What Are the Fastest Growing Occupations in the US?

The US job market is currently booming. Millions of jobs have been created, and some occupations are expected to keep growing for years to come. You may think that you need at least a four-year degree to get one of these fastest growing occupations in the country. The truth is, many of the fastest growing occupations require no more than a technical or vocational degree.

For many of these technical jobs, you simply need job training. At the Center for Employment Training, we offer fast-paced courses to get you ready for one of these fastest growing occupations:

1. Solar Photovoltaic Installers

Solar photovoltaic installers are in charge of assembling, installing, and maintaining solar panels. They may install panels on rooftops or other structures. Most of the work may be outside, but some maintenance may happen indoors. In order to get into this industry, you’ll need either job training or courses at a technical school.

Because solar panels are being used more and more across the country, solar photovoltaic installer jobs are expected to increase by 63 percent by 2028.

2018 median pay: $42,680 per year

2. Wind Turbine Service Technicians

Wind turbines are right up there with solar panels in an effort to reduce the amount of greenhouse gases being put into the atmosphere. Wind turbine service technicians install, repair and maintain turbines. They usually work outside at great heights, so this job is definitely not for everyone. 

Most technicians go to technical school, though they may also receive long-term job training on site. The job market for wind turbine service technicians is expected to grow by 57 percent by 2028.

2018 median pay: $54,370 per year 

3. Home Health Aides

Home health aides are responsible for helping those with disabilities, cognitive impairments or chronic illnesses perform their daily living activities. They may help patients bathe, eat, clean up around the house, and more. Generally, home health aides work in patients’ homes, or they may work in group homes or day service centers. 

To become a home health aide, you typically only need a high school diploma, and you may receive some on-the-job training. The demand for home health aides is expected to grow by 36 percent by 2028. 

2018 median pay: $24,060 per year

4. Occupational Therapy Assistants

If you love working closely with people, the job of an occupational therapist assistant is a great choice. Occupational therapy assistants help patients develop, improve, recover and maintain the skills they need to live their daily lives. They often work with victims of injuries from incidents like car accidents recover their skills to keep working and performing their daily tasks.

In order to become an occupational therapy assistant, you’ll need an associates degree. You may also need job training. The demand for these jobs is expected to grow by 31 percent by 2028.

2018 median pay: $57,620 per year

5. Physical Therapist Assistants

Like occupational therapy assistants, physical therapy assistants help treat injured or sick patients who are receiving therapy to recover. They may help patients manage pain and regain movement. They may also clean and set up the treatment area, perform clerical duties, and move patients as needed.

This is truly one of the fastest growing occupations in the country. By 2028, the demand for physical therapist assistants is expected to grow by 26 percent. In order to get this job, you’ll need an associates degree and certification.

2018 median pay: $48,090 per year

Get the Job Training You Need for the Fastest Growing Occupations in the US

These are just some of the fastest growing jobs in the country. Some of the other jobs on the list do require an advanced degree, but these technical jobs are secure and pay well. If you want to get into the job market with one of these amazing occupations, you’ll need job training. At the Center for Employment Training, we have a variety of programs that can help you get a job in a growing economy that needs skilled workers. Check out all of the programs we offer at the location nearest to you, then give us a call to learn more about your future in one of the fastest growing occupations in the country!