The economy is expected to add about 11.5 million jobs over the 2016–26 decade, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
| Job Title | 2018 median Pay | Education | Number of Jobs | Job Outlook | What they do |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dentists, General | $156,240 | Doctoral or professional degree | 153,500 | Overall employment of dentists is projected to grow 19 percent from 2016 to 2026, much faster than the average for all occupations. The demand for dental services will increase as the population ages and as research continues to link oral health to overall health. | Dentists diagnose and treat problems with patients’ teeth, gums, and related parts of the mouth. They provide advice and instruction on taking care of the teeth and gums and on diet choices that affect oral health. |
| Computer and Information Systems Managers | $142,530 | Bachelor's degree | 367,600 | Employment of computer and information systems managers is projected to grow 12 percent from 2016 to 2026, faster than the average for all occupations. Demand for computer and information systems managers will grow as firms increasingly expand their business to digital platforms. | Computer and information systems managers, often called information technology (IT) managers or IT project managers, plan, coordinate, and direct computer-related activities in an organization. They help determine the information technology goals of an organization and are responsible for implementing computer systems to meet those goals. |
| Architectural and Engineering Managers | $140,760 | Bachelor's degree | 180,100 | Employment of architectural and engineering managers is projected to grow 6 percent from 2016 to 2026, about as fast as the average for all occupations. Employment growth will largely reflect the growth of the industries in which these managers are employed. | Architectural and engineering managers plan, direct, and coordinate activities in architectural and engineering companies. |
| Petroleum Engineers | $137,170 | Bachelor's degree | 33,700 | Employment of petroleum engineers is projected to grow 15 percent from 2016 to 2026, much faster than the average for all occupations. Oil prices will be a major determinant of employment growth. Higher prices can cause oil and gas companies to increase capital investment in new facilities and expand existing production operations, along with exploration. | Petroleum engineers design and develop methods for extracting oil and gas from deposits below the Earth’s surface. Petroleum engineers also find new ways to extract oil and gas from older wells. |
| Marketing Managers | $132,620 | Bachelor's degree | 249,600 | Overall employment of advertising, promotions, and marketing managers is projected to grow 10 percent from 2016 to 2026, faster than the average for all occupations. Advertising, promotions, and marketing campaigns will continue to be essential for organizations as they seek to maintain and expand their share of the market. | Advertising, promotions, and marketing managers plan programs to generate interest in products or services. They work with art directors, sales agents, and financial staff members. |
| Financial Managers | $127,990 | Bachelor's degree | 580,400 | Employment of financial managers is projected to grow 19 percent from 2016 to 2026, much faster than the average for all occupations. Several core functions of financial managers, including risk management and cash management, are expected to be in high demand over the next decade. | Financial managers are responsible for the financial health of an organization. They produce financial reports, direct investment activities, and develop strategies and plans for the long-term financial goals of their organization. |
| Pharmacists | $126,120 | Doctoral or professional degree | 312,500 | Employment of pharmacists is projected to grow 6 percent from 2016 to 2026, about as fast as the average for all occupations. Increased demand for prescription medications will lead to more demand for pharmaceutical services. | Pharmacists dispense prescription medications to patients and offer expertise in the safe use of prescriptions. They also may conduct health and wellness screenings, provide immunizations, oversee the medications given to patients, and provide advice on healthy lifestyles. |
| Air Traffic Controllers | $124,540 | Associate's degree | 24,900 | Employment of air traffic controllers is projected to grow 3 percent from 2016 to 2016, slower than the average for all occupations. Competition for air traffic controller jobs is expected to be very strong, with many people applying for a relatively small number of jobs. | Air traffic controllers coordinate the movement of aircraft to maintain safe distances between them. |
| Sales Managers | $124,220 | Bachelor's degree | 385,500 | Employment of sales managers is projected to grow 7 percent from 2016 to 2026, about as fast as the average for all occupations. Employment growth of these managers will depend primarily on growth or contraction in the industries that employ them. | Sales managers direct organizations' sales teams. They set sales goals, analyze data, and develop training programs for organizations’ sales representatives. |
| Natural Sciences Managers | $123,860 | Bachelor's degree | 56,700 | Employment of natural sciences managers is projected to grow 10 percent from 2016 to 2026, faster than the average for all occupations. Employment growth should be affected by many of the same factors that affect employment growth for the scientists whom these managers supervise. | Natural sciences managers supervise the work of scientists, including chemists, physicists, and biologists. They direct activities related to research and development, and coordinate activities such as testing, quality control, and production. |
| Compensation and Benefits Managers | $121,010 | Bachelor's degree | 15,800 | Employment of compensation and benefits managers is projected to grow 5 percent from 2016 to 2026, about as fast as the average for all occupations. Competition for jobs is expected to be strong. | Compensation and benefits managers plan, develop, and oversee programs to compensate employees. |
