In a rapidly evolving job market, understanding which careers will thrive in the coming decade is crucial for students, job seekers, and professionals considering a career change.
Technological advancements, demographic shifts, climate concerns, and changing consumer behaviors are reshaping industries and creating new opportunities.
This comprehensive guide explores the jobs expected to see substantial growth and demand through 2035, helping you make informed decisions about your career path.
Why Job Market Forecasting Matters
Before diving into specific careers, it’s worth understanding why looking ahead matters. The job landscape is transforming faster than ever before due to:
- Accelerating technological innovation
- Aging populations in developed economies
- Climate change and sustainability imperatives
- Shifting global economic powers
- Post-pandemic workplace transformations
Making informed career choices today requires understanding these trends and how they’ll impact employment opportunities tomorrow. A recent World Economic Forum report highlights how automation, AI, and green transition will shape job demand by 2035.
Technology and AI-Related Careers
1. Artificial Intelligence Specialists
AI is no longer just a buzzword—it’s reshaping industries across the board. If you’re wondering how automation and machine learning could impact your field, here’s what you need to know about AI’s role in the future job market.
Specialists who can develop, implement, and maintain AI systems will be in extraordinary demand.
Key roles include:
- Machine Learning Engineers
- AI Ethics Specialists
- Natural Language Processing (NLP) Experts
- Computer Vision Engineers
- AI Systems Architects
The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects computer and information research scientist positions, which include many AI specialists, to grow 23% through 2032—a trend expected to continue beyond that timeframe.
2. Data Scientists and Analysts
As organizations continue to amass vast amounts of data, professionals who can transform this information into actionable insights will remain highly sought after.
Data-related roles expected to see significant growth include:
- Data Scientists
- Business Intelligence Analysts
- Data Engineers
- Predictive Analytics Specialists
- Data Governance Specialists
With companies investing heavily in data-driven decision making, these roles will see continued expansion across virtually every industry.
3. Cybersecurity Experts
As our digital dependence grows, so does the sophistication of cyber threats. Cybersecurity professionals will be critical across sectors, from healthcare to finance to government.
High-demand cybersecurity positions include:
- Security Architects
- Ethical Hackers and Penetration Testers
- Digital Forensics Specialists
- Cloud Security Engineers
- Security Operations Center (SOC) Analysts
The cybersecurity job market is experiencing a significant talent shortage, with millions of unfilled positions globally—a gap projected to widen over the next decade.
4. Quantum Computing Specialists
While still emerging, quantum computing promises to revolutionize fields from drug discovery to financial modeling. Specialists who understand quantum principles and can apply them to business problems will be highly valued.
Key roles in this space include:
- Quantum Algorithm Developers
- Quantum Hardware Engineers
- Quantum Information Scientists
- Quantum Software Developers
- Quantum Applications Researchers
Though currently a niche field, quantum computing is expected to become increasingly mainstream by 2035, creating substantial demand for qualified specialists.
Healthcare and Wellness Careers
5. Healthcare Professionals
An aging population, combined with advances in medical technology, ensures healthcare will remain a growth sector for employment.
High-demand healthcare roles include:
- Nurse Practitioners
- Physician Assistants
- Genetic Counselors
- Physical and Occupational Therapists
- Home Health Aides and Personal Care Assistants
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, healthcare occupations are projected to add more jobs than any other occupational group in the coming years.
6. Mental Health Professionals
Growing awareness of mental health issues and reduced stigma have created unprecedented demand for mental health services.
Roles experiencing particular growth include:
- Clinical Psychologists
- Psychiatric Nurse Practitioners
- Mental Health Counselors
- Substance Abuse Counselors
- Behavioral Health Technicians
The pandemic accelerated mental health awareness, and this sector is projected to see continued expansion well into the next decade. Those interested in helping others while making a sustainable income might also consider gig economy jobs that provide extra flexibility.
7. Telehealth Specialists
The rapid adoption of telehealth during the pandemic has created a new healthcare delivery model that’s here to stay.
Emerging roles in this space include:
- Telehealth Coordinators
- Virtual Care Integrators
- Remote Patient Monitoring Specialists
- Digital Health Product Managers
- Telehealth Compliance Experts
As healthcare systems continue to embrace digital transformation, telehealth specialties will become increasingly important and well-compensated.
Green Economy and Sustainability Jobs
8. Renewable Energy Engineers and Technicians
The transition to clean energy sources will accelerate in the coming decade, creating substantial demand for specialists in solar, wind, hydro, and other renewable technologies.
Key roles include:
- Solar Installation Specialists
- Wind Turbine Technicians
- Energy Storage Engineers
- Renewable Energy Systems Designers
- Smart Grid Specialists
The International Renewable Energy Agency estimates that renewable energy employment could reach 42 million jobs globally by 2050, with significant growth occurring in the next decade.
9. Sustainability Managers and ESG Specialists
As companies face increasing pressure to reduce their environmental impact and demonstrate social responsibility, professionals who can guide these efforts will be in high demand.
Emerging roles include:
- Corporate Sustainability Directors
- ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) Analysts
- Carbon Footprint Assessors
- Sustainable Supply Chain Managers
- Climate Risk Analysts
These positions are becoming increasingly central to corporate strategy rather than peripheral considerations.
10. Environmental Scientists and Conservation Specialists
Climate change is creating urgent demand for professionals who can help communities adapt and develop resilience strategies.
Growing roles include:
- Climate Scientists
- Conservation Biologists
- Water Resource Specialists
- Environmental Remediation Experts
- Urban Sustainability Planners
The need to address climate impacts will drive employment in these fields across public, private, and nonprofit sectors.
