Want a career path that promises financial prosperity, a sense of purpose and achievement, and continuous learning and development? If you want to pursue your passion as a career, then that is a different story. An individual who puts money first and passion second should explore industries projected to grow and create jobs that will remain relevant despite sudden economic and technological disruptions. So, let’s see the job opportunities available in the top 5 fastest growing industries in the US and the skills that will help you secure those opportunities.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) Industry
We have all witnessed the rapid adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) in various industries. AI has driven transformation across all sectors.
Size and Future Growth
In 2023, US AI was a 123.07 billion USD industry. This year, the industry is valued at USD 146.09 billion. The US artificial intelligence industry is projected to grow at a CAGR (Compound annual growth rate) of 19.3% and attain a value of around USD 851.46 billion by 2034.
Key Job Roles and Skills
Job Role | Skills | Average Salary (USD/Year) |
Data Scientist | Statistical Analysis and Mathematics Programming and Software Engineering Data Manipulation and Visualization Machine Learning & Artificial Intelligence (AI) Deep Learning Natural Language Processing (NLP) Big data Cloud computing Communications Business Acumen Problem-solving
| $124,719
|
AI Research Scientist | Mathematics and Statistics Programming Machine Learning Data Handling and Preprocessing Research and Problem-Solving Skills Knowledge of AI Subfields Familiarity with AI Tools and Frameworks Cloud Computing Ethics in AI Collaboration and Communication
| $130,117 |
Machine Learning Engineer | Programming Languages Mathematics and Statistics Data Preprocessing and Wrangling Machine Learning Algorithms Deep Learning Frameworks Model Evaluation and Optimization Big Data Technologies Database Skills Data Visualization Problem-solving and Critical Thinking Software Engineering and DevOps Communication and Collaboration
| $155,530 |
Deep Learning Engineer | Mathematics and Statistics Programming Skills Data Handling and Preprocessing Model Development Algorithms and Techniques Deep Learning Concepts Machine Learning and AI Fundamentals Cloud Computing and Hardware Version Control and Collaboration Problem Solving and Research Soft Skills
| $160,677 |
Robotics Scientist | Mechanical Engineering and Robotics Hardware Electronics and Embedded Systems Programming and Software Development Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning Control Systems and Robotics Algorithms Mathematics and Applied Physics Human-Robot Interaction (HRI) Simulation and Modeling Problem-Solving and Analytical Thinking Communication and Collaboration Ethics and Regulatory Knowledge
| $131,499 |
Healthcare Industry
According to the US Census Bureau projection, the US population will be 335,893,238 on Jan 1, 2024. The CDC reveals that about 6 in 10 US adults have at least one chronic disease.
Size and Future Growth
Healthcare is the largest sector in the US, valued at around $4.3 trillion as of 2022. By 2028, it will reach approximately $6.2 trillion, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of around 5.4%.
Key Job Roles and Skills
Job Role | Skills | Average Salary (USD/Year) |
Physicians and Surgeons | | $239,200 |
Dentists | | $200,870 |
Podiatrists | Surgical Skills Diagnostic Skills Prescribing Medications Communication Skills Empathy Anatomy and Physiology Biomechanics Pathology Leadership
| $162,520 |
Pharmacists | Clinical Knowledge Communication Skills Attention to Detail Problem-Solving Skills Patient Counseling Ethical Judgment Technology Proficiency Interpersonal Skills Time Management Regulatory Knowledge Continuing Education Cultural Competence
| $136,030 |
Medical Dosimetrists | | $131,850 |
IT and Cybersecurity Industry
The growth of the IT industry has significantly influenced the development of individuals, societies, and economies. The industry has enhanced access to information, improved communication and driven innovation. Cybersecurity, a specialization within this industry, aims to safeguard sensitive data, ensure data systems integrity and create secure online environments.
Size and Future Growth
The U.S. cyber security market values at USD 65.70 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 166.73 billion by 2032 at a compound annual growth rate of 12.3%. The IT services sector accounted for nearly $1.6 trillion in 2023 and is projected to reach around $1.9 trillion by 2025.
