Kevin O'Leary Is Betting on Data Center Jobs - But These 9 Job Markets Are Quietly Outpacing Them

Recent mass layoffs at tech powerhouses like Meta might seem like a sign that an AI-driven workforce is here to stay. That's what well-known celebrity investor Kevin O'Leary seems to believe, at least, if his controversial promise of a massive data center in Box Elder County, Utah, is any indication. Given all the buzz about data centers, you'd be forgiven for thinking switching to an AI-driven job might be the best way to get ahead financially.

But the positive job growth in non-AI sectors could surprise you. Keep reading to learn more about careers that are likely to expand in the coming decade.

Editor's note: All salary data comes from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), unless otherwise stated.

Wind turbine service technician

Median annual salary: $62,580
Projected 10-year growth: 50%

Wind turbines are producing a larger and larger amount of the United States' electricity. In fact, along with solar power, wind generated 17% of the country's electricity in 2025, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, which explains why wind turbine service technician jobs are projected to grow by 50% in the next decade.

These jobs could be physically challenging since workers typically climb wind turbines to perform repairs, replace equipment, and tackle routine maintenance. But the barrier to entry is rather low, since most technicians don't often need more than an associate's degree to start training.

Solar photovoltaic installers

Median annual salary: $51,860
Projected 10-year growth: 42%

Installing solar panels is a job that is able to be done only by humans, and since the demand for solar power is growing year over year, this job is both future-proof and AI-proof. Installers typically need just a high school diploma and could count on getting training while on the job.

Nurse practitioners, nurse anesthetists, and nurse midwives

Median annual salary: $132,050
Projected 10-year growth: 35%

Nurse practitioners treat patients, diagnose illnesses, order tests, and prescribe medication. Anesthetists and midwives take on additional roles. About 32,700 jobs in this field are expected to open up year over year to accommodate an increasingly aging U.S. population.

However, if you're interested in the field, it's smart to start planning now. Nurse practitioners typically need an MA to become an advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) in any of these three fields.

Data scientists

Median annual salary: $112,590
Projected 10-year growth: 34%

Data scientists use degrees in statistics, computer science, math, or similar fields to comb through data to draw project- or company-specific conclusions. And while generative AI might be able to speed up some data tracking, it can't mimic the education, judgment, and curiosity needed to make a good data scientist.

Information security analysts

Median annual salary: $124,910
Projected 10-year growth: 29%

Cyberattacks are getting more frequent, and attackers are now relying on generative AI tools that make attacks on businesses, governments, and organizations easier than ever. These businesses have to rely on human information security analysts to test for security weaknesses, come up with innovative solutions to problems, and protect valuable data and assets.

Medical and health services managers

Median annual salary: $117,960
Projected 10-year growth: 23%

Interested in health care but not in the hands-on, high-stress business of being a doctor or nurse? Health care providers need dedicated managers who could help them coordinate schedules, organize records, generate budgets, and handle the logistics and bureaucracy of running a hospital, clinic, or nursing home.

Actuaries

Median annual salary: $125,770
Projected 10-year growth: 22%

Actuaries sort through vast data sets to calculate levels of risk for insurance companies and other businesses. Just like data scientists, actuaries might start to work more with data that is increasingly assembled with generative AI, but they perform an irreplaceable service: understanding, evaluating, and drawing nuanced conclusions.

Operations research analysts

Median annual salary: $91,290
Projected 10-year growth: 21%

Individuals with solid critical thinking skills might enjoy a career as an operations research analyst, where they'll use their bachelor's or master's degree in math or statistics to acquire data, analyze it, build models and tools that evaluate risk, and propose business solutions.

Physical therapist assistants

Median annual salary: $60,050
Projected 10-year growth: 16%

Physical therapist assistants (PTAs) work alongside physical therapists to help their patients heal from an illness or injury. Working alongside a physical therapist who evaluates a patient and creates a care plan, they might teach patients different exercises, help them learn how to use mobility equipment, and keep exercise areas clean.

Bottom line

Changing careers could be a great way to grow your wealth and boost your ability to save for retirement, crucial tasks at any time, but especially when the economic future feels uncertain. But keeping a cool head and making fact-based job choices is essential, and while generative AI is likely here to stay, it's not a coincidence that the fastest-growing jobs have nothing to do with AI.

Plus, the future of O'Leary's data center is still in doubt, and cities and states around the country are putting the brakes on building their own data centers. At the very least, make sure not to put all your eggs in one basket: the future could be less AI-dependent than you think.