In the ever-changing US job market, certain professions are gaining popularity due to factors like changing demographics, societal needs, and technological advancements.
How would you like to know these sought-after careers, including their salaries, job descriptions, workforce size, age range, gender breakdown, retirement trends, and reasons for their high demand? Let’s begin.
Software Developer (Bachelor’s degree)
- Average Annual Gross Salary: $109,020 / $52.41 per hour.
- Number of Professionals: Approximately 1,456,000 software developers in the US.
- Average Age: 38.
- Gender Breakdown: 75% males and 25% females.
- Average Retirement Age: 65 years old.
Software developers design, create, and test software programs for computers, mobile devices, and other technological devices.
Reasons for High Demand
The increasing need for technology and software in various industries, including healthcare, finance, and transportation, has led to a high demand for software developers. Employment of software developers is projected to grow by 25 percent by 2031.
Registered Nurse (Bachelor’s degree)
- Average Annual Gross Salary: $77,600 / $37.31 per hour.
- Number of Professionals: Approximately 3,130,600 registered nurses in the US.
- Average Age: 43.
- Gender Breakdown: 90% females and 10% males.
- Average Retirement Age: 62 years old.
Registered nurses provide patient care, administer medications, and assist with diagnostic tests and medical procedures in hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare facilities.
Reasons for High Demand
The aging population and an increase in chronic diseases have created a higher demand for healthcare services, including registered nurses. Additionally, the COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the need for healthcare workers and increased the demand for nurses. Employment of registered nurses is projected to grow 6 percent from 2031.
Data Scientist (Bachelor’s degree)
- Average Annual Gross Salary: $100,910 / $48.52 per hour.
- Number of Professionals: Approximately 113,300 data scientists in the US.
- Average Age: 37.
- Gender Breakdown: 67% males and 33% females.
- Average Retirement Age: 65 years old.
Data scientists collect and analyze large sets of data to identify patterns and trends that can inform business decisions.
Reasons for High Demand
The increasing amount of data being collected by businesses and organizations has created a need for professionals who can analyze and interpret that data. Data scientists are in high demand in a variety of industries, including healthcare, finance, and technology. Employment of data scientists is projected to grow 36 percent by 2031.
Occupational Therapist (Master’s degree)
- Average Annual Gross Salary: $85,570 / $41.14 per hour.
- Number of Professionals: Approximately 133,900 occupational therapists in the US.
- Average Age: 43.
- Gender Breakdown: 87% females and 13% males.
- Average Retirement Age: 62 years old.
Occupational therapists help people recover from injuries or illnesses and develop skills needed for daily living and working.
Reasons for High Demand
The aging population and an increase in chronic conditions such as arthritis and diabetes have created a higher demand for occupational therapy services. Additionally, advancements in medical technology have made it possible for people with disabilities and injuries to live longer, leading to a greater need for occupational therapy. The employment of occupational therapists is projected to grow by 14 percent by 2031.
Physician Assistant (Master’s degree)
- Average Annual Gross Salary: $121,530 / $58.43 per hour.
- Number of Professionals: Approximately 139,100 physician assistants in the US.
- Average Age: 39.
- Gender Breakdown: 66% females and 34% males.
- Average Retirement Age: 62 years old.
Physician assistants work in healthcare settings, performing medical examinations, diagnosing illnesses, and providing treatment under the supervision of a licensed physician.
Reasons for High Demand
The growing demand for healthcare services, particularly primary care, has led to a higher demand for physician assistants. Additionally, physician assistants can perform many of the same duties as physicians, making them an important resource for patients in underserved areas. The employment of physician assistants is projected to grow 28 percent by 2031.
Dental Hygienist (Associate’s degree)
- Average Annual Gross Salary: $77,810 / $37.41 per hour.
- Number of Professionals: Approximately 214,000 dental hygienists in the US.
- Average Age: 40.
- Gender Breakdown: 95% females and 5% males.
- Average Retirement Age: 62 years old.
Dental hygienists work in dental offices, cleaning teeth, taking X-rays, and providing preventive dental care to patients.
Reasons for High Demand
The growing emphasis on preventive dental care has led to a higher demand for dental hygienists. Additionally, advancements in dental technology and techniques have made it possible for dental hygienists to perform more complex procedures, making them an even more valuable asset to dental practices. Employment of dental hygienists is projected to grow 9 percent by 2031.
Physical Therapist (Doctoral or professional degree)
- Average Annual Gross Salary: $95,620 / $45.97 per hour.
- Number of Professionals: Approximately 238,800 physical therapists in the US.
- Average Age: 42.
- Gender Breakdown: 61% females and 39% males.
- Average Retirement Age: 62 years old.
Physical therapists help patients recover from injuries and illnesses by providing physical therapy treatments and exercises.
Reasons for High Demand
The aging population and an increase in chronic conditions such as arthritis and diabetes have created a higher demand for physical therapy services. Additionally, advancements in medical technology and techniques have made it possible for physical therapists to provide more effective treatments to patients. Employment of physical therapists is projected to grow 17 percent by 2031.
FAQs
Are these professions the only ones in high demand in the US?
No, there are many other professions in high demand, depending on location, industry, and other factors.
What is the average retirement age for these professions?
The average retirement age varies by profession, but it ranges from 62 to 65 years old.
Are these professions affected by geographic location?
Yes, the demand for these professions may vary by geographic location. Factors such as population demographics, economic growth, and industry presence can influence the demand for these professions in different regions.
Conclusion
The job market in the US is constantly changing, and certain professions are in higher demand than others.
These professions offer relatively high salaries, and job security, and play crucial roles in various industries.
Factors such as technological advancements, changing demographics, and increased demand for healthcare and infrastructure services contribute to their high demand.