The 25 Fastest-growing Jobs That Pay Over $100K

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The 25 fastest-growing jobs that pay over $100K

Many out-of-work Americans currently face a slower search for employment, and the nation's job market continues to decline. In August 2025, unemployment peaked at 4.3%, the highest since 2021, and just 22,000 new workers were added to nonfarm payrolls. For comparison, an average of 166,000 new jobs were gained every month in 2024. Previously, the number of jobs in the United States was expected to grow by 4% across all occupations by 2033. However, according to projections by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, many jobs that pay an average of over $100,000 a year are expected to grow at more than double that rate.

In fact, 1 in 4 jobs created over the next decade is expected to be in occupations making a six-figure average. With increasing health care demands from an aging population, technological breakthroughs, and data-savvy workers to manage all the monitoring and reporting of information, jobs in those sectors will grow. However, whether these jobs will pay enough for employees to live on remains to be seen—an April 2025 analysis from LendingTree found that due to inflation and skyrocketing costs of living, an annual salary of $100,000 isn't enough for families to get by in 25% of the largest cities in the United States.

Still, a six-figure salary remains highly desirable across the country. Out of over 100 occupations earning over $100,000 annually, Stacker compiled a list of the top 25 fastest-growing jobs, using data from the BLS Employment Projections. The jobs are ranked by their projected employment change through 2034, and ties are broken by median income in 2024.

The jobs listed in this article include construction workers, financial advisors, and a bevy of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics-related jobs, from biomedical engineers to computer scientists. Different types of physicians and tech industry workers also make several appearances.

Many of these professions necessitate postsecondary education or on-the-job training. Of course, opportunities for lower-income citizens to access these jobs are a growing concern for more Americans, as well as the need to invest in STEM education in communities that don't have the same resources as more affluent communities.

Read on to find out which fast-growing jobs interest you, a family member, or even a youngster you may know who's planning for the future.

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#25. Nurse anesthetists

- Projected job growth rate, 2024-34: 8.6%
- Total employment in 2024: 53,800
- Projected employment change, 2024-34: +4,600
- 2024 median annual income: $223,210
- Typical entry-level education: Master's degree

Nurse anesthetists must receive the same education as nurse midwives, but the job also requires certification via the National Board of Certification and Recertification for Nurse Anesthetists. As of 2025, nurse anesthetists are also required to hold a doctoral degree. Individuals in this career focus on providing anesthesia to patients undergoing surgical procedures.

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#24. Medical scientists, except epidemiologists

- Projected job growth rate, 2024-34: 8.7%
- Total employment in 2024: 165,300
- Projected employment change, 2024-34: +14,300
- 2024 median annual income: $100,590
- Typical entry-level education: Doctoral or professional degree

Although they don't work directly with patients, medical scientists are at the highest level of health care. To improve health care, they conduct research and clinical trials, and must also write grant proposals to acquire funding. A medical degree or Ph.D. in biological science is typically necessary for medical scientists. Epidemiologists are a type of medical scientist not included in this category by the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

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#23. Computer systems analysts

- Projected job growth rate, 2024-34: 8.7%
- Total employment in 2024: 521,100
- Projected employment change, 2024-34: +45,500
- 2024 median annual income: $103,790
- Typical entry-level education: Bachelor's degree

As technology progresses, businesses need to keep up. Computer systems analysts examine what companies have in place, what the marketplace and the company's products and services require, and determine how to provide the appropriate technological support. Analysts typically have a strong information-technology background and a bachelor's degree in computer science, though some employers accept applicants with liberal arts degrees and programming experience.

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#22. Construction managers

- Projected job growth rate, 2024-34: 8.7%
- Total employment in 2024: 550,300
- Projected employment change, 2024-34: +48,100
- 2024 median annual income: $106,980
- Typical entry-level education: Bachelor's degree

Construction managers receive a lot of on-the-job training before ascending to their posts. Once in the role, construction managers typically oversee project implementation and organization on construction sites. They also handle budgets and coordination with stakeholders on different projects.

