Looking for a change? Here are careers in demand for 2024 and beyond!

It’s 2024, a new year, a new you, and now it’s time for a new career. Making a career change is never easy. But if you are going to take that leap of faith and start anew, why not find out what is hot in the job market for today, tomorrow, and beyond?

Before you begin your new career search, you must know what careers are out there and, just as importantly, which will be in demand for years to come. You will want to know what is required to get the job and how much you can expect to make in the field.

Read on and discover the hot new careers for 2024 and beyond that pay the highest salaries and what it takes to enter and succeed in those fields for career longevity and satisfaction.  

In this article, you’ll discover:

• Advantages of high-demand jobs

• Disadvantages of high-demand jobs

• What jobs are in demand right now and over the next ten years?

• What are the fastest-growing careers?

• What careers make the most money?

• Careers that will always be in demand

• Next steps.

Advantages of high-demand jobs

1. Working in a field where jobs are hot and in demand means plenty of opportunities. The beauty of high-demand jobs is that you can go and live just about anywhere in the country and find a great job opportunity.

2. Job security is higher for those working in high-demand jobs. People who work in fields and industries that are in high demand are never without a job for long.

3. With high-demand jobs, the job market is your oyster. You get the pick of the litter when it comes to job opportunities along with a higher competitive salary and more advancement opportunities that meet your career goals.

Disadvantages of high-demand jobs

1. Because of the many opportunities afforded to those who work in high-demand jobs, there may be higher turnover. Because an employee can leave and find a new job with ease, this can put a burden on the rest of the company employees. 

2. There is a reason why certain careers are in high demand. Many times, there are not enough resources to fill the need leading to longer working hours. This can cause stress and burnout for those workers trying to keep up with the demand. This is most evident in the healthcare field when it comes to nurses.

3. With high-demand jobs come high expectations. These jobs demand that you perform at a high level all the time leaving little to no room for error. People find that they must continuously stay updated with the latest industry trends through paid training, continued education, and regular renewal of professional licenses and certifications.

What careers are in demand right now and over the next ten years

Here are the top ten occupations in demand right now and with expectations to stay in demand over the next ten years according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).

1. Home health and personal care aides

Description:

Home health and personal care aides monitor the health of older adults and people with disabilities or chronic illnesses as well as assist with daily living activities.

Education requirements:

• High school diploma or equivalent

• May need to meet certain training/certification requirements specific to the state in which you’re working

Median pay: $45,760 (Total, all occupations)

Growth rate:

2. Cooks, restaurant workers

Description:

There are different types of roles for cooks, but in general most cooks season and prepare food.

The various types of cooks are:

• Fast food cooks 

• Institution and cafeteria cooks 

• Private household cooks

• Restaurant cooks 

• Short order cooks 

Education requirements:

• Typically, no formal education is required

• Some cooks may attend vocational cooking schools, professional culinary institutes, or complete an apprenticeship program

Median pay: $22 an hour (Total, all occupations)

Growth rate:

3. Software developers

Description:

Software developers are just as the name suggests: they design, program, build, deploy, and maintain software (computer programs) that run on the hardware that executes the software.

Education requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in computer and information technology or related field (i.e., engineering or mathematics)

• May require a Master’s degree

Median pay: $120,000

Growth rate:

4. Fast food and counter workers

Description:

Fast food and counter workers greet customers, take and prepare food orders, clear tables, stock and restock supplies and products, and accept bill payments.

Education requirements:

• Typically, no formal education is required

Median pay: $22 an hour (Total, all occupations)

Growth rate:

5. General and operations managers

Description:

General and operations managers direct daily operations through strategic planning, and oversee the resources to execute the plan. They create and improve processes, policies, and procedures to ensure smooth and productive operations.

Education requirements:

• Typically, a bachelor’s degree in the field of work

• May require a Master’s degree

Median pay: $97,970 Growth rate:

6. Waiters and waitresses

Description:

Waiters and waitresses (also known as servers) assist patrons by taking their food and beverage orders. Waiters and waitresses may also prepare salads and portion desserts along with keeping the dining room neat. Waiters and waitresses ensure the best customer experience possible for those dining out.

Education requirements:

• Typically, no formal education is required

Median pay: $22 an hour (Total, all occupations)

Growth rate:

Employment 2021: Projected Employment 2031: Change, 2021-2031:

7. Registered nurses

Description:

Registered nurses (RNs) provide and coordinate patient care in specific or generalized areas of healthcare. RNs work closely with doctors and other healthcare professionals to set up and carry out patient care as well as provide emotional support to patients and their families.

Education requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in nursing or Associate’s degree in nursing, or a diploma from an approved nursing program

• May require a Master’s degree for specialty areas

• Nursing license required

Median pay: $77,000

Growth rate:

8. Hand laborers and material movers

Description:

Persons in this occupation can expect physical labor and daily duties that require packing, moving, loading, and unloading freight, stock, and other materials. Laborers may be required to learn and operate small and large size tools and machines.

Education requirements:

• Typically, no formal education is required

• Certain positions may require a specialized license or certification

Median pay: $45,760 (Total, all occupations)

Growth rate:

9. Stockers and order fillers

Description:

Just as the titles suggest, this role will stock and filler orders. Just like with hand laborers and material movers, stockers and order fillers can expect physical labor and daily duties that require packing, moving, loading, and unloading freight, stock, and other materials. Stockers and order fillers may be required to learn and operate small and large size tools and machines

Education requirements:

• Typically, no formal education is required

• Certain positions may require a specialized license or certification

Median pay: $45,760 (Total, all occupations)

Growth rate:

10. Market research analysts and marketing specialist

Description:

Market research analysts gather, research, and study information to help companies make informed business decisions. Market research analysts help marketers boost product sales and increase brand recognition. They do this by collecting data on consumer behavior and buying habits.

