These are the jobs that will be in demand in 2030

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There are many careers and industries expected to be in high demand by 2030, due to a multitude of factors. The tech industry is one of the most notable high-demand industries expected to grow as the years pass. The U.S. makes up 33% of the world’s tech market, making it the technological leader of the world, and one of the U.S. industries that is expected to continue to grow due to the increased demand for technological advancements and innovations.

As the U.S. population continues to grow, so does the demand in healthcare, food service, arts and entertainment, and other industries. The growth in population and demand in various industries also comes with increased waste, pollution, and use of resources, with factories causing as much as two-thirds of the global gas emissions contributing to climate change. Because of these harmful environmental effects, there is also an increased need for careers in environmental protection, some of which have not even been created yet.

Tech industry jobs are expected to grow and stay in high demand

The tech industry is one of the fastest-growing industries in the world and in the United States. As more and more of society’s functions are moved into online spaces, jobs in tech have to expand to keep up with demand. Many jobs fall under the umbrella of the tech industry, including computer programmers, information security analysts, computer support specialists, software developers, network and computer systems administrators, and more. Even within the tech industry, advances in technology mean that some jobs become obsolete and new jobs become necessary, allowing for a fast turnover and a vibrant, dynamic industry.

 

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), jobs in information technology are projected to grow by approximately 13% in the 2020-2030 decade. This is far above the national average of roughly 8%. The primary areas of greater demand will be in cloud storage, data management, and information security, the BLS predicts. As a result, some of the fastest-growing tech jobs include information security analysts (33% growth) and computer and information research scientists (22% growth). Jobs in the tech industry tend to have much higher wages than the national median: as of the most recent BLS report, the median annual wage for information technology and computing jobs was $97,430, more than double the national median wage of $45,760.

Education requirements for tech jobs vary, but the industry is unusual in that it offers a relatively high number of well-paid jobs for applicants whose highest level of education is a bachelor’s degree. Some tech industry jobs, like computer support specialists, may even accept self-taught applicants who do not have a college degree. New post-secondary programs in information technology are being developed all of the time as a way to educate sufficient candidates for all of the new jobs in the tech industry.

Food service careers in restaurants and fast food expected to see fast growth

The population of the United States is growing, and so is the demand for food service. Restaurants, fast food establishments, cafes, takeout options, catering, bars, and other related services are all expected to see significant growth in the coming years. This is likely due in part to food service establishments reopening after COVID-19 caused a high number of closures and layoffs in the industry. A busy workforce with a high need for the convenience that food delivery can provide is also contributing to the rapid increase in food service professions.

 

According to the BLS, jobs in the food service industry are expected to grow by 17% by 2030. Some of the fastest-growing jobs in the industry include bartenders, with 32% projected growth; cooks, at 26% growth; and servers, with 20% projected growth over the same time period. Across the industry, around 740,000 jobs will likely be created by 2030. Although growth in the food service industry will be rapid, the wages for food service workers are lower than average. The 2021 median wage for food service workers was just $25,980. Pay does not vary much based on occupation in this industry, with bartenders making a median salary of $26,350 and cooks making $29,120. Management positions in food service typically provide slightly higher wages.

Typically, jobs in the food service industry do not require any post-secondary education. Training is provided on the job. Some people who work as cooks attend culinary school, but not all. Because food service jobs are often part-time and because they do not require much prior experience or training, they are often popular among young people who are in high school or college. More people aged 16 to 19 work in food service than in any other occupation, according to research by the BLS. Jobs in food service are often fast paced, requiring physical strength and stamina. Workers may have shifts on weekends, holidays, evenings, and early mornings to keep up with demand.

Jobs in the healthcare industry will continue to be in-demand as the population grows and ages

The healthcare industry is a broad category that includes a wide array of different occupations. Many of these occupations are set to grow in the coming years as a result of a variety of factors. First, the United States has an aging population, so more and more people will need healthcare and medical support as they age. Second, a recent report from the International Centre on Nurse Migration suggested that a high number of nurses will likely retire by 2030, leaving an employment vacuum with many open positions that will need to be filled. Finally, the COVID-19 pandemic has left a large portion of the U.S. population with increased healthcare needs – up to 23 million people, according to the U.S. Government Accountability Office.