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#21. Database architects

- Projected job growth rate, 2024-34: 8.7%
- Total employment in 2024: 66,900
- Projected employment change, 2024-34: +5,800
- 2024 median annual income: $135,980
- Typical entry-level education: Bachelor's degree

Database architects work closely with software designers and design analysts to create databases for hundreds or thousands of people. Architects study the needs and infrastructure of a company, interview employees about areas of improvement, and map out how an electronic database will work. As more corporate functions move into the digital and online worlds, the need for complex databases increases.

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#20. Management analysts

- Projected job growth rate, 2024-34: 8.8%
- Total employment in 2024: 1,075,100
- Projected employment change, 2024-34: +94,500
- 2024 median annual income: $101,190
- Typical entry-level education: Bachelor's degree

Management analysts have a job that changes often, as every project is different. Generally speaking, however, analysts find operational weaknesses and ways to improve business performance. To excel as an analyst, an applicant needs strong communication skills and a deep understanding of operations.

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#19. Mechanical engineers

- Projected job growth rate, 2024-34: 9.1%
- Total employment in 2024: 293,100
- Projected employment change, 2024-34: +26,500
- 2024 median annual income: $102,320
- Typical entry-level education: Bachelor's degree

Found across a wide variety of industries, mechanical engineers design all types of machines, including medical devices, conveyor belts, generators, and elevators. In the coming years, experts believe mechanical engineers will need to develop AI skills and better understand manufacturing processes to produce better designs. Most employers look for college graduates from an ABET-accredited program.

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#18. Personal financial advisors

- Projected job growth rate, 2024-34: 9.6%
- Total employment in 2024: 326,000
- Projected employment change, 2024-34: +31,200
- 2024 median annual income: $102,140
- Typical entry-level education: Bachelor's degree

With an uncertain economy—high interest rates, a volatile stock market, and questions about recession—people are trying to make sure they have enough money to live the lives they want. Personal financial advisors help people understand what their financial picture is and how to achieve their goals. Some personal financial advisors are authorized to directly buy and sell assets on behalf of their clients.

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#17. Veterinarians

- Projected job growth rate, 2024-34: 9.6%
- Total employment in 2024: 86,400
- Projected employment change, 2024-34: +8,300
- 2024 median annual income: $125,510
- Typical entry-level education: Doctoral or professional degree

Veterinarians, who need a state license and a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from an accredited school, are in high demand these days. In fact, veterinarians ranked as the #1 job for 2025, according to an analysis from the job platform Indeed. Within the field, veterinarians may specialize in companion pet care and food safety.

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#16. Software quality assurance analysts and testers

- Projected job growth rate, 2024-34: 10%
- Total employment in 2024: 201,700
- Projected employment change, 2024-34: +20,200
- 2024 median annual income: $102,610
- Typical entry-level education: Bachelor's degree

QA analysts and testers aim to try out new software and find any vulnerabilities before a program goes on the market. Although companies are increasingly leveraging AI tools for QA functions, humans are still necessary for more complex testing scenarios. QA testers often work in tandem with software developers, so teamwork is an essential skill, along with critical thinking and decision making.

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#15. Physical therapists

- Projected job growth rate, 2024-34: 10.9%
- Total employment in 2024: 267,200
- Projected employment change, 2024-34: +29,300
- 2024 median annual income: $101,020
- Typical entry-level education: Doctoral or professional degree

Every year, more than 50 million Americans go to physical therapy to improve mobility due to surgery, injury, a stroke, or other diagnosed conditions. As more doctors and patients see the value of PT services, demand has increased, but the number of therapists hasn't. In 2022, there were about 12,000 fewer full-time therapists than needed, according to a March 2025 analysis from PTJ: Physical Therapy & Rehabilitation Journal, and demand for PTs' services is expected to grow nearly 15% by 2037. Prospective therapists need to have a bachelor's degree, a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree, and state licensure before they can practice.