| Lawyers | $120,910 | Doctoral or professional degree | 792,500 | Employment of lawyers is projected to grow 8 percent from 2016 to 2026, about as fast as the average for all occupations. Competition for jobs over the next 10 years is expected to be strong because more students graduate from law school each year than there are jobs available. | Lawyers advise and represent individuals, businesses, and government agencies on legal issues and disputes. |
| Physicists | $119,580 | Doctoral or professional degree | 19,900 | Overall employment of physicists and astronomers is projected to grow 14 percent from 2016 to 2026, faster than the average for all occupations. Federal government spending for physics and astronomy research is not likely to grow as in past years, and this will dampen the need for physicists and astronomers at institutions heavily dependent on such funding. | Physicists and astronomers study the ways in which various forms of matter and energy interact. Theoretical physicists and astronomers may study the nature of time or the origin of the universe. Some physicists design and perform experiments with sophisticated equipment such as particle accelerators, electron microscopes, and lasers. |
| Computer and Information Research Scientists | $118,370 | Master's degree | 27,900 | Employment of computer and information research scientists is projected to grow 19 percent from 2016 to 2026, much faster than the average for all occupations. Computer scientists are likely to enjoy excellent job prospects, because many companies report difficulties finding these highly skilled workers. | Computer and information research scientists invent and design new approaches to computing technology and find innovative uses for existing technology. They study and solve complex problems in computing for business, medicine, science, and other fields. |
| Political Scientists | $117,570 | Master's degree | 7,300 | Employment of political scientists is projected to grow 3 percent from 2016 to 2026, slower than the average for all occupations. Political scientists should face strong competition for jobs as the number of candidates is expected to exceed the number of available positions. | Political scientists study the origin, development, and operation of political systems. They research political ideas and analyze governments, policies, political trends, and related issues. |
| Administrative Law Judges, Adjudicators, and Hearing Officers | $117,190 | Doctoral or professional degree | 43,800 | Employment of judges and hearing officers is projected to grow 5 percent from 2016 to 2026, about as fast as the average for all occupations. These workers play an essential role in the legal system, and their services will continue to be needed into the future. | Judges and hearing officers apply the law by overseeing the legal process in courts. They also conduct pretrial hearings, resolve administrative disputes, facilitate negotiations between opposing parties, and issue legal decisions. |
| Commercial Pilots | $115,670 | 124,800 | Overall employment of airline and commercial pilots is projected to grow 4 percent from 2016 to 2026, slower than the average for all occupations. Most job opportunities will arise from the need to replace pilots who leave the workforce. Over the next 10 years, many pilots are expected to retire as they reach the required retirement age of 65. | Airline and commercial pilots fly and navigate airplanes, helicopters, and other aircraft. | |
| Aerospace Engineers | $115,220 | Bachelor's degree | 69,600 | Employment of aerospace engineers is projected to grow 6 percent from 2016 to 2026, about as fast as the average for all occupations. Aircraft are being redesigned to cause less noise pollution and have better fuel efficiency, which will help sustain demand for research and development. In addition, as international governments refocus their space exploration efforts, new companies are emerging to provide access to space beyond the access afforded by standard governmental space agencies. | Aerospace engineers design primarily aircraft, spacecraft, satellites, and missiles. In addition, they create and test prototypes to make sure that they function according to design. |
| Public Relations and Fundraising Managers | $114,800 | Bachelor's degree | 73,500 | Employment of public relations and fundraising managers is projected to grow 10 percent from 2016 to 2026, faster than the average for all occupations. Employment of public relations managers will be driven by the need for organizations to maintain their public image, especially with the growth of social media. The need to raise funds for nonprofit organizations will require more fundraising managers. | Public relations managers plan and direct the creation of material that will maintain or enhance the public image of their employer or client. Fundraising managers coordinate campaigns that bring in donations for their organization. |
| Computer Hardware Engineers | $114,600 | Bachelor's degree | 73,600 | Employment of computer hardware engineers is projected to grow 5 percent from 2016 to 2026, about as fast as the average for all occupations. A limited number of engineers will be needed to meet the demand for new computer hardware because more technological innovation takes place with software than with hardware. | Computer hardware engineers research, design, develop, and test computer systems and components such as processors, circuit boards, memory devices, networks, and routers. |
| Nurse Practitioners | $113,930 | Master's degree | 203,800 | Overall employment of nurse anesthetists, nurse midwives, and nurse practitioners is projected to grow 31 percent from 2016 to 2026, much faster than the average for all occupations. Growth will occur primarily because of an increased emphasis on preventive care and demand for healthcare services from an aging population. | Nurse anesthetists, nurse midwives, and nurse practitioners, also referred to as advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs), coordinate patient care and may provide primary and specialty healthcare. The scope of practice varies from state to state. |
