10 Great Jobs That Will Still Be Hiring a Decade From Now

Many Americans constantly worry about losing their jobs. If you are among them, perhaps it’s time to consider changing to a more stable career.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects that some careers will see significant job growth over the next decade. These secure gigs run the gamut in terms of education requirements, salary, and job duties.

Following are 10 jobs that will likely still be hiring in a big way a decade from now. If you hope to move beyond living paycheck to paycheck, these careers can get you there.

The BLS says nurse practitioners and related professions — such as nurse anesthetists and nurse midwives — will be in high demand over the next decade.

People who work in these professions coordinate and provide patient care, just in different ways. Nurse anesthetists, for example, specialize in providing anesthesia and managing pain.

By 2032, the projected job growth for these workers is 38%, significantly higher than the projected growth for all occupations. The BLS estimates around 123,600 jobs will open.

Software developers design computer applications and programs. They are expected to be in high demand over the next decade, as will software quality assurance analysts and testers who identify and report problems with apps and programs.

The BLS projects employment in these job fields will grow 25% in the next 10 years, and about 451,200 jobs will open over the decade.

Even with ever-evolving technology, electricians who install, maintain, and repair electrical equipment are projected to be in demand over the next decade.

Projected job growth between 2022 and 2032 is 6%, according to the BLS, with about 49,200 openings for electricians during that time.

These jobs also tend to require relatively little schooling, as electricians often learn through apprenticeships. 

Since electricians are needed to maintain basically every commercial and residential structure, it’s a good gig for those looking to make good money without much time needed in school.

Those who work with and prepare food can expect strong job growth across the board.

Work for chefs and head cooks — who oversee food preparation at restaurants, hotels, and other food service spots — is expected to grow 6% over the next 10 years, with 175,300 jobs added.

Umpires, referees, and other sports officials are expected to be in surprisingly high demand over the decade, according to BLS statistics. These officials help enforce the rules in various types of sports.

Employment is expected to grow 10% over the decade, adding 2,000 jobs.

Many of these officials work part-time or for seasonal pay, so they may need other paying gigs during their off-seasons. They also often have to work unusual hours, such as nights and weekends.

The BLS lumps projected job growth for taxi/rideshare drivers in with other passenger-vehicle drivers, which includes jobs like bus drivers.

Projected job growth for passenger vehicle drivers is expected by 14% through 2032, with about 54,100 jobs added. 

The BLS included both full-time and part-time drivers in these estimates but noted that most passenger vehicle drivers work full-time.

Physician assistants provide patient care under the supervision of doctors at hospitals, doctor’s offices, outpatient clinics, and other health care settings. They are expected to be in high demand over the next decade.

In fact, job growth is projected to be 27% in the next 10 years. About 39,300 job openings for physician assistants are expected.

In addition to job growth and an array of work opportunities, physician assistants also make great money, raking in more than $126,010 annually on average, according to BLS data.

Massage therapists — who treat clients by applying pressure and manipulating tissues and joints to alleviate pain and help patients relax — are also expected to be in high demand over the next decade.

Job growth is expected to be 18% over the next decade. About 24,600 job openings are expected through 2032.

Plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters can expect steady — but not booming — employment over the next decade. 

The BLS predicts employment in these trade jobs will grow about 2% in the next 10 years, which is about as fast as other professions.

Still, we’re not likely to stop needing workers who can install and repair piping fixtures and systems anytime soon. 

On average, about 10,900 jobs are expected to open across these three trades, which provide services that are needed even in the deepest of recessions.

Occupational therapists treat patients who have injuries, illnesses, or disabilities and help them learn how to go about everyday tasks.

They may work in hospitals, schools, or nursing homes, or provide home health services. These therapists may also provide equipment — such as wheelchairs and braces — to make their patients’ daily tasks simpler and safer.

Job growth is expected to surpass the average in the U.S., at 12% through 2032. Around 16,100 job openings are expected through the decade, according to the BLS data.

The rise of automation and the current economic outlook might make job prospects appear bleak, but plenty of industries will likely continue to hire over the next decade and beyond.

One way to prepare for a possible recession — and to make sure you stay employed over the next decade or more — is to explore switching to a new career.

When planning your financial future, look at BLS data, which also includes average salaries and education requirements for various jobs. Then explore career opportunities that perhaps you overlooked in the past.