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#14. Industrial engineers

- Projected job growth rate, 2024-34: 11%
- Total employment in 2024: 351,100
- Projected employment change, 2024-34: +38,500
- 2024 median annual income: $101,140
- Typical entry-level education: Bachelor's degree

As President Trump's tariff plan aims to bring more manufacturing to the U.S., companies need industrial engineers to bring factory floors to life. Industrial engineers work across a spectrum of elements in manufacturing to design and improve systems. These engineers often work to streamline factories, manufacturing lines, and assembly processes for higher productivity. However, industrial engineers also work in the health care and transportation industries, optimizing human interaction with technology and equipment.

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#13. Nurse midwives

- Projected job growth rate, 2024-34: 11.1%
- Total employment in 2024: 8,600
- Projected employment change, 2024-34: +900
- 2024 median annual income: $128,790
- Typical entry-level education: Master's degree

Nurse midwives' credentials include a master's degree and a license for registered nurses in their states, an advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) license for their state, and a passing grade on a national certification exam. Nurse midwives are in short supply in many states, leading to a variety of new educational initiatives across the country. The University of South Carolina and Boston College both launched nurse-midwifery programs in 2025.

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#12. Computer network architects

- Projected job growth rate, 2024-34: 11.9%
- Total employment in 2024: 179,200
- Projected employment change, 2024-34: +21,400
- 2024 median annual income: $130,390
- Typical entry-level education: Bachelor's degree

AI and automation are becoming increasingly important in computer networking. To save money and provide better service, 30% of enterprises plan to automate over half of their network activities by 2026, according to Gartner. While AI skills are becoming more essential for computer network professionals, AI has not taken over the field yet. Experts say AI still needs better training to be effective in solving complex issues.

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#11. Financial managers

- Projected job growth rate, 2024-34: 14.8%
- Total employment in 2024: 868,600
- Projected employment change, 2024-34: +128,800
- 2024 median annual income: $161,700
- Typical entry-level education: Bachelor's degree

Financial managers usually have five years of experience in accounting, financial analysis, or securities sales. The demand for skilled, trustworthy financial managers runs high these days—a February 2025 report from Kinsey predicts that the industry will be short roughly 100,000 qualified advisors by the year 2034. To get in on this lucrative field, aspiring financial managers will need the requisite experience in addition to communication skills, analytical abilities, and a bachelor's degree in a relevant field.

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#10. Computer and information systems managers

- Projected job growth rate, 2024-34: 15.2%
- Total employment in 2024: 667,100
- Projected employment change, 2024-34: +101,600
- 2024 median annual income: $171,200
- Typical entry-level education: Bachelor's degree

Many computer and information systems managers complete coursework in mathematics, computer programming, and software development. They often start working in information technology and eventually earn a manager position, which can be followed by a job as a chief information officer or IT security manager. On a day-to-day basis, computer and information systems managers typically oversee an organization's digital activities.

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#9. Software developers

- Projected job growth rate, 2024-34: 15.8%
- Total employment in 2024: 1,693,800
- Projected employment change, 2024-34: +267,700
- 2024 median annual income: $133,080
- Typical entry-level education: Bachelor's degree

Software developers use programming languages to design, build, and maintain software systems for both customers and company employees. They often lead teams that merge marketing, sales, finance, and customer service experts to build integrated packages to meet multiple needs. Software development has evolved significantly in recent years due to the rise of AI, with experts in the field predicting that developers will need to implement a business mindset and greater emotional intelligence to stay employed.

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#8. Health specialties teachers, postsecondary

- Projected job growth rate, 2024-34: 17.3%
- Total employment in 2024: 289,600
- Projected employment change, 2024-34: +50,100
- 2024 median annual income: $105,620
- Typical entry-level education: Doctoral or professional degree

States like Texas, New York, and Pennsylvania employ the most postsecondary health specialty teachers. These educators focus on courses dealing with specialties like dentistry, pharmacy, public health, therapy, and veterinary medicine. Health specialties professors generally do not teach nursing or medical science.

