The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects the U.S. economy will add 5.9 million jobs from 2025 to 2035, lifting total employment from 170.3 million to 176.2 million — a modest 3.5% growth rate that reflects a slowdown from the 10.9% expansion recorded between 2015 and 2025. In its latest employment projections, the agency also identified the 10 fastest-growing occupations over the next decade, with healthcare roles dominating the list and renewable energy positions also making strong showings.
Nurse practitioners top the ranking, with employment expected to surge 41% — an estimated gain of 137,800 jobs. Solar photovoltaic installers follow closely at 36.5% growth (11,300 new jobs), while data scientists rank third with a projected 34.6% increase (95,400 jobs). Wind turbine technicians (29.5%, 3,500 jobs) and medical and health services managers (24.2%, 155,100 jobs) round out the top five.
Also read: School Bus Driver Shortage Persists as Districts Raise Pay and Get Creative to Fill Routes
Healthcare and energy lead the way
The BLS attributes much of the healthcare surge to demographic shifts. “Because the likelihood of experiencing health complications increases with age, the aging population is expected to boost demand for a wide variety of healthcare and social services, including home health and personal care services,” the agency wrote in its report.
Beyond the top five, several other medical roles made the list: physical therapist assistants (23% growth, 26,200 jobs), psychiatric technicians (22.3%, 36,000 jobs), occupational therapy assistants (21.5%, 11,200 jobs), and ophthalmic medical technicians (21.4%, 15,500 jobs).
The energy sector’s presence reflects a broader shift toward renewables. The BLS noted that demand for electricity “is expected to grow significantly” over the projection period, boosting the need for solar and wind installation roles. This aligns with the ongoing expansion of U.S. renewable energy capacity, driven by both federal incentives and state-level clean energy mandates.
What this means for workers and employers
The projections carry practical implications for career planners, educators, and businesses. For job seekers, the data highlights where demand is likely to outpace supply, particularly in advanced practice nursing and data science — fields that typically require specialized degrees or certifications. Community colleges and vocational training programs may see increased enrollment in solar installation and wind turbine technician tracks, which offer relatively quick entry points into growing fields.
Employers in healthcare, meanwhile, may face continued hiring pressure as the population ages and existing staff retire. The projected growth for medical and health services managers — the largest absolute gain on the list at 155,100 jobs — underscores the need for administrative leadership as care delivery becomes more complex.
The slower overall growth rate compared to the previous decade also signals a maturing labor market, with automation and productivity gains potentially tempering job creation in some sectors. The BLS projections are based on historical data and assumptions about economic conditions, so actual outcomes may vary.
For those considering a career change or entering the workforce, the BLS data offers a useful roadmap — though experts advise weighing personal aptitude and regional demand alongside growth projections. The fastest-growing occupations are not necessarily the highest-paying, and some, like solar installers, are concentrated in specific geographic areas with strong renewable energy markets.
Warning: Attempt to read property "term_id" on false in /www/wwwroot/stockpil.com/wp-content/themes/flex-mag/functions.php on line 998
