Are you wondering what to study at university? Or are you considering a new career path? Then you might want to consider what the high-paying jobs in demand for the future will be.
While it pays to look at career opportunities you're passionate about, it's also important to keep an eye on the job market to see which areas are growing rapidly.
Pursuing a career path that's in high demand can make the job hunt a little easier, and it will also enhance your future career prospects.
Read on to learn more about the most in-demand jobs for the foreseeable future and each career path's requirements.
11 High-Paying Jobs in Demand for the Future
Deciding on a new career can be difficult, especially if you don't have a clear idea of the work you want to do.
Take your time to consider your skills and passions and the possibilities out there with these highest paid jobs.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment is set to grow from 2021 – 2031, with nearly one-third of jobs projected to be in healthcare and social assistance.
1. Web Developers
As more businesses understand the importance of an online presence, web developers will continually be in demand over the next decade.
You must develop coding skills and a knowledge of computer networks and related software programs for the kinds of industries you want to get into.
You can specialize in different types of web development.
Three options include:
- Being a front-end developer who deals with visuals in the browser
- A back-end developer that works on the servers
- A full-stack developer that does both jobs
Job Requirements: Web developers need a bachelor's degree in computer science or a strong portfolio showing they have experience.
2. Data Scientists
Next on our list of top highest-paying jobs, Data Scientists look at patterns and trends and use this information to uncover insights and forecast outcomes.
To succeed as a data scientist, you must have great analytical skills, good business acumen, and the ability to mine and clean data and present it in a way that can be understood.
Within the realm of data science, there are various subcategories, including roles such as data analysts and architects.
Day-to-day life for a data scientist will include analyzing data, running data experiments, implementing statistical models and algorithms, and developing data products to help customers better understand their business and gain valuable insights.
Job Requirements: Data science is a technical role, and to get hired, you'll need a bachelor's degree in either math, statistics, engineering, or science. Some companies may even require that data scientists hold an advanced degree.
3. Financial Managers
Financial management is one of the most high-paying jobs in demand for the future. The work includes looking after the financials of different clients.
Tasks you may be expected to take on include several or all aspects of identifying financial risks or weaknesses, reducing costs, creating profit reports and projections, creating goals, and providing advice on how to hit those goals.
Financial managers can work for a consulting firm or be employed directly by a company. To succeed in this field of work, you must have in-depth business finance knowledge.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, financial management work is set to grow by 17% between 2021 – 2031, faster than the average for some occupations.
Job Requirements: Bachelor's degree in business, finance, or a related field.
4. Market Research Analysts
A market research analyst is tasked with collecting and using data from different places to predict trends. Current trends are analyzed and compared to future expectations.
This information from the data analysis is then used to decide how resources should be used next for better business outcomes.
To succeed as a market research analyst, you must have strong communication skills, market research experience, the ability to understand different types of data, excellent research skills, and strong analytical skills.
Job Requirements: Bachelor's degree in marketing, statistics, or a related field.
5. Information Security Analysts
An information security analyst works to safeguard a company's sensitive information using security systems.
Because so much sensitive information is stored digitally today, help is needed to prevent potential hacker attacks on the company's current technology by implementing security solutions.
Alongside keeping information safe in computer systems, this work includes evaluating businesses' security processes to assess risk, fixing any vulnerabilities to a company's information technology, managing security threats, testing security solutions, and implementing security measures (eg with firewalls and employing data encryption techniques).
Job Requirements: Educated to degree level in a technology-related field.
6. Nurse Practitioners
Medical professionals are in high demand, and this type of work is set to see a job growth rate of around 16% up to 2030.
Nurse practitioners are registered nurses who've completed advanced education to enhance their ability to diagnose, treat, and look after patients.
They can work in schools, offices, outpatient facilities, or hospitals. As a nurse practitioner, you can choose to specialize in a specific area if you wish, such as pediatrics, psychiatry, or emergency medicine.
Job Requirements: Train to be a registered nurse. Acquire a master's degree and a nurse practitioner certification.
7. Public Relations Manager (PR)
Public relations managers (PR managers) are in high demand and work to manage how the public perceives a person or a company.
This can include securing media coverage for a book launch, getting people talking about a product, or shaping a company's brand image.
PR managers use different types of strategies like writing press releases, building great relationships with newspapers and magazines, and using social media.
To succeed in this line of work, you'll need to be able to communicate effectively, have excellent presentation skills, and be efficient at planning events.
Job Requirements: Educated to degree level in public relations, marketing, or communications.
8. Information Systems Managers
Information systems managers are tasked with creating and managing information systems within a company.
One of the most well-paying jobs with an average salary of $137,275, this is an in-demand career worth getting into.
Day-to-day life for an IS manager will include investigating a business's current technology, recommending upgrades, developing an information systems strategy, and overseeing any new technology installations.
Job Requirements: Strong technical skills and a bachelor's degree in IT or related field.
9. Artificial Intelligence (AI) Workers
Artificial intelligence has become readily available to everyone with the creation of applications such as ChatGPT (and you can even check out how to use ChatGPT for resumes here).
As this trend grows, jobs in AI are opening up and are in high demand. A few AI jobs for you to consider include:
- Machine Learning Engineer. One of the most in-demand AI job roles, this type of software engineer work involves designing and building machine learning systems.
- AI Ethics Specialist. Tasked with ensuring AI products are used responsibly and ethically.
- AI Researcher. This work involves researching and creating new machine-learning algorithms.
- AI Product Manager. Responsible for managing AI-powered services and products.
- Robotics Engineer. Work involves designing and building robots that can complete different tasks.
Interested in artificial intelligence? Learn how to use ChatGPT for social media marketing.
Job Requirements: All high-level AI jobs require at least a master's degree and a deep understanding of programming.
10. Database Administrators
This role looks after a business's database systems.
They organize information in a company's database systems so it can be accessed quickly and easily at any time. So, most database administrators work includes updating systems, optimizing data collection and data storage, overseeing user permissions, ensuring backups, transferring data, searching out any problems, and providing solutions.
To succeed as a database administrator, you'll need meticulous attention to detail, strong technical skills, good problem-solving skills, and great interpersonal skills.
Job Requirements: Degree in computer science, IT, or a related field.
11. Software Developers
Last on our list of highest-paying jobs, Software Developers have high-paying careers, with an average salary of around $119,390.
A software developer, also referred to as software engineer, is responsible for designing, coding, testing, and developing software applications. Whether it's a consumer facing mobile app or enterprise software solution serving to large corporations, their expertise ensures the creation of efficient and effective software solutions.
Daily tasks for a software development worker include developing and testing software used on phones and computers.
You'll need to learn advanced skills in coding to succeed as a software developer.
You'll also need excellent problem-solving skills, good organizational skills, and knowledge of different programming languages to develop software.
Job Requirements: Computer science or IT Bachelor's degree. Previous experience in a similar role.
Final Thoughts on High-Paying Jobs in Demand for the Future
Now you know the best in-demand jobs for the next decade.
As you can see, the career paths mentioned include healthcare, finance, cybersecurity, software development, information technology, and data.
If you plan to secure yourself any of these high-paying jobs, make sure you learn valuable skills, and after gaining your high school diploma, move on to a master's degree and bachelor's degree in a related field.
With the right training and persistence, you'll enjoy long-term job security and a wage that allows you to live a comfortable life. Which highest-paying job appeals to you most?
If you fancy working from home, check out these real online jobs that anyone can do.