 

Job growth in the healthcare industry as a whole is currently projected at 16% by 2030, the BLS reports. There will be more new jobs in healthcare in the coming years than in any other occupational field: around 2.6 million. Some jobs are set to grow much more than others, like nurse practitioners (45%), occupational therapy assistants (34%), home health and personal care aides (33%), and phlebotomists (22%). Wages in healthcare vary wildly based on the job in question, with dentists making a median annual salary of $163,220, and home health and personal care aides making $29,430.

Educational requirements for healthcare positions are also highly variable. Becoming a physician means attending medical school and getting a doctoral or professional degree. Occupational therapists, nurse practitioners, speech-language pathologists, and genetic counselors all need at least a master’s degree. Registered nurses, dietitians, and athletic trainers need a bachelor’s degree, while MRI technologists and dental hygienists need an associate’s degree. Many of these roles also require the passing of certification exams, such as the NCLEX-RN or NCLEX-PN for nursing jobs. Few jobs in the healthcare field are accessible to those with a high school diploma, but some options include pharmacy technicians, opticians, and home health and personal care aides.

A projected growth in arts and entertainment careers indicates a demand for joy and new knowledge

Another area expected to experience significant growth in the coming years is arts and entertainment. Like healthcare, this is a broad category that includes many different occupations. Some of these areas may be experiencing growth because of an increased investment in joy, escapism, and new learning opportunities. As with the food service industry, many areas of the entertainment industry experienced shutdowns in recent years, so some of the new growth is expected to make up for that deficit. Film and television, music and dance, fine arts, and other forms of entertainment are all included in this category.

 

The BLS does not report on entertainment specifically as its own discipline, but instead separates different elements of the arts, each of which experiences different growth. Jobs likely to see noteworthy growth by 2030 include special effects artists and animators, who will see 16% growth; producers and directors, at 24%; film and video editors and camera operators, at 29% growth; and actors, at 32% growth. Pay for these jobs can vary substantially, especially because performers might not have work on a full-time basis and might instead work contracts for particular shows. Producers and directors earn a median salary of $79,000 and video editors and camera operators earn $60,360. Special effects artists are in the same range, at $78,790. The BLS does not report an annual salary for actors, but it does report a median hourly wage of $23.48.

The required training for jobs in the arts can vary. Many camera operators and video editors are self-taught or trained on the job and may be able to find work with a high school diploma. Animators usually need a bachelor’s degree, as do producers and directors. Performers of all stripes may have formal training or may not, depending on the specific nature of their work. Relatively few jobs in entertainment require more than a bachelor’s degree, but some do require workers to work their way up through, for instance, a film crew in order to gain specific expertise.

There will be a continued need for teachers and other educators

Education is an employment area that is guaranteed to have continued need for new workers. The population of the United States is growing, meaning that there is an increased need for teachers to work with students of all ages. Teacher shortages are fairly common, particularly in areas where education is under-funded. As a result, there are always new teaching jobs opening up across the country. Around 920,500 new jobs in education are expected to be created by 2030. The BLS groups teachers with related education-based occupations like museum curators and library workers.

 

Growth in education is typically faster than average: 10% growth by 2030. However, the field is not experiencing the astronomical growth that some other occupations have seen. Specific occupations in the field of education that are seeing more rapid growth include archivists, curators, and museum workers (19%); postsecondary teachers (12%), and instructional coordinators (10%). Wages for educators are, on average higher than the national median. In 2021, the median wage for these workers was $57,220. However, some education-based jobs pay better than others. Postsecondary teachers make a median salary of $79,640 and instructional coordinators make $63,740. Preschool teachers, on the other hand, make a median salary of $30,210, and teaching assistants make $29,360.

Most education jobs require at least a bachelor’s degree, including elementary, middle school, and high school teachers. Instructional coordinators need a master’s degree, and postsecondary teachers may need a master’s or a doctoral or professional degree, depending on the position. Archivists and museum curators also usually require a master’s degree. In addition to the education requirements for teaching positions, teachers must also be certified, usually according to state regulations. The certification process involves passing standardized exams such as the Praxis test and completing teacher training requirements.

Jobs in travel and transportation are expected to be of higher need

As COVID-19 restrictions lift, travel is becoming possible again for many people. This is one reason why travel and transportation jobs are likely to grow in the coming years to meet demand. An increasingly globalized world also means that more people need to travel for work or to visit friends and family in other countries. Jobs in travel and transportation can take several forms, from people who drive or pilot passenger vehicles to those who provide customer service and hospitality to travelers. While some travel-based jobs are becoming outdated, like travel agents, many others are becoming increasingly popular and necessary.

