As we enter the new year, many of us may be considering a career change or searching for new job opportunities. If you’re looking for a field expected to experience growth in the coming years, consider one of these seven up-and-coming careers. While some of these roles may require education or formal training, others offer more flexible entry requirements and opportunities for upward mobility. Regardless of your current skill level or experience, there is likely a career on this list that is a good fit for you.
1. Home Health Care
Home Health and Personal Care Aides are in high demand, with over 1 million new hires projected in the next 7 years. This career has seen a significant increase in popularity due to the COVID-19 pandemic and has remained a top choice for those seeking meaningful work that helps others.
As a Home Health or Personal Care Aide, you will provide daily patient care in various settings, including homes, group homes, and other locations. Your responsibilities may include administering medication, checking vital signs, and assisting with daily tasks.
The starting salary for this role is approximately $27,280 per year. While this may not be a high-earning position initially, it can serve as a stepping stone for those interested in pursuing a degree and eventually working as a nurse practitioner or traveling nurse, which can pay over $100,000 per year.
Several online classes are available to help you start your journey as a Home Health Aide. While no student loan funding is required for these programs, you may need to complete additional training and pass a standardized test if you plan to work for a certified home health or hospice agency.
2. Software Development Analyst
Software Developer Quality Assurance Analysts are responsible for identifying and addressing problems in software programs. This fast-growing career offers the flexibility to work from home and the potential to earn a high salary, with an average annual income of $110,000.
To become a Software Developer Quality Assurance Analyst, you’ll need to earn a bachelor’s degree and potentially complete additional training in software development. In this role, you’ll be involved in the entire process of creating a software program, including working with developers to identify the core functionality of a program, determining security requirements, and designing and testing the program. Some analysts may also write code themselves.
If you’re interested in pursuing this career, you can take software development courses online to learn programming languages like Java and Python. With the demand for skilled Software Developer Quality Assurance Analysts on the rise, now is a great time to start your journey in this field.
3. Logistician
Logisticians are professionals who work to ensure the smooth and efficient operation of a company’s supply chain. This career is expected to grow 27.7% in the coming years and offers an average salary of $77,030 annually.
Logisticians typically work in the manufacturing sector or for the federal government, coordinating the transportation and storage of goods to ensure that companies have the supplies they need to produce products and that those products are delivered to the correct destination. This role requires strong organizational and coordination skills and maintaining relationships with suppliers and transportation companies.
The responsibilities of a logistician include timing and coordinating transportation, storing goods, and brainstorming ways to streamline processes. Depending on your organization, you may need to hold an associate’s or bachelor’s degree in a related field. If you have a knack for organization and coordination and enjoy fast-paced work, a career as a logistician may be a good fit for you.
4. Data Scientist
Data Scientists are professionals who use their analytical skills and expertise in computer science, mathematics, statistics, business, or engineering to collect, compile, and analyze data for organizations. This career is expected to grow by 35.8% in the coming years and offers a highly competitive salary, with an average of $100,910 per year.
As a Data Scientist, you’ll be responsible for gathering data through various means, organizing and analyzing it, and presenting your findings in a way that others can understand and act upon. This may involve creating visual aids such as charts and graphs to help explain your results. You’ll also be expected to make recommendations based on your findings and work closely with other professionals in an office setting. While it is possible to find remote work in this field, most Data Scientists work in an office environment.
To become a Data Scientist, you’ll need to hold a bachelor’s degree in a related field. Preferred degrees include mathematics, statistics, computer science, business, or engineering. While the cost of tuition may be high, the demand for skilled Data Scientists is high, and there is no end in sight to the growth of this career.
5. Web Developer
Web Developers are responsible for creating and maintaining websites. This career offers the potential for self-employment, the ability to work from anywhere with an internet connection, and an average salary of $77,030 per year.
As a Web Developer, you’ll be expected to handle a variety of tasks, including discussing specific client needs for a website, planning and designing a site to meet those needs, writing code in languages like JavaScript, HTML, Python, or PHP, coordinating with other professionals such as writers and graphic designers, and providing ongoing website maintenance.
While some organizations may require a higher level of education for this role, experience and a strong portfolio are typically more important. If you’re starting, consider building websites for free to establish credibility and showcase your skills. Numerous online courses are available to help you learn web development, and it’s important to remember to create a website for yourself to represent your best work.
6. Machine Learning Engineers
Machine Learning Engineers are professionals who work with artificial intelligence and machine learning technologies to solve real-life problems. According to LinkedIn, hiring in this field grew by 32% between 2019 and 2020, and demand is expected to rise as more companies investigate machine learning to protect their businesses. As a result, Machine Learning Engineers have earned the second spot on the list of best jobs for 2023.
To become a Machine Learning Engineer, you’ll need to have strong skills in statistics and probability, data modeling, programming languages like Python and C++, and artificial intelligence algorithms. Depending on your current stage in your career, you can explore different types of artificial intelligence and machine learning courses on Emeritus.
In addition to the opportunity to work on exciting projects and see your career grow exponentially, this role also offers a projected average salary of $124,059 per year in the United States. If you’re interested in pursuing a career as a Machine Learning Engineer, now is a great time to get started.
7. Network Security
The global annual cost of cybercrime is estimated to be a staggering $6 trillion per year, and the number of cybercrimes has grown by over 600% since the COVID-19 pandemic. As a result, there has never been a better time to pursue a career in network security. Network security professionals are responsible for keeping the internal data of companies, as well as the data of their clients and partners, secure. With the high cost of security breaches, this is a lucrative field with strong job security and opportunities for continuous learning.
To succeed as a Network Security professional, you’ll need to be able to anticipate and prevent security breaches, have the mindset of an ethical hacker, possess the necessary technical skills and certifications, and understand the larger picture of data ethics. The field of cybersecurity is constantly evolving, so it’s important to stay up to date on the latest developments. You can explore online cybersecurity courses on Emeritus to help you get started.
In the United States, the projected average salary for Network Security professionals is $103,518 annually. If you’re interested in pursuing this rewarding and in-demand career, now is the time to start.
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