What are the jobs of the future for 2030

The Future of Jobs

Each year, the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) publishes a list of jobs that it expects to see the greatest growth over the next ten years. They had published their data for 2021-2031, so it seems like a good time to think not just about the jobs but also about the majors that are likely to be popular. Also, the World Economic Forum’s “Future of Jobs Report 2025” offers a comprehensive analysis of the evolving global labor market, highlighting key trends, emerging roles, and the skills anticipated to be in demand by 2030.

What do both data sets tell us?

Using the Careers Classification Index we can look at which sectors are expected to see the greatest growth up until 2030.

The data shows us that healthcare careers figure most prominently in the list (10) followed by manufacturing and production (4), and careers linked to IT, which has three mentions. Careers linked to mathematics, engineering and personal support each have two careers in the table.

As per the Future of Jobs, there is set to be a significant transformation in employment, with an estimated 170 million new jobs created and 92 million roles displaced by 2030, resulting in a net gain of 78 million jobs. This shift is driven by factors such as technological advancements, the green transition, economic fluctuations, and demographic changes

When you look at the divide between what would be regarded as professional careers and non-professional careers, the picture is a little different. Healthcare remains top of the list for the number of professional careers with both manufacturing and production, and professional maths careers some way behind.

When looking at individual job titles, we see some new entrants into this year’s list, which includes data from the start of the COVID pandemic. We see occupations such as Respiratory Therapists and Epidemiologists entering the list, together with the more ominous crematory operators. A growing interest in renewable energy is also represented by technicians to service wind turbines and specialist installers of solar power cells, both figuring in the top three occupations for percentage growth up to 2030.

Which college majors will help me?

It is a feature of the higher education offer in the USA that at undergraduate level study is often not directly linked to a particular career path and so many of the careers identified in the BLS data don’t require students to complete a particular major. That said there are majors that can prepare you to either enter one of the professional careers on the list.

Health and Medical Majors

This has been one of the areas of study that has seen considerable growth in the last decade and is expected to continue to grow in the decade to come. Some of the most popular majors in this category would include Health Science and Medical Science. Careers in the BLS list that fall under this category would include Nursing, Physician Assistants and Epidemiologists.

Engineering

Engineering is a wide discipline; in fact there are around 40 different majors that fall under the umbrella of engineering. Which major a student chooses will depend on their interests but popular choices include Biomedical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering and Electrical Engineering.

Computer Science

Strictly speaking this should probably come under the general engineering heading but it is such an area of growth that I have chosen to give it it’s own section.

Computer Science has seen phenomenal growth, with the growth of computers, AI, and data processing into all sectors of employment demand, has grown for people with the skills to make the most of the opportunities they offer. A degree in computer science can lead you into a career in IT or, increasingly a career in another area altogether where your skills will be put to good use. Careers highlighted in the BLS data include information security analyst, data science and software designers.

Psychology and Counselling

Psychology has been one of the most popular majors for many years and often forms the foundation for students wanting to pursue careers in counselling. To work as a counsellor, most states will require practitioners to have continued their studies by completing a graduate course in the specific area of counselling they intend to work in. Genetic counselling and counselling people who have addictions both feature in the BLS list with growths of between 22% 26% over the next ten years.

Mathematics and Statistics

With occupations such as Statistician and Actuary featuring in the BLS data a major is mathematics or statistics could be a good option to consider if you have enjoyed higher level maths courses in school. These majors develop skills such as problem solving, analysis and abstract thinking which can also be applied in other careers on the BLS list such as Data Scientist and Information Security Analyst.

Evolving Skill Requirements

Employers anticipate that 39% of key skills required in the job market will change by 2030. Technological skills are expected to grow in importance more rapidly than any other category. The top skills projected to be in demand include:

AI and Big Data: Proficiency in artificial intelligence and data analysis.
Networks and Cybersecurity: Expertise in managing and securing digital networks.
Technological Literacy: General competence in understanding and utilizing technology.

In addition to technical skills, the following soft skills are also rising in importance:World Economic Forum

Creative Thinking: Ability to innovate and think outside the box.
Resilience, Flexibility, and Agility: Capacity to adapt to changing circumstances.
Curiosity and Lifelong Learning: Commitment to continuous personal and professional development.