Whether it’s time to start studying to improve skills or for a full-on career change — many Americans are watching employment numbers and are stuck on which path to take.
Especially with the boom in fear over the role of artificial intelligence in the economy and job market.
A report from the firm Challenger, Gray & Christmas says that layoffs in October 2025 were the highest they’ve been since 2020 and that hiring is the slowest it’s been in 14 years.
Cost-cutting was the most commonly listed motivating factor in layoffs, and AI was the second most cited factor. The technology sector has led the way in private-sector job cuts amid AI integration. That industry alone announced 33,281 job cuts in October, up from 5,639 in September.
The fear is real, and politicians see it too. Senators Josh Hawley and Mark Warner introduced a bipartisan bill in October that, if passed, would require major companies and federal agencies to report AI-related layoffs to the Department of Labor and make that data publicly available.
You don’t have to wait for that bill to pass to get an idea of which sectors are contracting versus growing — even if AI’s role isn’t crystal clear. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) provides data on the fastest-growing occupations, according to the reporting that companies are already required to do.
The BLS used existing industry employment data to project what growth could look like a decade from now. Among all occupations collectively, the projected job growth rate for 2024-2034 is 3.1% — which is slower than the 13% growth rate recorded between the prior decade, 2014-2024.
Based on the latest BLS numbers, the following jobs will see the most growth during that period. Most likely can’t be replaced by AI, at least not any time soon.
1. Wind turbine service technicians
Employment level in 2024: 13,600 jobs in total
Projected employment level in 2034: 20,500 jobs in total
Projected employment change, 2024 to 2034: 6,800 additional jobs — an increase of 49.9%
Median annual wage: $62,580
Wind turbine service technicians help repair and maintain wind turbines. They typically work full time and can be on call during weekends and evenings. These technicians usually receive on-the-job training and may also need a postsecondary nondegree award.
2. Solar photovoltaic installers
Employment level in 2024: 28,600 jobs in total
Projected employment level in 2034: 40,600 jobs in total
Projected employment change, 2024 to 2034: 12,000 additional jobs — an increase of 42.1%
Median annual wage: $51,860
Solar photovoltaic installers assemble, set up and service systems that convert sunlight into energy, like rooftop solar panels. They usually need a high school diploma, but others may take technical classes too. Installers typically get on-the-job training for up to one year.
3. Nurse practitioners
Employment level in 2024: 320,400 jobs in total
Projected employment level in 2034: 448,800 jobs in total
Projected employment change, 2024 to 2034: 128,400 additional jobs — an increase of 40.1%
Median annual wage: $129,210
Nurse practitioners coordinate patient care and can also provide health care. They work in hospitals, clinics and physicians’ offices and must earn a master’s degree, hold a state license and pass a national certification exam.
4. Data scientists
Employment level in 2024: 245,900 jobs in total
Projected employment level in 2034: 328,300 jobs in total
Projected employment change, 2024 to 2034: 82,500 additional jobs — an increase of 33.5%
Median annual wage: $112,590
Data scientists use various tools and techniques to gather valuable information from data for companies, like patterns and trends. They usually need a bachelor’s degree in mathematics, statistics or computer science. Some employers may require a master’s or doctoral degree.
It may also take some years of working in data analytics before officially becoming a data scientist.
5. Information security analysts
Employment level in 2024: 182,800 jobs in total
Projected employment level in 2034: 234,900 jobs in total
Projected employment change, 2024 to 2034: 52,100 additional jobs — an increase of 28.5%
Median annual wage: $124,910
Information security analysts often work for computer companies, consulting firms or business and financial companies. They plan and implement different security measures to guard computer networks and systems for companies.
These analysts usually need a bachelor’s degree in a computer science field, plus work experience. Some employers may also look for professional certifications.
6. Medical and health services managers
Employment level in 2024: 616,200 jobs in total
Projected employment level in 2034: 759,100 jobs in total
Projected employment change, 2024 to 2034: 142,900 additional jobs — an increase of 23.2%
Median annual wage: $117,960
Medical and health services managers do the behind-the-scenes work at health care facilities like hospitals, nursing homes and group medical practices. They do the planning, directing and coordinating of business activities for health care providers.
These managers will need a bachelor’s degree and possibly additional education. They’ll also need some prior work experience in an administrative or clinical role at a health care facility.
7. Physical therapist assistants
Employment level in 2024: 111,500 jobs in total
Projected employment level in 2034: 136,000 jobs in total
Projected employment change, 2024 to 2034: 24,500 additional jobs — an increase of 22.0%
Median annual wage: $65,510
While occupational therapist assistants focus on helping patients develop daily living skills, physical therapist assistants help patients relearn how to move their bodies and manage pain after an illness or injury. Assistants help set up equipment and other tasks, often in a physical therapist’s office or hospital settings.
Physical therapist assistants usually need an associate’s degree and a license or certification.
8. Actuaries
Employment level in 2024: 33,600 jobs in total
Projected employment level in 2034: 40,900 jobs in total
Projected employment change, 2024 to 2034: 7,300 additional jobs — an increase of 21.8%
Median annual wage: $125,770
Actuaries typically work for insurance companies, but may also work as consultants who travel to meet clients. Their responsibilities entail analyzing the economic costs of risk and uncertainty by using financial theory, mathematics and statistics.
Most will need a bachelor’s degree and certifications.
9. Operations research analysts
Employment level in 2024: 112,100 jobs in total
Projected employment level in 2034: 136,200 jobs in total
Projected employment change, 2024 to 2034: 24,100 additional jobs — an increase of 21.5%
Median annual wage: $91,290
Most of these analysts work full-time in office settings, using mathematics and logic to help solve complex issues, which may vary depending on the institution they work for. Some may also travel to work with different clients.
They’ll usually need a bachelor’s degree in a related subject like applied mathematics, but some employers may require a master’s degree.
10. Physician assistants
Employment level in 2024: 162,700 jobs in total
Projected employment level in 2034: 195,800 jobs in total
Projected employment change, 2024 to 2034: 33,200 additional jobs — an increase of 20.4%
Median annual wage: $133,260
Physician assistants work under the supervision of physicians to examine, diagnose and treat patients. Most work full time in medical facilities like hospitals, outpatient clinics, physicians’ offices and other health care settings.
Physician assistants need a master’s degree and must get licensed by the state they work in.
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