Key Job Roles and Skills
Job Role | Skills | Average Salary (USD/Year) |
Cybersecurity Analyst | Network security management Incident response and handling Cryptography Digital forensics Cloud security Security information and event management Programming and scripting Hacking Regulatory compliance knowledge Problem-solving Attention to Detail Communication Analytical thinking
| $110,021 |
Software Developer | Programming Languages Data Structures and Algorithms Software Development Life Cycle Version Control Systems Problem-Solving and Analytical Thinking Databases and SQL Frameworks and Libraries APIs and Web Services Testing and Debugging Communication Collaboration Time Management
| $134,809 |
Cloud Engineer | Cloud Platform Expertise Networking Concepts and Protocols Virtualization and Containerization Scripting and Automation Security Best Practices Infrastructure as Code (IaC) Cloud Storage and Databases Monitoring and Performance Optimization CI/CD Pipeline Management Problem-Solving and Troubleshooting API Management and Integration Cost Optimization Strategies Version Control DevOps Tools and Practices Disaster Recovery and Backup Planning
| $136,481 |
Network Administrator | Network Configuration Network Security Troubleshooting Monitoring and Performance Management Firewall Management VPN Configuration Server Management Cloud Computing Virtualization Routing and Switching Wireless Networking Backup and Recovery Scripting and Automation Documentation IP Address Management Understanding of Network Protocols Operating Systems Knowledge Network Hardware Knowledge VoIP and Unified Communications Disaster Recovery Planning
| $82,350 |
Penetration Tester | Network security knowledge Understanding of web application security Knowledge of operating systems Proficiency in programming languages Familiarity with hacking tools Vulnerability assessment and exploitation skills Social engineering techniques Knowledge of cryptography Report writing and documentation skills Familiarity with security frameworks Firewall and intrusion detection system (IDS) evasion Reverse engineering skills Knowledge of cloud security Knowledge of compliance and regulatory standards Continuous learning and adaptability.
| $132,569 |
Renewable Energy Industry
Thanks to the growth in the renewable energy industry, the US is now producing more renewable energy from solar, wind, hydropower, biomass, geothermal, ocean, and more.
Size and Future Growth
In 2022, the US renewable energy market was valued at USD 121.7 billion and is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 15.7% by 2030.
Key Job Roles and Skills
Job Role | Skills | Average Salary (USD/Year) |
Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Installer | | $48,800 |
Wind Turbine Technician | Electrical Knowledge Mechanical Skills Knowledge of Safety Protocols Risk Management Troubleshooting Analytical Thinking Physical Stamina and Dexterity Communication Skills Time Management Attention to Detail Computer Skills (specialized software)
| $61,770 |
Renewable Energy Engineer | | $89,710 |
Energy Analyst | Data Analysis Statistical Analysis Energy Modeling Energy Auditing Knowledge of Energy Systems Knowledge of Energy Efficiency Knowledge of Renewable Energy Knowledge of Energy Policy Problem-Solving Communication Skills Project Management
| $88,701 |
Environmental Scientist/Specialist | Knowledge of Environmental Science Regulatory Knowledge Analytical Skills Research Skills Software Skills Environmental Monitoring Equipment Communication Skills Project Management Environmental Awareness Adaptability and Innovation Physical Stamina Safety Awareness
| $78,980 |
Online Retail Industry
The post-pandemic shift has propelled the online retail industry to new heights. This shift in consumer behavior has created new opportunities in the industry.
Size and Future Growth
In 2023, e-commerce made up 22.0% of total retail sales in the US. The industry is valued around $1.119 trillion. It is projected to reach $1.9 trillion by 2029.
Key Job Roles and Skills
Job Role | Skills | Average Salary (USD/Year) |
E-commerce Manager | Digital Marketing SEO and SEM Expertise Data Analysis and Reporting Web Development and UX/UI Understanding Project Management Customer Relationship Management (CRM) Budget Management Product and Inventory Management E-commerce Platforms (Shopify, Magento, etc.) Sales and Conversion Optimization Communication and Leadership Social Media Strategy Mobile Commerce Knowledge Payment and Security Systems Familiarity Vendor and Supply Chain Management
| $104,998 |
Digital Marketing Specialist | | $78,245 |
Web Developer | HTML/CSS JavaScript Responsive Design Version Control/Git Front-End Frameworks (e.g., React, Angular, Vue.js) Back-End Technologies (e.g., Node.js, Django, Ruby on Rails) Database Management (SQL, NoSQL) RESTful APIs Testing/Debugging Cross-Browser Development Problem-Solving Skills Attention to Detail Understanding of Web Performance Optimization Knowledge of Web Security Best Practices Command Line Proficiency Continuous Learning and Adaptability
| $95,159 |
UX/UI Designer | User Research Wireframing Prototyping Visual Design Interaction Design Information Architecture Usability Testing User Journey Mapping Design Thinking Graphic Design Software (e.g., Adobe XD, Sketch, Figma) HTML/CSS Knowledge Responsive Design Principles Accessibility Standards Collaboration and Communication Skills Attention to Detail Problem-Solving Skills
| $107,372 |
Supply Chain Manager | Analytical Skills Strategic Planning Project Management Negotiation Skills Problem-Solving Skills Communication Skills Leadership Skills Data Analysis Supply Chain Optimization Inventory Management Risk Management Financial Acumen Customer Relationship Management Technical Proficiency (e.g., ERP systems) Process Improvement Team Collaboration Supplier Relationship Management
| $100,418 |