| Human Resources Managers | $113,300 | Bachelor's degree | 136,100 | Employment of human resources managers is projected to grow 9 percent from 2016 to 2026, about as fast the average for all occupations. As new companies form and organizations expand their operations, they will need human resources managers to oversee and administer their programs and to ensure that firms adhere to changing and complex employment laws. Strong competition can be expected for most positions. | Human resources managers plan, direct, and coordinate the administrative functions of an organization. They oversee the recruiting, interviewing, and hiring of new staff; consult with top executives on strategic planning; and serve as a link between an organization’s management and its employees. |
| Optometrists | $111,790 | Doctoral or professional degree | 40,200 | Employment of optometrists is projected to grow 18 percent from 2016 to 2026, much faster than the average for all occupations. Because vision problems tend to occur more frequently later in life, an aging population will lead to demand for more optometrists. | Optometrists examine the eyes and other parts of the visual system. They also diagnose and treat visual problems and manage diseases, injuries, and other disorders of the eyes. They prescribe eyeglasses or contact lenses as needed. |
| Training and Development Managers | $111,340 | Bachelor's degree | 34,500 | Employment of training and development managers is projected to grow 10 percent from 2016 to 2026, faster than the average for all occupations. Job prospects should be favorable due to the constant need for workplace training and education. | Training and development managers oversee staff and plan, direct, and coordinate programs to enhance the knowledge and skills of an organization’s employees. |
| Computer Network Architects | $109,020 | Bachelor's degree | 162,700 | Employment of computer network architects is projected to grow 6 percent from 2016 to 2026, about as fast as the average for all occupations. Demand for computer network architects will increase as firms continue to expand their information technology (IT) networks. | Computer network architects design and build data communication networks, including local area networks (LANs), wide area networks (WANs), and Intranets. These networks range from small connections between two offices to next-generation networking capabilities such as a cloud infrastructure that serves multiple customers. |
| Physician Assistants | $108,610 | Master's degree | 106,200 | Employment of physician assistants is projected to grow 37 percent from 2016 to 2026, much faster than the average for all occupations. As demand for healthcare services grows, physician assistants will be needed to provide care to patients. | Physician assistants, also known as PAs, practice medicine on teams with physicians, surgeons, and other healthcare workers. They examine, diagnose, and treat patients. |
| Nuclear Engineers | $107,600 | Bachelor's degree | 17,700 | Employment of nuclear engineers is projected to grow 4 percent from 2016 to 2026, slower than the average for all occupations. Employment is projected to decline in electric power generation, but projected to increase in research and development in engineering, and in management, scientific, and technical consulting services. | Nuclear engineers research and develop the processes, instruments, and systems used to derive benefits from nuclear energy and radiation. Many of these engineers find industrial and medical uses for radioactive materials—for example, in equipment used in medical diagnosis and treatment. |
| Software Developers, Applications | $105,590 | Bachelor's degree | 1,256,200 | Employment of software developers is projected to grow 24 percent from 2016 to 2026, much faster than the average for all occupations. Software developers will be needed to respond to an increased demand for computer software. | Software developers are the creative minds behind computer programs. Some develop the applications that allow people to do specific tasks on a computer or another device. Others develop the underlying systems that run the devices or that control networks. |
| Chief Executives | $104,980 | Bachelor's degree | 2,572,000 | Overall employment of top executives is projected to grow 8 percent from 2016 to 2026, about as fast as the average for all occupations. Employment growth will vary by occupation and industry, and is largely dependent on the rate of industry growth. Top executives are expected to face very strong competition for jobs. | Top executives devise strategies and policies to ensure that an organization meets its goals. They plan, direct, and coordinate operational activities of companies and organizations. |
| Chemical Engineers | $104,910 | Bachelor's degree | 32,700 | Employment of chemical engineers is projected to grow 8 percent from 2016 to 2026, about as fast as the average for all occupations. Demand for chemical engineers’ services depends largely on demand for the products of various manufacturing industries. | Chemical engineers apply the principles of chemistry, biology, physics, and math to solve problems that involve the production or use of chemicals, fuel, drugs, food, and many other products. They design processes and equipment for large-scale manufacturing, plan and test production methods and byproducts treatment, and direct facility operations. |
| Economists | $104,340 | Master's degree | 21,300 | Employment of economists is projected to grow 6 percent from 2016 to 2026, about as fast as the average for all occupations. Job prospects should be best for those with a master’s degree or Ph.D., strong analytical skills, and experience using statistical analysis software. | Economists study the production and distribution of resources, goods, and services by collecting and analyzing data, researching trends, and evaluating economic issues. |