 

According to the BLS, drivers of passenger vehicles will see 215,300 jobs open up by 2030, corresponding to 25% growth. Airline and commercial pilots are likely to experience a similar rapid growth to their job field, estimated at 13% by 2030. Another travel-based occupation that is set to expand much faster than average is flight attendants, at 30% growth. Other travel-based careers, like lodging managers, will likely see around average growth over the same time period (9%). Pay for these occupations is lower than the national median for drivers of passenger vehicles ($37,540), but higher than the national median for other jobs. Flight attendants and lodging managers make approximately $60,000 per year. Pilots are outliers, making around $134,630 per year.

Travel is a job field that typically does not require much formal education. Passenger vehicle drivers, flight attendants, and lodging managers can all gain employment with a high school diploma. All of these occupations provide on-the-job training, though drivers may require specific licensing depending on their vehicle. Pilots require much more substantial training, including flight training and, in most cases, a bachelor’s degree. To become an airline pilot, individuals typically need previous experience as commercial or military pilots before they can make the switch to flying passenger planes.

Business’ environmental impacts on the world have resulted in a higher demand for environmental careers

Climate change is a major crisis currently facing humanity. The environmental impact of industrialization threatens wildlife habitats and the balance of the world’s ecosystems. Human, animal, and plant lives are all being impacted by climate change. Because of the severity of climate change and the need for urgent action, environmental careers of all kinds are likely to grow in the coming decades. According to the BLS, environmental jobs are not currently expected to grow drastically, but they are nonetheless extremely important and new environmental jobs are likely to develop as people come to learn more about the impacts of climate change.

 

Some examples of environmental careers include environmental scientists and specialists, conservation scientists, and foresters, all of which are set to experience approximately average job growth in the 2020-2030 decade. Environmental science and protection technicians will see 11% growth, which is faster than average. Some environmental careers are currently expected to grow more slowly than average, like zoologists and wildlife biologists (5%). However, new opportunities may soon arise. Environmental science and protection technicians made a median salary of $47,370 in 2021, while zoologists and wildlife biologists made $64,650. Conservation scientists and foresters typically made $63,750, while environmental scientists and specialists made $76,530.

Environmental jobs tend to require post-secondary education in the natural sciences. Most of these jobs require at least a bachelor’s degree, though environmental science and protection technicians typically require an associate’s degree. Jobs in environmental conservation often require field work, sometimes working in delicate ecological areas or places that have experienced the consequences of natural disasters or pollution. Many environmental workers work for non-profit conservation agencies, though any company might hire a conservation officer to ensure compliance with environmental efforts.

 

This article originally appeared on Study.com and was syndicated by MediaFeed.org.

 

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15 weird jobs that can pay big money

 

You do what for a living?

There are many more occupations that are held by the roughly 128 million full-time workers in the U.S. than the typical jobs that first come to our minds. If you’ve ever watched the show Dirty Jobs with Mike Rowe, there’s a good chance it opened your eyes to the existence of a countless number of professions that fall way outside your typical nine-to-five.

As weird and unconventional as many of these jobs may be, it doesn’t mean they’re not good, respectable jobs. Many of these jobs come with salaries you wouldn’t be ashamed to discuss. They’re just…different. And, like any job, they each come with their own set of rewards and challenges.

But if you’re looking for a job that’s a little different — but also pays surprisingly well — then look no further.

 

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What’s considered to be a good salary in the U.S. depends heavily on where in the U.S. you’re located. But in an attempt to define “a job that pays surprisingly well,” we considered salaries that would land the worker in what Pew Research Center defines as “middle class.” According to their analysis of government data, that means those whose income is two-thirds to double the national median, which was $57,617 as of 2016. This puts a three-person household earning roughly $45,000 to $135,000 in the “middle class.” So you’ll see all our chosen jobs fall within this range.

For each job, we sourced income information from a combination of reputable salary websites. We looked at the pay ranges for each job and created an average salary range to give you a better idea of the potential compensation for each career.

Finally, when it comes to how we define “weird,” we either chose jobs you might not know to exist or that would be considered strange for a child to express interest in doing when they grow up. Let me clarify by saying there is nothing against any of these jobs. They just likely wouldn’t be the first job that comes to mind when choosing a profession.

With that in mind, here are 15 weird jobs that pay weirdly well, too.

