
7. Business Operations and Project Management Specialists
Project management specialists are in charge of overseeing all parts of projects, including work assignment, deadline setting, and progress tracking to guarantee projects are completed on time. Business operations professionals build business connections, set business standards, and monitor quality control to help firms become more efficient.
8. Registered Nurses
Registered nurses (RNs) are healthcare professionals who provide a variety of services. They usually collaborate with doctors to examine a patient’s health, keep track of their medical history and symptoms, and provide medications and treatments. They may also run and monitor medical equipment, as well as perform and interpret diagnostic tests.
9. Auditors and Accountants
Accountants help businesses, and individuals figure out how much tax they owe, prepare tax returns, and make sure their taxes are paid correctly and on time. Auditors assist businesses by evaluating their financial accounts to ensure that they are correct and that they are following all applicable rules and regulations. Some auditors also provide recommendations to help firms cut costs, increase revenue, and increase profits.