| Industrial Production Managers | $103,380 | Bachelor's degree | 170,600 | Employment of industrial production managers is projected to show little or no change from 2016 to 2026. Most of these managers are employed in various manufacturing industries, and may experience growth or decline along with the industries in which they are employed. | Industrial production managers oversee the daily operations of manufacturing and related plants. They coordinate, plan, and direct the activities used to create a wide range of goods, such as cars, computer equipment, or paper products. |
| Actuaries | $102,880 | Bachelor's degree | 23,600 | Employment of actuaries is projected to grow 22 percent from 2016 to 2026, much faster than the average for all occupations. However, because it is a small occupation, the fast growth will result in only about 5,300 new jobs over the 10-year period. Actuaries will be needed to develop, price, and evaluate a variety of insurance products and calculate the costs of new, emerging risks. | Actuaries analyze the financial costs of risk and uncertainty. They use mathematics, statistics, and financial theory to assess the risk of potential events, and they help businesses and clients develop policies that minimize the cost of that risk. Actuaries’ work is essential to the insurance industry. |
| Medical and Health Services Managers | $99,730 | Bachelor's degree | 352,200 | Employment of medical and health services managers is projected to grow 20 percent from 2016 to 2026, much faster than the average for all occupations. As the large baby-boom population ages and people remain active later in life, there should be increased demand for healthcare services. | Medical and health services managers, also called healthcare executives or healthcare administrators, plan, direct, and coordinate medical and health services. They might manage an entire facility, a specific clinical area or department, or a medical practice for a group of physicians. Medical and health services managers must direct changes that conform to changes in healthcare laws, regulations, and technology. |
| Electronics Engineers, Except Computer | $99,070 | Bachelor's degree | 324,600 | Overall employment of electrical and electronics engineers is projected to grow 7 percent from 2016 to 2026, about as fast as the average for all occupations. The change in employment is expected to be tempered by slow growth or decline in most manufacturing industries in which electrical and electronics engineers are employed. | Electrical engineers design, develop, test, and supervise the manufacturing of electrical equipment, such as electric motors, radar and navigation systems, communications systems, and power generation equipment. Electronics engineers design and develop electronic equipment, including broadcast and communications systems, such as portable music players and Global Positioning System (GPS) devices. |
| Information Security Analysts | $98,350 | Bachelor's degree | 100,000 | Employment of information security analysts is projected to grow 28 percent from 2016 to 2026, much faster than the average for all occupations. Demand for information security analysts is expected to be very high, as these analysts will be needed to create innovative solutions to prevent hackers from stealing critical information or causing problems for computer networks. | Information security analysts plan and carry out security measures to protect an organization’s computer networks and systems. Their responsibilities are continually expanding as the number of cyberattacks increases. |
| Administrative Services Managers | $96,180 | Bachelor's degree | 281,700 | Employment of administrative services managers is projected to grow 10 percent from 2016 to 2026, faster than the average for all occupations. Tasks such as managing facilities and being prepared for emergencies will remain important in a wide range of industries. | Administrative services managers plan, direct, and coordinate supportive services of an organization. Their specific responsibilities vary, but administrative service managers typically maintain facilities and supervise activities that include recordkeeping, mail distribution, and office upkeep. |
| Education Administrators, Elementary and Secondary School | $95,310 | Master's degree | 251,300 | Employment of elementary, middle, and high school principals is projected to grow 8 percent from 2016 to 2026, about as fast as the average for all occupations. Employment growth will be affected by student enrollment and the number of educational institutions. | Elementary, middle, and high school principals oversee all school operations, including daily school activities. They coordinate curriculums, manage staff, and provide a safe and productive learning environment for students. |
| Education Administrators, Postsecondary | $94,340 | Master's degree | 180,100 | Employment of postsecondary education administrators is projected to grow 10 percent from 2016 to 2026, faster than the average for all occupations. Expected growth may result from increasing student enrollment in colleges and universities. | Postsecondary education administrators oversee student services, academics, and faculty research at colleges and universities. Their job duties vary depending on the area of the college they manage, such as admissions, student life, or the registrar’s office. |
| Atmospheric and Space Scientists | $94,110 | Bachelor's degree | 10,400 | Employment of atmospheric scientists, including meteorologists, is projected to grow 12 percent from 2016 to 2026, faster than the average for all occupations. The best job prospects for atmospheric scientists will be in private industry. | Atmospheric scientists study the weather and climate, and examine how those conditions affect human activity and the earth in general. |