 

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These inspectors make sure your elevator delivers you seamlessly, but their job also goes beyond elevators. These inspectors examine and maintain all lifting and conveying devices — such as elevators, escalators, moving sidewalks, ski lifts, and even amusement park rides — to ensure they meet safety and compliance codes. The next time you reach your floor without plummeting to the ground, you know who to thank.

Education: To elevate your chances of landing one of these jobs, you’ll typically need at least a high school diploma with considerable related-work experience, as inspectors typically learn on the job.

Average salary range: $44,000-$81,000

 

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Nuclear power plants generate roughly 20% of U.S. electricity, and it takes a highly-trained licensed professional to ensure these plants never come anywhere close to having a meltdown.

Other than working in an overly-secure environment that’s sensitive to attack, nuclear power reactor operators are responsible for operating and controlling nuclear reactors. A normal day consists of adjusting control rods, monitoring reactors, and responding to abnormalities. No sweat, right?

Education: Nuclear power reactor operators typically need at least a high school diploma, but there’s extensive on-the-job training needed to prepare for the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) license exam. You’ll have to pass a yearly exam to keep your license as well.

Average salary range: $60,000-$120,000

 

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If your passion for wine extends beyond drinking it, a job as a sommelier might be of interest. A sommelier, or wine steward, manages everything from identifying and purchasing an organization’s wine collection to its proper storage and promotion. You’ll likely work with kitchen staff to develop food and wine pairings, as well.

Sommeliers commonly work with upscale restaurants, hotels, and other locations where expensive wines are sold. They’re expected to demonstrate a thorough knowledge of wines, vineyards, geographic regions, and, of course, the grapes themselves.

Education: Requirements can vary, but some employers look for years of experience in addition culinary school training with an emphasis in fermented grape drink (wine).

Average salary range: $40,000-$71,000

 

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They may get their start in your grandma’s retirement-home bingo hall, but you’ll typically find these professionals managing the bingo departments of casinos, and it can be big business. A bingo manager oversees and directs the daily activities of the department, approving jackpots and payouts, and ensuring compliance with federal and state gaming regulations.

Education: Specific requirements will differ depending on the employer, but you’ll typically need 3-5 years of experience to land a gig as a bingo manager. Unfortunately, your grandmother’s referral won’t hold much weight.

Average salary range: $45,000-$100,000

 

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You can’t just slap a hot-dog stand anywhere on the side of the road and expect to make a killing, but in the right location, a full-time gig selling hot-dogs can turn a decent profit. It’s not unheard of for vendors in prime New York City spots to pay over $300,000 in annual rent to the city — so what must they be bringing in if they can afford this type of fee?

According to the New York Post, one hot dog vendor raked in up to $400 each day when business was peaking and only paid $60 a year for a vendor’s license.

Education: While no specific education requirements are necessary, you are running a business, so brushing up on key business skills couldn’t hurt.

Estimated salary range: $100,000-$300,000+?

 

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I’ve had some terrible ice cream, so either not all ice cream is taste-tested or these companies need a new set of mouths working for them. Regardless, it’s a real gig that pays real money, but do you want to chance ruining your love of ice cream with too much of it? Yes, yes we do.

An ice cream taster, also known as a taste tester or food scientist, checks to make sure each type of ice cream is up to snuff, containing the right ingredients, textures, and flavors so consumers won’t be disappointed. Depending on the role and the company, tasters may even be involved with inventing new ice cream flavors.

Education: Many companies look for candidates to have a degree in dairy science or food science, as well as a keen sensitivity to tastes and an insensitivity to brain freeze.

Average salary range: $35,000-$97,000

 

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Have a nice pair of hands? According to Forbes, a top “parts model” can make around $75,000 a year. Depending on their look — delicate or “practical” — hand models will usually either book fashion and beauty shoots or commercial work for food and cleaning products. You may even find yourself doubling for celebrities who have a less-than-appealing set of their own.

Education: The parts market isn’t vast, so competition is tough. You’ll also need to be able to take direction from heads of photography and deal with inevitable hand cramping.

Average salary range: $1,000-$10,000 for a day’s work, up to $75,000 per year

 

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Counseling for hereditary disorders might not seem like the most uplifting profession, but you will be in a position to help others as they cope with the unfortunate genetic hand they’re dealt with. A genetic counselor assesses the risk for a variety of inherited conditions, sharing this information with families and other healthcare professionals to support informed decision making. He/she counsels patients on unfavorable test results and coping methods for those at risk, as well as couples with hereditary conditions who are trying to conceive.