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#7. Computer and information research scientists

- Projected job growth rate, 2024-34: 19.7%
- Total employment in 2024: 40,300
- Projected employment change, 2024-34: +7,900
- 2024 median annual income: $140,910
- Typical entry-level education: Master's degree

Although a master's degree is recommended for most computer and information research scientists, federal jobs may only require a bachelor's degree. These scientists regularly work in teams with engineers and have a strong base of multidisciplinary skills. As of 2025, computer and information scientists belong to one of the fastest-growing fields in STEM research and development.

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#6. Physician assistants

- Projected job growth rate, 2024-34: 20.4%
- Total employment in 2024: 162,700
- Projected employment change, 2024-34: +33,200
- 2024 median annual income: $133,260
- Typical entry-level education: Master's degree

Many physician assistants earn a master's degree, and all must be licensed by their state. In rural and underserved communities, physician assistants often fill in as primary care physicians. Otherwise, physician assistants conduct all observations, diagnoses, and treatments under the supervision of a licensed physician.

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#5. Actuaries

- Projected job growth rate, 2024-34: 21.8%
- Total employment in 2024: 33,600
- Projected employment change, 2024-34: +7,300
- 2024 median annual income: $125,770
- Typical entry-level education: Bachelor's degree

Actuaries, who pass a series of exams to become certified professionals, "analyze the financial costs of risk and uncertainty," according to the BLS. Actuaries in the insurance industry usually focus on one specific field, such as health, life, or property insurance. An actuary's responsibilities typically include using mathematics and statistics, in combination with a financial mindset, to develop policies for businesses and clients.

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#4. Medical and health services managers

- Projected job growth rate, 2024-34: 23.2%
- Total employment in 2024: 616,200
- Projected employment change, 2024-34: +142,900
- 2024 median annual income: $117,960
- Typical entry-level education: Bachelor's degree

Also known as health care administrators or health care executives, these managers coordinate entire medical facilities, clinics, or groups of physicians. A bachelor's degree is a typical requirement for a medical and health services manager, though some employers prefer to hire candidates with master's or associate's degrees. Roughly 30% of medical and health services managers are employed by hospitals, followed by doctors' offices and nursing and residential care facilities.

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#3. Information security analysts

- Projected job growth rate, 2024-34: 28.5%
- Total employment in 2024: 182,800
- Projected employment change, 2024-34: +52,100
- 2024 median annual income: $124,910
- Typical entry-level education: Bachelor's degree

Most employers expect that information security analysts have a bachelor's degree in computer science. However, relevant work experience and professional certifications may substitute for educational requirements. The work of information security analysts has become increasingly important as companies and civilians worry about the power of cyberattacks and how information on systems is being shared unknowingly.

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#2. Data scientists

- Projected job growth rate, 2024-34: 33.5%
- Total employment in 2024: 245,900
- Projected employment change, 2024-34: +82,500
- 2024 median annual income: $112,590
- Typical entry-level education: Bachelor's degree

Data scientists take in and make sense of massive amounts of data generated by technological systems, health care equipment, or any number of other sources. They look for patterns and new ways to collect information. An advanced degree in programming or engineering is necessary for this intricate job.

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#1. Nurse practitioners

- Projected job growth rate, 2024-34: 40.1%
- Total employment in 2024: 320,400
- Projected employment change, 2024-34: +128,400
- 2024 median annual income: $129,210
- Typical entry-level education: Master's degree

Nurse practitioners complete much of the same training as nurse anesthetists and nurse midwives, but typically focus on primary care. They often ensure Americans can see a medical professional to keep on top of their health issues. Like other healthcare workers, nurse practitioners must have a variety of soft skills, such as communication and empathy, and hard skills like clinical and medical knowledge.

Additional writing by Jill Jaracz. Story editing by Cu Fleshman. Copy editing by Robert Wickwire.

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