10 Fast-Growing Careers With Job Security That Will Last a Decade or More
- - 10 Fast-Growing Careers With Job Security That Will Last a Decade or More
Laura Gesualdi-GilmoreJanuary 15, 2026 at 8:50 PM
0
In today's economy, many worry about losing their jobs. If you are among them, you may be contemplating changing to a more stable career.
Luckily, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) predicts that some careers will see significant job growth over the next decade. These secure gigs run the gamut in terms of education requirements, salary, and job duties.
The following are 10 jobs that will likely still be hiring in a big way a decade from now. If you hope to start making money moves, these careers can get you there.
Make Money: 12 ways to pocket up to $300
1. Nurse practitioner
Median annual salary: $132,050
The BLS says nurse practitioners and related professions, such as nurse anesthetists and nurse midwives, will be in high demand over the next decade.
People who work in these professions coordinate and provide patient care, just in different ways. Nurse anesthetists, for example, specialize in providing anesthesia and managing pain.
The projected job growth for these workers is 35% by 2024, significantly higher than the projected growth for all occupations. The BLS estimates around 134,000 jobs will open.
Who really has the cheapest auto insurance in your area? Check your zip code here.
2. Software developer
Median annual salary: $133,080
Software developers design computer applications and programs. They are expected to be in high demand over the next decade, as will software quality assurance analysts and testers who identify and report problems with apps and programs.
The BLS projects employment in these job fields will grow 15% in the next 10 years, and about 287,900 jobs will open over the decade.
3. Electrician
Median annual salary: $62,350
Electricians who install, maintain, and repair electrical equipment are projected to be in demand over the next decade. These jobs also tend to require relatively little formal education, as electricians frequently learn through apprenticeships.
Projected job growth between 2024 and 2034 is 9%, according to the BLS, with about 77,400 openings for electricians during that time.
Don't Miss: 14 benefits seniors are entitled to but often forget to claim
4. Cook
Median annual salary: $60,990
Those who work with and prepare food can expect strong job growth across the board.
Work for chefs and head cooks, who oversee food preparation at restaurants, hotels, and other food service spots, is expected to grow 7% over the next 10 years, with 14,000 jobs added.
5. Umpire, referee, or other sport official
Median annual salary: $38,820
Umpires, referees, and other sports officials are expected to be in surprisingly high demand over the decade, according to BLS statistics. These officials help enforce the rules in various types of sports.
Employment is expected to grow 6% over the decade, adding 1,100 jobs. Many of these officials work part-time or for seasonal pay, so they may need other paying gigs during their off-season to make extra money. They also often have to work unusual hours, such as nights and weekends.
6. Taxi driver
Median annual salary: $36,660
The BLS foresees job growth for taxi drivers, along with other passenger-vehicle drivers like bus drivers.
The projected job growth for passenger vehicle drivers is expected to grow by 9% through 2034, with about 39,000 jobs added.
The BLS included both full-time and part-time drivers in these estimates, but noted that most passenger vehicle drivers work full-time.
Dave Ramsey Urges Americans to Become Debt-Free: Try these 7 clever ways to crush your debt
7. Physician assistant
Median annual salary: $133,260
Physician assistants provide patient care under the supervision of doctors at hospitals, doctors' offices, outpatient clinics, and other health care settings.
Job growth is projected to be 20% in the next 10 years. About 33,200 job openings for physician assistants are expected.
8. Massage therapist
Median annual salary: $57,950
Massage therapists, who treat clients by applying pressure and manipulating tissues and joints to alleviate pain and help patients relax, are also expected to be in high demand over the next decade.
Job growth is expected to be 15% over the next decade. About 25,900 job openings are expected through 2034.
9. Plumber
Median annual salary: $62,970
Plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters can expect steady, but not booming, employment over the next decade.
The BLS predicts employment in these trade jobs will grow about 4% in the next 10 years, which is faster than average, as we're not likely to stop needing workers who can install and repair piping fixtures and systems anytime soon.
On average, about 22,700 jobs are expected to open across these three trades, which provide services that are needed even in the deepest of recessions.
Break the Cycle: 8 moves to escape the paycheck to paycheck grind
10. Occupational therapist
Median annual salary: $98,340
Occupational therapists treat patients who have injuries, illnesses, or disabilities and help them learn how to perform everyday tasks.
Job growth is expected to surpass the average in the U.S., at 14% through 2034. Around 22,100 job openings are expected through the decade, according to the BLS data.
Bottom line
The rise of automation and the current economic outlook might make job prospects appear bleak, but plenty of industries will likely continue to hire over the next decade and beyond.
One way to prepare yourself financially and to make sure you stay employed over the next decade or more is to explore switching to a new career.
When planning your financial future, look at BLS data, which also includes average salaries and education requirements for various jobs. Then explore career opportunities that perhaps you overlooked in the past.
More from FinanceBuzz:
Are you on track for retirement? Take this quiz and find out.
14 benefits seniors are entitled to but often forget to claim
$1,000,000 saved? Download this free guide to learn 7 ways to generate retirement income.
Source: “AOL Money”
