A lot has changed in recent years. We’ve weathered a pandemic, witnessed a “Great Resignation” and experienced the highest inflation rate in 40 years.
All that may have you rethinking how you earn and spend money.
If you need a career change, consider one of the following jobs that the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics says will grow faster than average in the next several years and that typically pay a six-figure salary.
1. Nurse practitioner
Projected growth rate for this job through 2032: 45%
Median pay for this job as of 2023: $126,260
Nurse practitioners have advanced degrees that allow them to serve as primary care providers in many parts of the country. Depending on their state’s laws, they may be able to prescribe medicine, order medical tests and diagnose illnesses.
2. Data scientist
Projected growth rate for this job through 2032: 35%
Median pay for this job as of 2023: $108,020
In a world overflowing with information, data scientists make sense of big numbers. They gather data, analyze it and then distill their findings into conclusions that can be used by decision-makers in business, the government and nonprofit organizations.
3. Information security analyst
Projected growth rate for this job through 2032: 32%
Median pay for this job as of 2023: $120,360
Cyber-criminals are constantly looking for new ways to break into networks and steal information. It is the job of an information security analyst to pinpoint weaknesses in computer systems, develop solutions and then monitor networks for security breaches.
4. Mathematician and statistician
Projected growth rate for this job through 2032: 30%
Median pay for this job as of 2023: $104,860
Mathematicians and statisticians are often employed by the federal government or scientific research firms. They may work as part of a team to gather data, analyze it using mathematical or statistical models and then interpret the results.
5. Medical and health services manager
Projected growth rate for this job through 2032: 28%
Median pay for this job as of 2023: $110,680
These specialized business managers oversee operations at hospitals, outpatient facilities, nursing homes and other medical settings. They may create budgets, recruit workers and ensure compliance with government regulations.
6. Physician assistant
Projected growth rate for this job through 2032: 27%
Median pay for this job as of 2023: $130,020
While physician assistants work under the supervision of a doctor, they have broad authority to evaluate, diagnose and treat patients. In many states, they may serve as primary care providers and prescribe medicine as well.
7. Software developer
Projected growth rate for this job through 2032: 26%
Median pay for this job as of 2023: $132,270
As the name suggests, software developers create computer programs, test them and make upgrades as needed. These tech professionals may specialize in developing computer applications or computer operating systems.
8. Actuary
Projected growth rate for this job through 2032: 23%
Median pay for this job as of 2023: $120,000
Actuaries are hired by employers to calculate risk. For instance, they are commonly used by insurance companies in setting premiums and determining how likely it is a customer will file a claim.
9. Computer and information research scientist
Projected growth rate for this job through 2032: 23%
Median pay for this job as of 2023: $145,080
The next generation of robots is being developed by computer and information research scientists. These professionals are also involved in creating new computer programming languages and designing experiments to test software.
10. Veterinarian
Projected growth rate for this job through 2032: 20%
Median pay for this job as of 2023: $119,100
A career that needs little introduction, veterinarians are medical professionals who specialize in the care of animals. They may work with pets, livestock, laboratory animals or exotic species.
11. Financial manager
Projected growth rate for this job through 2032: 16%
Median pay for this job as of 2023: $156,100
Often found at banks, investment firms and insurance companies, financial managers are responsible for preparing financial reports, supervising employees and identifying ways to reduce costs. They generally need a bachelor’s degree, knowledge of tax laws and regulations, and several years of work experience.
12. Computer and information systems manager
Projected growth rate for this job through 2032: 15%
Median pay for this job as of 2023: $169,510
Computer and information systems managers may also be called IT managers or IT project managers. They oversee an organization’s computer needs and implement changes as needed.
13. Database architect
Projected growth rate for this job through 2032: 10%
Median pay for this job as of 2023: $134,700
Database architects are IT professionals who create databases for storing information in computer applications and systems. They may also serve as database administrators who monitor and maintain the database after its creation.
14. Optometrist
Projected growth rate for this job through 2032: 9%
Median pay for this job as of 2023: $131,860
Optometrists are eye doctors who perform vision tests, diagnose vision problems and prescribe corrective lenses. These professionals must be licensed by their state before they can begin practicing and that typically means earning a doctor of optometry degree and passing an exam.
15. Chemical engineer
Projected growth rate for this job through 2032: 8%
Median pay for this job as of 2023: $112,100
More than a third of chemical engineers are employed by chemical manufacturing companies. They may work in an office or laboratory, and their job duties often involve researching new and better ways to complete manufacturing processes.
16. Lawyer
Projected growth rate for this job through 2032: 8%
Median pay for this job as of 2023: $145,760
Lawyers — also known as attorneys — often specialize in a specific type of law. They may advise clients on tax matters, oversee real estate transactions or assist with protecting intellectual property. Others are general practice lawyers who can assist with a variety of criminal and civil issues.
17. Marketing manager
Projected growth rate for this job through 2032: 7%
Median pay for this job as of 2023: $157,620
Businesses need to generate demand for their goods or services, and they turn to marketing managers to do that. These business professionals may head up a team responsible for analyzing potential markets and developing strategies to promote sales.
18. Political scientist
Projected growth rate for this job through 2032: 7%
Median pay for this job as of 2023: $132,350
Political scientists are experts in how governments work. They typically have at least a master’s degree, and the majority — more than 6 in 10 — are employed by the federal government. Depending on their role, they may monitor current events, conduct research or forecast future political trends.
19. Economist
Projected growth rate for this job through 2032: 6%
Median pay for this job as of 2023: $115,730
More than a quarter of these experts on fiscal policy are employed by the federal government. Economists may also be hired by consulting firms as well as state and local governments. Their job often entails researching economic issues, analyzing data and making recommendations to decision makers.
20. Public relations manager
Projected growth rate for this job through 2032: 6%
Median pay for this job as of 2023: $134,760
Public relations managers are hired by a variety of businesses and organizations to develop and promote a specific brand or corporate image. That may involve identifying a firm’s target audience and then creating a strategy for connecting with that audience. Public relations managers typically have at least a bachelor’s degree and many years of experience in the field.