Education requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree required

• May require a Master’s degree

• May require a certification

Median pay: $63,920

Growth rate:

What most in demand careers are the fastest-growing careers?

Here are the top 10 fastest-growing careers right now and over the next 10 years according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics BLS.

1. Advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs)

Description:

APRNs coordinate and provide specialty patient healthcare. APRNs work closely with doctors and other medical professionals. Many APRNs can provide primary and preventative care as well as prescribe medication, order medical tests, and diagnose health problems for patients. 

Education requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in nursing or Associate’s degree in nursing, or a diploma from an approved nursing program

• Master’s degree in specialty areas

• Nursing license required

Salary Median: $120,680 per year

Growth rate: 46% 

2. Wind turbine service technicians

Description:

Wind turbine service technicians install, maintain, and repair wind turbines using safety harnesses and a variety of hand and power tools along with computers to diagnose electrical malfunctions.

Education requirements:

• Attend trade school or may get an Associate’s degree

• May need a certification

Salary Median: $56,260 per year

Growth rate: 44% 

3. Ushers, lobby attendants, and ticket takers

Description:

Ushers, lobby attendants, and ticket takers are in charge of distributing and collecting event tickets, programs, and other materials. They assist patrons by greeting them and answering questions while providing top-quality service.

Education requirements:

• High school diploma or equivalent

Salary Median: $24,440 per year

Growth rate: 41%

4. Motion picture projectionists

Description:

Motion picture projectionists, also known as both operators, set up and operate motion picture projection and sound equipment.

Education requirements:

• High school diploma or equivalent

Salary Median: $29,350 per year

Growth rate: 40%

5. Cooks

Description:

There are different types of roles for cooks, but in general most cooks season and prepare food.

The various types of cooks are:

• Fast food cooks 

• Institution and cafeteria cooks 

• Private household cooks, 

• Restaurant cooks 

• Short order cooks 

Education requirements:

• Typically, no formal education is required

• Some cooks may attend vocational cooking schools, professional culinary institutes, or an apprenticeship program

Salary Median: $30,010 per year

Growth rate: 37% 

6. Data scientists

Description:

Data scientists use analytical tools and techniques to extract meaningful insights from data by determining which results are viable and useful. They collect, categorize, and analyze data; create, validate, test, and update algorithms and models; and use data visualization software to present findings to senior leadership to make high-level business decisions.

Education requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in mathematics, statistics, computer science or related field

• May require a Master’s degree

Salary Median: $100,910 per year

Growth rate: 36%

7. Athletes and sports competitors

Description:

Athletes and sports competitors compete against other athletes in organized and officiated sporting events to entertain fans.

Education requirements:

• No formal education required

• Some sports may require a certain number of years in college (A degree is not necessary.)

Salary Median: $77,300

Growth rate: 36%

8. Information security analysts

Description:

Information security analysts protect an organization's computer network and systems by monitoring, investigating, and resolving security breaches.

Education requirements:

• High school diploma or equivalent

• May need a degree in computer science or related field

• May need a certification

Salary Median: $102,600 per year

Growth rate: 35%

9. Statisticians

Description:

Statisticians analyze data and apply computational techniques to solve complex problems in business, engineering, the sciences, and other fields. Statisticians design surveys, experiments, or opinion polls to collect data; they develop mathematical or statistical models to analyze data as well as interpret data and communicate analyses to technical and nontechnical audiences.

Education requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree

• May need a Master’s degree in mathematics or statistics

Salary Median: $95,570 per year

Growth rate: 33% 

10. Umpires, referees, and other sports officials

Description:

Umpires, referees, and sports officials preside over competitive athletic and sporting events helping to enforce the rules of the game. They judge sporting competitions to determine a winner, keep track of event times, start or stop play when necessary, settle complaints by participants, enforce the rules of the game and assess penalties when necessary.

Education requirements:

• High school diploma or equivalent

• May need special training

• May need special credentialing

Salary Median: $35,860

Growth rate: 32%

What careers are in demand an make the most money?

Here are the top ten occupations that make the most money according to the BLS (greater than $208,000 a year). All of these careers are in the healthcare and medical fields.

1. Ophthalmologists

2. Physicians

3. Radiologists

4. Psychiatrists

5. Physicians, pathologists

6. Obstetricians and gynecologists

7. Neurologists

8. General internal medicine physicians

9. Family medicine physicians

10. Emergency medicine physicians

Careers that will always be in demand

Here are the top ten careers that will always be in demand, with several well-paying job opportunities inside each career. 

1. Healthcare

2. Information Technology (IT)

3. Government officials

4. Cooks and restaurant staff

5. Service industry professionals

6. Electrical and plumbing

7. Construction

8. Teachers

9. Lawyers

10. Alternative energy

Next steps

Now that you know what careers are in demand right now and over the next ten years, along with their advantages and disadvantages, it is time to take your newfound knowledge and begin to map out a career path that is right for you.

Key takeaways

1. Making a change to a high-demand career can lead to success, job security, career longevity, and total satisfaction.  

2. The hot new careers for 2024 and beyond all have advantages and disadvantages that need to be explored before making a change.

3. Many of the careers that are in demand now and for the future are in the healthcare and medical field. These jobs also pay the most in annual salary.

4. There are many careers that have been and will continue to be in demand for the foreseeable future. Be sure to explore these in case one of them seems right for you.