Ready for a career change? Consider these jobs of the future

What does the future of work look like? With computer systems changing the way we do our jobs, you may be wondering whether it’s time for a new career path.

We've looked at the Bureau of Labor Statistics to find the growth rate of different industries and used this information to help predict the jobs of the future.

We’ll take you through the top nine jobs of the future and what they involve. And we’ll tell you how much you can expect to earn in these positions.

Why knowing about future jobs is important

When you think about the jobs of the future, you may think of high-tech, automation, and artificial intelligence jobs. While these industries are set to boom, not all jobs of the future fall into these categories.

Understanding which jobs will be in high demand can help you decide whether the career you’re considering will have opportunities in the future. And it gives you time to change paths or upskill in areas that are set to grow.

What are the top jobs of the future?

What are the jobs of the future? What will be in demand, what skills do you need, and how much can you expect to earn?

Read on and learn about nine jobs that are expected to grow significantly in the future.

1. Chefs

Chefs plan menus, cook food, and order quality ingredients. They are in charge of the kitchen and oversee safe food preparation, training, and cleaning. They need to meet strict health and safety regulations.

They need to be confident using a range of tools, including ovens, slicers, knives, food processors, and scales.

Chefs often create recipes and many open their own restaurants. They may need to help with promotion, bookkeeping, and administration.

What are the educational requirements?
To become a chef, you’ll need a high school diploma and culinary experience. While formal training is not always required, you can improve your chances of employment by attending a technical school, college, or dedicated cooking school.

Most chefs start as kitchen hands or line cooks. Some of the skills you’ll need include good communication, physical fitness, creativity, and time management.

How much does a chef make?
The median salary for chefs and head cooks is $53,380 per year. Within the next decade, job vacancies in this field are expected to grow by 6%.

2. Electricians

Electricians work on building sites to plan and install power connections. This blue-collar job might include the installation of wiring, light fixtures, wall sockets, and heating and cooling units.

They need to read floor plans and make sure their work is safe and following local laws.

Electricians may also work on domestic, commercial, and industrial properties to install, test, and maintain electrical wiring and parts.

With advances in technology, the demand for renewable energy, such as solar panels and batteries, will continue to increase. Installing and maintaining these types of devices will become a bigger part of an electrician’s job in the future.

What are the educational requirements?
To become an electrician, you'll need a high school diploma. To learn the trade, you'll need to complete a four-year apprenticeship.

Some of the skills you need to be an electrician include critical thinking, physical strength, and good customer service.

How much does an electrician make?
The median annual salary for electricians is $56,900, with new jobs set to grow by 8% in the next 10 years. There is the potential to make more money if you run your own business or work as a supervisor.

Learn more about these types of jobs: Top 8 Highest Paying Blue Collar Jobs.

3. ​Medical and health services managers

Medical and health services managers will be in high demand in the future. Their role is to manage different healthcare teams, departments, and services.

They oversee recruitment and training of new staff, set goals, streamline processes, manage rosters and budgets, and make sure records are accurate.

Medical and health services managers need to understand local laws and regulations and make sure the organization is compliant.

What are the educational requirements?
To become a medical and health services manager, you’ll need a bachelor’s degree in health management, health administration, or a similar area. You will usually need work experience in a healthcare setting.

The skills you need include good communication, attention to detail, leadership, and medical knowledge.

How much does a medical and health services manager make?
On average, medical and health services managers make $104,280 per year. The industry is growing rapidly, with demand expected to rise by 32% in the next decade.

4. Welders

Welders work with metals. They use high heat to permanently join and repair metal components such as steel beams and ship components. They work with blueprints and plans in a variety of industries, including car manufacturing, building, plumbing, and manufacturing.

Welders need to wear appropriate safety gear and be confident using torches at high temperatures.

Before starting a project, they need to perform an inspection and make sure their work area is safe. Welders monitor their equipment and perform maintenance as required.

What are the educational requirements?
To become a welder, you’ll need a high school diploma or equivalent. You’ll need to complete technical training, and your employer may offer an apprenticeship. Alternatively, you can complete a vocational training course at a local college, a welding school, or through the U.S Armed Forces.

The skills you’ll need include strength, stamina, and dexterity. You’ll also need good attention to detail. Some knowledge of chemistry, mathematics, and physics can be beneficial.

