If your current job isn't cutting it financially, you're not alone. With the cost of living still high, more people are considering career changes that offer better pay and stronger long-term security.
The good news? Several industries are facing major talent shortages, and they're offering competitive salaries to attract skilled workers. These roles aren't easy to get into, but if you're open to going back to school or earning a certification, they could be worth the effort.
Here are eight jobs in high demand through 2033, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Data scientist
Median salary: $112,590
Data scientists use math, statistics, and coding to uncover insights from large sets of information. Demand is projected to grow by 36%, making it one of the fastest-growing roles. You'll need a bachelor's degree, and some employers may prefer advanced degrees or certifications in analytics or data engineering.
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Medical and health services manager
Median salary: $117,960
Hospitals, clinics, and care facilities need skilled administrators to help operations run smoothly. About 61,400 openings are expected each year, and demand is only increasing due to staffing shortages. A bachelor's degree is typically required, and experience in healthcare settings is a plus.
Information security analyst
Median salary: $124,910
As cyber threats increase, more organizations are investing in security. Job openings for this role are expected to grow 33% through 2033. Most positions require a bachelor's degree in computer science and one or more professional certifications in cybersecurity.
Veterinarian
Median salary: $125,510
More households are spending on pet care, which means more demand for veterinary services. A 19% growth rate is expected over the next decade. Becoming a veterinarian requires a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree and state licensure.
Actuary
Median salary: $125,770
Actuaries work with data to assess risk, often for insurance companies. It's a math-heavy field that typically requires a bachelor's degree and a series of rigorous certification exams. The job outlook is strong, with a projected growth rate of 22%.
Nurse practitioner
Median salary: $132,050
Nurse practitioners, nurse anesthetists, and nurse midwives are all in high demand. Job growth is expected to reach 40% by 2033. These advanced practice roles require a master's degree and state licensure, making them a longer but rewarding career path.
Physician assistant
Median salary: $133,260
Physician assistants provide direct patient care and are a critical part of the healthcare system. With 28% job growth projected through 2033, opportunities are expanding fast. A master's degree and state license are required.
Computer and information research scientist
Median salary: $140,910
This role focuses on creating new ways to use technology, including artificial intelligence and machine learning. It typically requires a master's degree, although some government jobs accept a bachelor's. The field is projected to grow by 26%.
Bottom line
These high-paying careers offer strong job security and growing demand, but they also come with significant education and certification requirements. If you're thinking about switching careers, it could be worth investing in one of these fields to build wealth and a more stable financial future.
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Editor's Note: Portions of this story were drafted with assistance from generative AI tools. All final creative decisions, edits, and fact checking were done by human writers and editors.