Occupation ranking
Fastest Growing Occupations (2024-2034)
Occupations projected to grow the fastest over the next decade by percentage.
- 50
- Occupations ranked
- +49.9%
- Highest (Growth %)
- +11.2%
- Lowest in list
This list, in one line
Every occupation on this list grows at +11.2% or better, led by Wind Turbine Service Technicians at +49.9% - 4.5x the #50 cutoff.
- +49.9%
- #1 - Wind Turbine Service Technicians
- +11.2%
- #50, the cutoff to make this list
Based on 50 occupations ranked by growth %, BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics / Employment Projections.
This ranking surfaces 50 distinct occupations from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics program, each scored on the "Growth %" dimension. The top-ranked occupation is Wind Turbine Service Technicians at +49.9%, versus +11.2% at rank 50, a spread that shows how differently the American labor market values specialized skills, credential requirements, and location-specific demand. Every row on this page links to the occupation's full national profile with state and metro-level salary breakdowns, so the ranking doubles as a launch pad for deeper research rather than a static leaderboard.
These projections from the BLS Employment Projections program estimate which occupations will grow the fastest by percentage through 2034. Renewable energy, healthcare, and data science dominate the top spots. Percentage growth can be misleading for small occupations, a job with 1,000 workers growing 50% adds fewer positions than one with 1 million workers growing 5%. Always check both growth rate and total projected openings when evaluating career paths.
The numbers here are not marketing estimates or job-board averages. They come from the OEWS survey of roughly 1.1 million establishments representing over 95% of U.S. wage and salary workers, collected over three-year rolling panels and published each May. When you compare occupations within this list, remember that annual median means the midpoint, half the workforce earns more and half earns less, and that percentile bands within each occupation often span 2-3x the median on either side. Use this ranking to shortlist careers that match your economic goals, then drill into each occupation's individual page to see the 10th-to-90th percentile pay range, state-by-state variation, metro premiums, education requirements, and BLS-projected openings through 2033 before making a long-term commitment. See our methodology for exactly how these figures are sourced, computed, and verified.
Fastest Growing Occupations (2024-2034)
Projected employment growth 2024–2034, top 15
- Wind Turbine Service Technic…
Wind Turbine Service Technicians
49.9 % growth
- Solar Photovoltaic Installers
Solar Photovoltaic Installers
42.1 % growth
- Nurse Practitioners
Nurse Practitioners
40.1 % growth
- Data Scientists
Data Scientists
33.5 % growth
- Information Security Analysts
Information Security Analysts
28.5 % growth
- Medical and Health Services …
Medical and Health Services Managers
23.2 % growth
- Physical Therapist Assistants
Physical Therapist Assistants
22 % growth
- Actuaries
Actuaries
21.8 % growth
- Operations Research Analysts
Operations Research Analysts
21.5 % growth
- Physician Assistants
Physician Assistants
20.4 % growth
- Psychiatric Technicians
Psychiatric Technicians
20 % growth
- Ophthalmic Medical Technicians 19.8
Ophthalmic Medical Technicians
19.8 % growth
- Computer and Information Res… 19.7
Computer and Information Research Scientists
19.7 % growth
- Occupational Therapy Assista… 19.2
Occupational Therapy Assistants
19.2 % growth
- Financial Examiners 18.5
Financial Examiners
18.5 % growth
Full ranking table
Last updated: May 2025. Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections 2024-2034.
Percentile bands and state/metro breakouts use BLS OEWS State and Metropolitan Area Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates, May 2025.
Frequently Asked Questions
How accurate are BLS growth projections?
BLS projections have been reasonably accurate historically, though they cannot predict disruptive events (pandemics, AI breakthroughs). Projections are updated every two years. They are most reliable for identifying directional trends (which fields are expanding) rather than precise growth numbers. The 2024-2034 projections incorporate current demographic, technological, and economic trends.
Does fast growth mean good job prospects?
Not necessarily. A small occupation growing 50% might add only a few thousand positions, while a large occupation growing 5% could add hundreds of thousands of openings. Look at projected annual openings (which include replacement needs from retirements) alongside growth percentages for a complete picture.
Why are green energy jobs growing so fast?
Federal investments (Inflation Reduction Act), state renewable energy mandates, declining solar/wind costs, and corporate sustainability commitments are driving explosive demand for wind turbine technicians, solar installers, and related roles. These occupations started from small bases, amplifying their percentage growth.
Related Rankings & Nearby Pages
Jump to another ranking lens, explore the top-ranked occupation, or compare roles side-by-side.
How to read this ranking
Use the ranking to scope a field, then drill into a specific job
- These are occupation medians from the BLS OEWS survey: in each role, half of workers earn more and half earn less. The ranking is a starting point, not your expected pay. Browse occupations
- Pay rank shifts by location. A role near the top nationally can pay very differently in your state or metro, before you even adjust for cost of living. Compare states
- Open any occupation to see its full pay band, percentiles, and outlook, so you read the number in context. All rankings
Estimates reflect the BLS May 2025 reference period and exclude self-employed workers; some small occupation-area cells are suppressed.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OES Occupational wage estimates by area and industry · 2025
Every figure on WageDex is rendered directly from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data, no number is typed in by an editor. Rankings are computed directly from BLS OES occupational wage data. See our editorial standards & corrections policy, the methodology behind these numbers, or report a data error.
This ranking is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial or career advice. National rankings reflect aggregate BLS figures and may not represent a specific employer's actual pay, consult a qualified career counselor or financial advisor before making decisions based on this data.