10 In-Demand Jobs That Pay Well

Research is key to choosing a job. Knowing how quickly a field is likely to grow helps recent graduates and those looking to change careers spot opportunities. Some of the most in-demand, high-paying careers include cybersecurity, software development, sustainable energy and healthcare.

Choosing the right occupation involves weighing the future and present. Pursuing careers that are in demand or expected to grow rapidly can simplify a job search and maximize future opportunities.?

This post explores high-paying jobs, including current demand and outlook for the fast-growing jobs of tomorrow. We will also take a look at how to enter some of the most in-demand fields.

What Careers Are in Demand?

From tech and finance to healthcare and sustainable energy, let’s explore careers with high demand and good pay.

1. Software Developer

Software developers create applications and programs for computers and mobile devices. Some work for tech companies. Others hold jobs with finance and insurance companies, manufacturers and retailers designing proprietary software.

Nationwide mean annual salary: $120,990

Necessary training and education: Minimum of a bachelor’s degree in information technology, though some employers prefer a master’s degree. Certification in programming languages and platforms, such as the Amazon Web Services (AWS) Certified Solutions Architect credential, can increase the chances of finding a job.

2. Information Security Analyst

According to Forbes, 93% of company networks are vulnerable to external cyberattacks. With so many businesses’ cybersecurity at risk for increasingly sophisticated data breaches, information security analysts will likely remain in demand for the foreseeable future.?

These analysts work for consulting firms and organizations protecting against cyber threats. They identify cybersecurity risks and create and implement plans to mitigate them.

Nationwide mean annual salary: $113,270

Necessary training and education: Bachelor’s degree in information technology or a related field. Gaining Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) credentials can also increase the chances of finding employment.

3. Information Research Scientist

Everything from cars and manufacturing equipment to home appliances now uses artificial intelligence (AI). Information research scientists drive innovation in the field by developing new systems and improving the performance of existing ones. They work for government agencies, tech firms, consulting firms and universities.

Nationwide mean annual salary: $142,650

Necessary training and education: Master’s degree in computer science or a related field.

4. Financial Advisor

Financial advisors help people grow wealth and save money for major purchases. They recommend investments for clients and monitor their performance. Banks, brokerages and insurance companies hire financial advisors. Some also work independently.

Nationwide mean annual salary: $119,960

Necessary training and education: Bachelor’s degree, preferably in business, mathematics or a related field, plus a state-issued license. Certification as a Certified Financial Planner can increase the chances of finding employment.

5. Civil Engineer

Civil engineers work for engineering services, government agencies and construction companies, creating designs that adhere to budgetary guidelines. Recent legislation to fund infrastructure?means new projects for roads, airports, tunnels, dams, bridges and water and sewage systems will pick up over the next decade. Civil engineers will be the ones to design this vital infrastructure.

Nationwide mean annual salary: $95,490

Necessary training and education: Bachelor’s degree in civil engineering, plus state-issued licensing as a professional engineer.

6. Registered Nurse

Registered nurses (RNs) provide direct care for patients and coordinate the activities of other healthcare workers. Hospitals, clinics, outpatient care centers, physicians’ offices, long-term care facilities, schools and government agencies hire RNs.

Nationwide mean annual salary: $82,750

Necessary training and education: Associate or bachelor’s degree, plus a state-issued license.

7. Video Editor

Video editors use software to turn raw film footage into a finished video. With more companies using TikTok, Instagram and YouTube videos to promote their businesses, editors are in demand outside of film and television studios.

Nationwide mean annual salary: $76,000

Necessary training and education: Bachelor’s degree in film, broadcasting, communications or performing arts. Earning a certification in the use of a particular video-editing software program can increase the chances of finding a job.

8. Marketing Specialist

Marketing specialists help businesses develop a brand image that appeals to the company’s ideal customers. They create plans to promote a business to their target market and monitor the performance of marketing campaigns. Marketing firms, advertising agencies and private businesses hire marketing specialists. Some also work as freelancers.

Nationwide mean annual salary: $76,080

Necessary training and education: Bachelor's degree in marketing, advertising or a related field.

9. Information Systems Manager

Across nearly all industries, companies rely on computer systems to get work done. Information systems managers develop, improve and monitor those vital systems. They may work for tech companies that do consultant work or directly for organizations in finance, manufacturing, education, healthcare and other sectors.

Nationwide mean annual salary: $162,930

Necessary training and education: Minimum of a bachelor's degree in computer science or a related field. Many employers prefer candidates with a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree.

10. Wind Turbine Technician

New federal investments in green energy will create opportunities for alternative energy careers. Currently, many electric power generation companies need wind turbine technicians to repair and maintain the windmills used to produce energy.

Nationwide average annual salary: $58,580

Necessary training and education: High school diploma or GED.

What Careers Are Going to Be in High Demand?

Many of the careers outlined above are likely to remain in demand over the next decade. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)?reports that the following fields with median salaries above $50,000 per year will be among the fastest-growing careers through 2031:

• Nurse practitioners: RNs with additional education and licensure that allows them to diagnose and treat patients more independently
• Data scientists: Experts who use machine learning to analyze complex sets of data
• Statisticians: Mathematicians who focus on analyzing data to spot trends and make predictions
• Web developers: Responsible for developing, creating and testing websites
• Medical and health service managers: Oversee the operations of hospitals and other healthcare institutions
• Logisticians: Coordinate supply chain activities of companies or freighters
• Physician assistants: Diagnose and treat patients in hospitals, doctor’s offices and other settings
• Physical therapist assistants: Help people reduce pain and improve mobility alongside physical therapists

Finding Careers in High Demand

Here are some tips for?finding careers in high demand:

Search Jobs in a Specific Area

Sites like the BLS provide nationwide employment projections. However, the demand for a particular career in a certain geographic area may be higher or lower than those figures.

To get a feel for the top employers in a specific location, check out LinkedIn job postings and explore which employers currently have job openings. You can also research their companies to discover career possibilities.

Keep Up with the News

Local newspapers and local news websites usually highlight plans to build new medical facilities, schools, factories and company headquarters. Those headlines often signal the creation of new career opportunities. Consider starting the training needed to qualify for new open positions once construction is complete.

Consult an Expert

Every state’s department of labor has some type of workforce, labor agency or commission. Although their services vary, many provide free career counseling.?

During a session, employment experts ask probing questions to uncover a job seeker’s skills. They then match them with in-demand careers that may suit their interests and abilities.

Consider Training and Qualifications

Knowing how much education and training is necessary to work in a career is important. Job seekers can use this information to determine how long it will take to prepare for employment and how much it will cost to get the required diploma, degree and mandatory licenses or certifications.

While many in-demand jobs require a college degree, there are alternatives. Apprenticeships make it possible to get the necessary training while receiving a stipend or hourly wage.?

As Nicholas Wyman of Skill Research explains, “You earn while you learn in the workplace and all without being lugged with a colossal college tuition debt. It’s hands-on training and work experience to gain valuable skills specific to the workplace and certifications to document them.”

Start Building a Network Now

While preparing for an in-demand career, job seekers can start to build their network of contacts. Send invitations to connect with others in the field.

Offline, those training for a new career can join local, regional and national industry associations. These groups often host seminars, conferences and networking events.

Top Takeaways

10 In-Demand Jobs That Pay Well

• Many in-demand, high-paying careers are in technology fields like software development, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence and information systems.
• Projects launched in response to federal legislation make civil engineering and alternative energy two in-demand fields.
• Other in-demand careers include financial advisor, RN, video editor and marketing specialist.
• Researching the largest employers in a region or city is a way to discover in-demand careers.

(Reporting by NPD)