Education: A master’s degree in genetic counseling is typically required, and you can expect to have to come to work in a casual top and nice pair of genes.

Average salary range: $52,000-$87,000

 

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The thought of a repo man flying away in your airplane is pretty comical, but it doesn’t make it any less real of a job. If you buy a plane and can’t afford it, you can be sure the bank is going to come knocking. This gig is serious enough for the Discovery Channel to produce a show about it, and we all know everything we see on TV is real.

Education: While getting into this line of work can be pretty lucrative, it does have its limitations. For one, you have to be able to fly a plane, and you’ll need a pilot’s license to do that.

Estimated average salary range: 6%-10% commission on each plane’s resale price ($10,000-$900,000 per plane)

 

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A commercial diver earns their pay working underwater. Duties can vary greatly, but include checking for pipe leaks; inspecting and cleaning pipe valves; inspecting bridges, ships, docks, and sewers; and even salvaging wrecked ships. Anyone up for some 18th-century shipwreck treasure hunting?

Education: To become a commercial diver, you’ll need a high school diploma, scuba certification, and you’ll have to complete a commercial diving training program.

Average salary range: $35,000-$96,000

 

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Friends play an important role in weddings, but let’s face it, not all our friends are the best at tackling problems, nor do they always give the best advice. Professional bridesmaids step in to help brides through their big day. As a pro, aside from showing up at the wedding, you’ll likely be expected to walk down the aisle and maybe even give a toast in the couple’s honor.

If you’ve got a knack for problem-solving, a love for wedding celebrations, and a calming presence that can prevent even a nuclear reactor from melting down, a job as a professional bridesmaid might be a good fit.

Education: There might not be specific education requirements, but general business and strong customer service skills will help you excel in this role.

Average salary range: $18,000-$95,000

 

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Crime scenes may be cordoned off during an investigation, but once the evidence is collected, someone has to clean up what’s left behind. These professionals may go by different names, but crime scene cleaners are responsible for the removal of biohazardous waste, body fluids, blood, human waste, and other unpleasantries.

While you may not need an individual license, these technicians are usually a part of a company that does need various licenses according to the regulations set forth by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).

Education: These technicians typically need at least a high school diploma and can usually land a job without prior experience.

Average salary range: $27,000-$61,500

 

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Ever wonder why that cheeseburger looks so good in the commercial but is haphazardly constructed in a clear attempt to ruin your day when you pull it out of the bag to eat it? You can thank the food stylist for that. These professionals are responsible for making foods look as appetizing as possible, usually for photoshoots, films, television commercials, and upscale restaurants.

Education: Food stylists tend to get work by providing a portfolio, so experience is the best way to land these gigs, though some employers may want to see a background in design or the completion of culinary school. Instagram photos of your food may or may not count as a portfolio.

Average salary range: $24,000-$91,000

 

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You might be able to make more as an unethical hacker, but I don’t need to explain why that’s a bad idea. Alternatively, the government, technology, cybersecurity industries are full of high-paying jobs for ethical hackers. With titles ranging from security analyst to penetration tester, these professionals make a living intentionally hacking computers and systems to uncover vulnerabilities — before the criminals do.

Education: Most employers require at least a bachelor’s degree in information technology or a cybersecurity-related field, as well as relevant certifications.

Average salary range: $47,000-$130,000

 

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Considering the price for a new box of golf balls and how many brand-new golf balls I’ve personally hit into the water, retrieving and reselling this white gold can be a pretty lucrative job. As the name suggests, golf ball divers take to the many ponds across golf courses to salvage, clean, and recycle golf balls, as the name suggests.

Education: You’ll be spending most of your time in murky water, possibly surrounded by snakes and alligators, so you’ll likely need to be scuba certified.

Estimated average salary range: $200/day-$150,000 per year

 

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We’ve taken a lighthearted approach to these jobs, but in all seriousness, these can be good, well-paying jobs. Just because they may seem unconventional doesn’t mean they aren’t legitimate. Any job is what you make of it.

If you’re looking for more interesting work — or more interesting pay — think outside the box when it comes to your career. The unexpected might be what you were looking for all along. There are more ways to make big money than just sticking to what’s conventional.

 

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This article originally appeared on FinanceBuzz.com and was syndicated by MediaFeed.org.

 

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Featured Image Credit: Nattakorn Maneerat / istockphoto.

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