How much does a welder make?
The median annual salary for a welder is $44,190. You may earn more if you start your own business. Job growth is expected to rise by 3% in the next 10 years.

5. Software developers

Software developers make the software programs we use on our computers. This is a broad field with a range of different career options. For example, you could develop phone apps, build operating systems, or create video games.

Software developers oversee the whole process. To start, they work with clients to come up with an idea. They then design the software and test, monitor, and repair it to make sure it runs as it should.

What are the educational requirements?
To become a software developer, you’ll usually need a college degree in computer science or a similar area.

Programming, algorithms, and coding skills are essential for software development, and you need to be good at problem-solving.

How much does a software developer make?
The average salary for a software developer is $110,140 per year. This is a fast-growing industry, with job availability set to rise by 22% in the next 10 years.

6. Physical therapists

Physical therapists work with patients to manage and relieve their pain. Their workday may include rehabilitation, preventative medicine, and the treatment of long-term injuries.

Physical therapists work closely with doctors to diagnose pain and develop plans that they can continue at home. Treatment often involves exercise programs, massages, and physical aids.

They help people of all ages and commonly support patients with workplace injuries, sports injuries, arthritis, and neurological conditions.

What are the educational requirements?
To become a physical therapist, you’ll need to complete a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree.

Good communication, physical fitness, and attention to detail are all important skills for this job.

How much does a physical therapist make?
The average salary for a physical therapist is $91,010 per year. Job growth over the next 10 years is predicted to be 18%, making it one of the fastest-growing professions.

7. Market research analysts

Market research analysts work with brands to analyze their customers and competitors. They can use computer programs, polls, and surveys to understand who their shoppers are, what they want to buy, and when.

They put this information together into graphs and reports, and companies can use it for marketing, pricing, and sales.

In a digital world, this data is invaluable, as it gives companies a clear picture of their target audience.

What are the educational requirements?
The degree you need will depend on the job and your field of interest. For example, you could use a Bachelor of Computer Science or a Bachelor in Market Research degree.

Critical thinking and good communication are two skills often required for this job.

How much does a market research analyst make?
The average salary for a market research analyst is $65,810, with job availability set to grow by 18% in the next 10 years.

8. Information security analysts

Information security analysts work with companies to make sure their networks are secure. They install and update antivirus protection software, encryptions, and firewalls and educate organizations on how to keep their data safe.

They are in charge of watching the network and will regularly test systems to find any areas that may be vulnerable.

If there is a problem, such as a virus or a breach, a cybersecurity expert will help to resolve it.

What are the educational requirements?
To become an information security analyst, you’ll need a postsecondary degree in computer science, programming, or information technology. Depending on the position, you may need a Master of Business Administration degree.

You’ll need problem-solving skills and attention to detail to thrive in this role.

How much does an information security analyst make?
On average, cybersecurity experts make $103,590 per year, but this can be much more in the private sector.

This is going to be an in-demand job of the future, with 31% growth predicted in the next decade.

9. ​Nurse practitioners

Nurse practitioners work with other healthcare professionals to treat illnesses. They check and record symptoms, give physical exams and tests, monitor patients, keep medical records, use medical devices, prescribe and administer medications, and communicate with families.

A nurse practitioner has more training and experience than a registered nurse and can diagnose and treat patients without the support of a doctor.

They often work with the aging population, children, and pregnant and new moms.

What are the educational requirements?
You'll need a master’s degree in your preferred healthcare specialty. You will also need a Bachelor of Nursing, experience in the industry, certifications, and licenses.

The skills you need to be a nursing practitioner include good communication, empathy, critical thinking, and leadership.

How much does a nurse practitioner make?
The median annual salary for nurse practitioners is $114,510. The demand for workers in the next 10 years is set to grow by 52%.

Alternatively, physician assistants perform a similar role and make $115,390 per year.

Are you ready for your future career?

We’ve told you about the careers of the future, and some of them may surprise you.

There are the obvious tech choices, such as software developers and information security analysts, but these aren’t the only job types to look out for.

Healthcare workers, market analysts, chefs, and electricians are all on the list with above-average growth predictions over the next 10 years.

Join the conversation inside the community and stay in the loop on future job trends. Plus, you can find jobs that are hiring now on the Jobcase search engine.