In the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, many people are questioning their jobs. The so-called Great Resignation saw droves of workers leave their positions in pursuit of their passions and more money.
Are you ready for a career change yourself? Then consider one of the following jobs that the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics says will grow faster than average and 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 2022: $121,610
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 2022: $103,500
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 2022: $112,000
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. Medical and health service manager
Projected growth rate for this job through 2032: 28%
Median pay for this job as of 2022: $104,830
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.
5. Physician assistant
Projected growth rate for this job through 2032: 27%
Median pay for this job as of 2022: $126,010
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.
6. Software developer
Projected growth rate for this job through 2032: 26%
Median pay for this job as of 2022: $127,260
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.
7. Actuary
Projected growth rate for this job through 2032: 23%
Median pay for this job as of 2022: $113,990
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.
8. Computer and information research scientist
Projected growth rate for this job through 2032: 23%
Median pay for this job as of 2022: $136,620
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.
9. Veterinarian
Projected growth rate for this job through 2032: 20%
Median pay for this job as of 2022: $103,260
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.
10. Database architect
Projected growth rate for this job through 2032: 10%
Median pay for this job as of 2022: $134,870
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.
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