Fastest Growing Jobs in USA 2026: Salary, Skills & Career Guide
What are the fastest-growing jobs in the USA in 2026? If you are planning a career in the United States, choosing a field with strong projected employment growth can help you understand where demand may expand over the coming decade.
According to the latest U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) employment projections, several occupations are expected to grow much faster than the overall U.S. job market between 2025 and 2035. These include careers in healthcare, data science, cybersecurity, renewable energy, technology and other specialized fields.
In this guide, we will look at 10 fastest-growing jobs in the USA, their projected growth, 2025 median annual pay, typical education requirements, important skills and practical steps to start each career.
10 Fastest-Growing Jobs in the USA in 2026
| Career | Projected Growth 2025–35 |
2025 Median Pay |
|---|---|---|
| Nurse Practitioners | 41% | $132,300/year |
| Solar Photovoltaic Installers | 37% | $53,140/year |
| Data Scientists | 35% | $120,230/year |
| Wind Turbine Service Technicians | 30% | $64,120/year |
| Medical & Health Services Managers | 24% | $123,860/year |
| Physical Therapist Assistants | 23% | $68,380/year |
| Psychiatric Technicians | 22% | $45,130/year |
| Computer & Information Research Scientists | 22% | $140,300/year |
| Occupational Therapy Assistants | 21% | $72,300/year |
| Information Security Analysts | 21% | $129,180/year |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics and Employment Projections. Median pay figures are annual U.S. median wages for 2025. 1
1. Nurse Practitioner
Nurse practitioners are among the fastest-growing occupations in the United States. BLS projects employment growth of 41% from 2025 to 2035, while the 2025 median annual wage was $132,300.
What Does a Nurse Practitioner Do?
Nurse practitioners provide advanced patient care, assess health conditions, develop treatment plans and perform other clinical responsibilities depending on their specialization and state regulations.
Skills You Need
- Clinical knowledge
- Patient communication
- Critical thinking
- Decision-making
- Attention to detail
How to Start
This is a licensed healthcare profession. The typical pathway involves nursing education and advanced graduate-level preparation followed by the applicable certification and state licensing requirements.
2. Solar Photovoltaic Installer
Solar photovoltaic installers are involved in installing and maintaining solar energy systems. BLS projects 37% employment growth between 2025 and 2035, with a 2025 median annual wage of $53,140.
Why Is This Career Growing?
Expansion of solar electricity generation and continued demand for renewable energy infrastructure are important factors behind projected growth in this occupation.
Useful Skills
- Electrical basics
- Mechanical skills
- Safety procedures
- Problem-solving
- Physical fitness
How to Start
Many people enter the field with a high school diploma or equivalent and receive on-the-job training. Technical programs and relevant certifications can also help depending on the employer and position.
3. Data Scientist
Data science is one of the fastest-growing technology careers in the United States. BLS projects 35% employment growth from 2025 to 2035, while the 2025 median annual wage was $120,230.
The growth of AI, large datasets and data-driven decision-making is expected to contribute to demand for data scientists. BLS specifically identifies AI and the increasing amount of data available for analysis as factors supporting growth in computer and mathematical occupations. 2
Skills to Learn
- Python
- SQL
- Statistics
- Machine learning
- Data visualization
- Communication
How to Start a Data Science Career
- Learn Python and SQL.
- Build a foundation in statistics.
- Learn data analysis and visualization.
- Study machine learning fundamentals.
- Create practical portfolio projects.
- Apply for internships and entry-level data roles.
4. Wind Turbine Service Technician
Wind turbine service technicians install, maintain and repair wind turbines. BLS projects approximately 30% growth from 2025 to 2035, with a 2025 median annual wage of $64,120. 3
Useful Skills
- Mechanical maintenance
- Electrical systems
- Safety procedures
- Equipment troubleshooting
- Working at heights
How to Start
Technical education, hands-on training and employer-specific training can provide an entry path into this field. Candidates should also understand that wind turbine work can involve physically demanding conditions and working at significant heights.
5. Medical and Health Services Manager
Medical and health services managers coordinate and manage healthcare operations. BLS projects 24% employment growth from 2025 to 2035, with a 2025 median annual wage of $123,860. 4
Important Skills
- Leadership
- Healthcare administration
- Communication
- Organization
- Financial and operational management
How to Start
A bachelor's degree is commonly associated with entry into this occupation, although education and experience requirements can vary by employer and management role. Healthcare administration, business and related academic backgrounds can provide relevant preparation.
6. Physical Therapist Assistant
Physical therapist assistants work with patients under the direction and supervision of physical therapists. BLS projects 23% growth from 2025 to 2035, with a 2025 median annual wage of $68,380. 5
Skills That Matter
- Patient care
- Communication
- Physical stamina
- Observation
- Teamwork
How to Start
Physical therapist assistants typically complete an accredited educational program and meet the licensing or regulatory requirements applicable in their state.
7. Psychiatric Technician
Psychiatric technicians assist with the care of people receiving treatment for mental health or developmental conditions. BLS projects 22% employment growth between 2025 and 2035, with a 2025 median annual wage of $45,130. 6
Useful Skills
- Communication
- Patience
- Observation
- Teamwork
- Basic healthcare knowledge
How to Start
Education and qualification requirements can vary by employer and state. Candidates should check local requirements and the specific qualifications listed by healthcare employers.
