The labor force is expected to increase by 10.5 million people between 2016 and 2026, and the work force is expected to swell to 169.7 million, according to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
But some occupations are expected to grow much more than others, according to the bureau, which has released a list of what it predicts will be the fastest-growing occupations leading into 2026.
As baby boomers continue to age, for example, the workforce is expected to see job growth in primarily in health care and other service-provider industries, according to the bureau.
Changes in energy production are also expected to impact the rate of job growth. The need for solar photovoltaic installers is expected to increase by 105 percent as the expansion of alternative energy technology expands. Similarly, the need for wind turbine technicians is projected to increase 96 percent by 2026 due to rapid expansion in electricity generation.
Service-providing jobs are predicted to account for more than 81 percent of all wage and salaried positions in the economy by 2026. The service sector is also projected to experience the most job growth over the next eight years.
The average growth rate in number of jobs for all occupations is 7 percent, says the BLS.
Here is a list of the fastest growing occupations, in ascending order, based on projected growth in jobs from 2016 to 2026:
10. Mathematicians
Median annual pay: $105,810
Job growth, 2016-2026: 29 percent
Mathematicians use mathematical and statistical information to create solutions in health care, business, engineering and other industries, says the BLS. Typically, these professionals work for private research companies or in the federal government. They often work on teams, which include engineers or scientists. As the volume of digital data continues to increase, the demand for these professionals is expected to grow.
9. Software Developers
Median annual pay: $100,080
Job growth, 2016-2026: 30 percent
Software developers create and develop systems that run networks and applications. Software developers frequently find work in computer systems design, manufacturing or for software publishers. As the demand for computer software continues to increase, the employment of developers is expected to grow 24 percent by 2026.
8. Physical Therapist Assistants And Aides
Median annual pay: $56,610
Job growth, 2016-2026: 31 percent
Physical therapist assistants, or PTAs, work under the direction of physical therapists and help patients to recover from injury, minimize pain or regain mobility. PTAs typically work in physical therapists’ offices or in hospitals, spending long periods of time on their feet moving equipment to assist patients. Jobs are expected to increase by 30 percent to accommodate the growing elderly population and those effected by chronic health issues including diabetes and obesity.
7. Statisticians
Median annual pay:$80,500
Job growth, 2016-2026: 33 percent
Statisticians analyze data and use statistical data to solve issues in a variety of industries. They usually work in private research and engineering companies. Statisticians differ from mathematicians because they also provide focus on the interpretation of numerical and data collection. As the volume of digital and electronic data continues to rise, employment of these professionals is expected to increase by 33 percent.
6. Nurse Practitioners
Median annual pay: $100,910
Job growth, 2016-2026: 36 percent
Nurse practitioners coordinate patient care and may also provide other specialty health-care services. There is a broad range of environments where they are employed, including hospitals, clinics, and doctors' offices. Because of the emphasis on preventative care and a larger aging population, job growth in this area is expected to increase substantially.
5. Physicians Assistants
Median annual pay: $101,480
Job growth, 2016-2026: 37 percent
Physician’s assistants (PAs) usually work in groups alongside physicians, surgeons and other health-care professionals to examine and diagnose patients. PAs work in offices, outpatient clinics and most other health-care facilities. To accommodate the growth in health-care services, a 37 percent increase in job growth is expected for physician’s assistants by 2026.
4. Personal Care Aides
Median annual pay: $21,920
Job growth, 2016-2026: 37 percent
Personal care aids assist the disabled, injured, terminally ill and cognitively impaired with daily living activities. In some states, personal care aids can administer medication and check vitals under the direction of a licensed physician. Workers are often employed in the homes of their clients, day programs and in group homes. An increase in the elderly population is expected to result in a 40 percent increase in jobs for personal care aids.
3. Home Health Aides
Median annual pay: $22,600
Job growth, 2016-2026: 47 percent
Home health aides assist the elderly, chronically ill and cognitively delayed in day-to-day activities. Like personal care aides, workers are generally employed in clients' homes, group homes and day services programs. However, home health aides often require specialized training not required for personal care aids. A 40 percent increase in jobs is expected by 2026 in response to the growing number of baby boomers who will need to be cared for.
2. Wind Turbine Service Technicians
Median annual pay: $52,260
Job growth, 2016-2026: 96 percent
Wind turbine service technicians repair, maintain and install wind turbines. Workers often work in confined spaces and at great heights and could be expected to respond to emergency repairs. Wind electricity generation is expected to grow rapidly by 2026, causing a projected 96 percent in job growth.
1. Solar photovoltaic installers
Median annual pay: $39,240
Job growth, 2016-2026: 105 percent
Solar photovoltaic installers perform panel installations both inside and outdoors. Some installers work in attics and crawl spaces to connect panels to electricity. Travel to installation sites is required for most workers. A 105 percent increase in growth is expected as the adoption of the use of solar energy continues to expand.