As you start thinking about your future, you might wonder which careers could be a great fit — and which ones will have job openings by the time you’re ready to work. We’ve put together a list of the most in-demand careers that offer exciting work and job security. Check them out and see if one sparks your interest!
1. Wind Turbine Service Technicians
Have you ever noticed those giant wind turbines and wondered who keeps them running? That could be you! If you like working outdoors and don’t mind heights, this job could be perfect. Wind turbine technicians maintain and repair these turbines, playing a critical role in green energy.
What You’ll Need: Postsecondary certificate or associate’s degree in wind energy technology and hands-on training.
2023 Median Salary: $61,770
Job Growth: Expected to grow 60% through 2033.
Tip: If you're interested, start learning about renewable energy or join a science club!
2. Nurse Practitioners
Do you enjoy helping people and want a job that makes a difference every day? Nurse practitioners are advanced practice nurses who work directly with patients, often leading teams and making important medical decisions.
What You’ll Need: Bachelor's and master's degrees in nursing, plus a state license.
2023 Median Salary: $126,260
Job Growth: Expected to grow 46% through 2033.
Tip: If you’re curious, try shadowing a nurse or volunteering in a hospital to see what this career is all about. You can also work on obtaining your CNA (Certified Nursing Assistant) certification through a dual-enrollment course or on the side while still in high school.
3. Information Security Analysts
Ever wondered what it takes to stop hackers? Information security analysts help protect company and customer data. They ensure there are defenses in place to keep sensitive information safe and respond quickly if there’s a security threat.
What You’ll Need: Bachelor’s degree in computer science or cybersecurity, plus experience in IT.
2023 Median Salary: $120,360
Job Growth: Expected to grow 33% through 2033.
Tip: Join a coding or robotics club in high school to build skills for this career. You can also ask to job shadow someone in the field to get a better idea of what the day to day looks like.
4. Physical Therapist Assistants
If you’re interested in how the human body moves and want to work hands-on with people, physical therapy might be for you. Physical therapist assistants help patients regain mobility after injuries and play a big role in their recovery.
What You’ll Need: Associate degree and a license or certification.
2023 Median Salary: $64,080
Job Growth: Expected to grow 25% through 2033.
Tip: Consider taking anatomy and biology classes in high school, if they aren’t already in your class schedule, to prepare for this field.
5. Actuaries
If you love math and data, actuarial work is worth a look. Actuaries use statistics to predict risks, often working for insurance companies. They assess how likely certain events are to happen to help set policies and prices.
What You’ll Need: Bachelor’s degree in actuarial science, math, or a related field, plus certification exams.
2023 Media Salary: $120,000
Job Growth: Expected to grow 22% through 2033.
Tip: If you like math, take advanced math classes or join a math club such as mathletes. If your high school offers a statistics course, you should sign up to get exposure to the type of math you’ll be performing often.
6. Veterinarians
Calling all animal lovers! Veterinarians care for pets and sometimes other animal groups, ensuring their health and well-being. Depending on where you live, you might find more opportunities to work with specific types of animals like large farm animals, livestock, or exotic pets.
What You’ll Need: Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree and a state license.
2023 Median Salary: $119,100
Job Growth: Expected to grow 19% through 2033.
Tip: Get involved in volunteering with animal shelters or clinics to gain experience. Be prepared for the competitive application process by keeping your grades up!
If any of these careers sound interesting to you, talk to your school counselor or career advisor at your school, explore internships, and see if you can job-shadow someone in the field. Starting now can help you make plans for your future!
Want to keep exploring your career options? Get personalized career suggestions based on your interests.
Careers based on the fastest growing occupations from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