8. Computer and Information Research Scientist
Computer and information research scientists work on advanced computing problems, algorithms, software and emerging technologies. BLS projects 22% employment growth from 2025 to 2035, with a 2025 median annual wage of $140,300. 7
Skills to Learn
- Programming
- Algorithms
- Mathematics
- Machine learning
- Computer systems
- Research and analytical thinking
How to Start
This career generally requires strong technical and mathematical preparation. Advanced academic study can be important for research-oriented positions, especially those involving fundamental computer science research.
9. Occupational Therapy Assistant
Occupational therapy assistants help patients develop or recover skills needed for daily activities under the direction of occupational therapists. BLS projects 21% employment growth between 2025 and 2035, with a 2025 median annual wage of $72,300. 8
Useful Skills
- Patient communication
- Observation
- Empathy
- Problem-solving
- Healthcare knowledge
How to Start
Candidates generally need an accredited educational pathway and must satisfy the licensing or certification requirements applicable to their location.
10. Information Security Analyst
Information security analysts help organizations protect computer networks, systems and data from security threats. BLS currently projects 21% employment growth from 2025 to 2035, with a 2025 median annual wage of $129,180. 9
Cybersecurity remains an important area because organizations continue to face increasingly complex cyberattacks and data-security risks. BLS has identified cybersecurity demand as a major factor behind projected growth for information security analysts. 10
Skills to Learn
- Networking
- Linux
- Cybersecurity fundamentals
- Cloud security
- Security monitoring
- Incident response
- Risk management
How to Start a Cybersecurity Career
- Learn computer networking fundamentals.
- Learn Linux and basic scripting.
- Study cybersecurity fundamentals.
- Practice using security labs and projects.
- Build practical experience.
- Consider relevant industry certifications.
- Apply for entry-level IT or cybersecurity positions.
Why Are Technology Jobs Growing in the USA?
Artificial intelligence, data analytics and cybersecurity are changing how businesses use technology. The BLS expects AI adoption and increasing volumes of data to support employment growth in several computer and mathematical occupations during the 2024–2034 projection period. 11
Data scientists, information security analysts, actuaries and operations research analysts are among the technology/data-related occupations showing particularly strong projected growth in the BLS data. 12
Which Skills Can Help You Prepare for Future Jobs?
There is no single skill that guarantees employment. However, people preparing for growing careers can combine technical knowledge with communication, analytical thinking and practical experience.
Technology Skills
- Python
- SQL
- Cloud computing
- Cybersecurity
- Data analytics
- Artificial intelligence fundamentals
Professional Skills
- Communication
- Problem-solving
- Critical thinking
- Teamwork
- Adaptability
- Project management
How to Choose the Right Career in the USA
A job's projected growth rate should not be the only factor in a career decision. Before choosing a career, consider your education, interests, required licensing, training cost, location, work environment and the number of actual openings in your target area.
- Check the official occupation requirements.
- Compare education and training costs.
- Research state-specific licensing rules.
- Check salaries in your target state or city.
- Look at the number of job openings, not just growth percentage.
- Build relevant skills and practical experience.
Fast Growth Does Not Always Mean the Most New Jobs
This is an important point when interpreting career statistics. A small occupation can have a very high percentage growth rate while adding fewer total jobs than a much larger occupation.
For example, BLS projects strong percentage growth for wind turbine service technicians and solar photovoltaic installers, but the absolute number of additional jobs is much smaller than some large healthcare occupations. Therefore, both percentage growth and total job openings matter when evaluating a career. 13
Fastest-Growing Jobs vs. High-Paying Jobs
A fast-growing occupation is not necessarily the highest-paying occupation. The list above includes careers with very different education requirements, salaries and work environments.
For example, BLS reports a 2025 median annual wage of $53,140 for solar photovoltaic installers, while computer and information research scientists had a median of $140,300. Both are among the occupations with strong projected growth, but the career pathways are very different. 14
Can International Students Work in These USA Careers?
International students and foreign workers may have access to some U.S. career pathways, but employment eligibility depends on immigration status, visa rules, employer sponsorship and, for regulated professions, licensing requirements.
Therefore, a career being in high demand does not automatically mean that an international applicant will receive a U.S. work visa or employer sponsorship.
How to Start Preparing for a High-Demand USA Career
- Choose one career path: Avoid trying to learn everything at the same time.
- Understand the entry requirements: Check education, licensing and training requirements.
- Learn practical skills: Courses are useful, but projects and hands-on experience can demonstrate what you can actually do.
- Create a professional resume: Highlight measurable projects, skills, certifications and experience.
- Build a portfolio where appropriate: Technology candidates can use GitHub, projects and case studies to demonstrate skills.
- Research the local market: Salary and hiring demand can vary significantly between U.S. states and metropolitan areas.
10 Fastest-Growing Jobs in USA 2026 – Quick Comparison
| Job | Growth | Median Pay | Career Area |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nurse Practitioner | 41% | $132,300 | Healthcare |
| Solar PV Installer | 37% | $53,140 | Renewable Energy |
| Data Scientist | 35% | $120,230 | Technology/Data |
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