Emerging Technology Careers
11. Augmented and Virtual Reality Developers
AR and VR technologies are moving beyond gaming into education, healthcare, retail, and more, creating significant demand for specialized developers.
Key roles include:
- AR/VR Software Engineers
- 3D Modeling Specialists
- AR/VR Experience Designers
- Spatial Computing Engineers
- Virtual World Creators
As these technologies become more mainstream in both consumer and enterprise applications, the job market will expand substantially.
12. Robotics Engineers and Technicians
Automation continues to transform manufacturing, logistics, healthcare, and more, creating demand for professionals who can design, build, and maintain robotic systems.
High-growth positions include:
- Robotics Software Developers
- Robot Systems Integrators
- Human-Robot Interaction Specialists
- Autonomous Vehicle Engineers
- Robotics Field Technicians
The global industrial robotics market is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of over 10% through the next decade, driving job creation in this sector.
13. Internet of Things (IoT) Specialists
As connected devices proliferate in homes, factories, cities, and beyond, specialists who can develop and manage IoT ecosystems will be essential.
Emerging roles include:
- IoT Solutions Architects
- IoT Security Specialists
- Edge Computing Engineers
- Smart City Technologists
- IoT Product Managers
The number of connected devices worldwide is expected to reach 75 billion by 2030, creating substantial employment opportunities.
Education and Training Careers
14. E-Learning Specialists and Instructional Designers
The transformation of education and corporate training will continue to drive demand for professionals who can create effective digital learning experiences.
Key roles include:
- Instructional Designers
- Learning Experience (LX) Designers
- Educational Technology Specialists
- Virtual Learning Facilitators
- Adaptive Learning Engineers
As lifelong learning becomes essential in a rapidly changing job market, these roles will see sustained growth.
15. Career Transition Coaches
With job transitions becoming more frequent and sometimes involuntary due to technological disruption, specialists who can guide career changes will be increasingly valuable.
Emerging roles include:
- Career Reinvention Coaches
- Skills Assessment Specialists
- Mid-Career Transition Consultants
- Outplacement Specialists
- Professional Development Advisors
The growing need for workers to periodically reinvent their skills and careers will make these roles increasingly important in the coming decade. You might find these tips on turning your passion into a profession helpful if you’re exploring a new direction.
Financial and Business Services
16. Financial Technology (FinTech) Specialists
The financial services industry continues to undergo digital transformation, creating demand for professionals who understand both finance and technology.
High-demand roles include:
- Blockchain Developers
- Digital Payment Specialists
- Algorithmic Trading Developers
- RegTech (Regulatory Technology) Experts
- Financial Data Analysts
With traditional financial institutions competing with fintech startups, demand for these specialized skills will continue to grow. For those looking to break into this space, side hustles that align with fintech and digital trends can be a great starting point.
17. Remote Work Facilitators
The permanent shift toward hybrid and remote work models has created new organizational needs.
Emerging roles include:
- Remote Team Managers
- Virtual Collaboration Specialists
- Digital Workspace Designers
- Distributed Workforce Analysts
- Remote Work Policy Consultants
As companies continue to refine their approaches to remote and hybrid work, these specialized roles will become increasingly common. Interested in flexible roles? Explore remote jobs that allow location independence.
Human Services and Caregiving
18. Eldercare Specialists
With the global population aging rapidly, professionals dedicated to elder wellness and care will be in extremely high demand.
Growing roles include:
- Geriatric Care Managers
- Elder Law Attorneys
- Aging-in-Place Specialists
- Memory Care Specialists
- Geriatric Nutrition Experts
The “silver economy” will be a major driver of job creation over the next decade as societies adapt to demographic shifts.
19. Genetic Counselors and Personalized Medicine Specialists
Advances in genetic testing and personalized medicine are creating new healthcare specialties.
Key roles include:
- Genetic Counselors
- Pharmacogenomics Specialists
- Personalized Nutrition Consultants
- Precision Medicine Researchers
- Consumer Genetics Advisors
The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects genetic counseling to be among the fastest-growing occupations in the coming years, with a growth rate of 18% through 2032.
Preparing for the Future Job Market
Skills That Will Remain in Demand
Regardless of specific career paths, certain skills will remain valuable across industries:
- Adaptability and continuous learning
- Critical thinking and complex problem solving
- Digital literacy and technological fluency
- Emotional intelligence and interpersonal skills
- Creativity and innovation
Developing these foundational capabilities will help you remain employable regardless of how specific jobs evolve.
Education and Training Pathways
To position yourself for these high-demand careers, consider:
- Formal degree programs in emerging fields
- Micro-credentials and targeted certifications
- Bootcamps and intensive training programs
- Online learning platforms for continuous skill development
- Hands-on experience through internships and project work
Many of tomorrow’s most in-demand jobs will require specialized training but not necessarily traditional four-year degrees. Whether you’re writing a resume or exploring flexible work options, check out resources like this guide to freelancing vs. full-time roles to help align your path.
Conclusion
The job market of 2035 will look markedly different from today’s employment landscape. Technological innovation, demographic shifts, and environmental imperatives will reshape industries and create new categories of work. By understanding these trends and strategically developing your skills, you can position yourself for success in a rapidly evolving economy.
The most resilient career strategy will combine specialized knowledge in growth areas with adaptable foundational skills and a commitment to lifelong learning. While specific job titles may change, the underlying needs—for technological innovation, human connection, healthcare, sustainability, and education—will continue to drive employment opportunities for decades to come.
By focusing on these high-growth areas and cultivating in-demand skills, you can build a career that remains relevant and rewarding through 2035 and beyond.
Brett is a tech enthusiast with a deep curiosity for exploring digital tools, apps, and gadgets that simplify everyday life. This passion led him to start his blog, where he shares in-depth reviews, helpful guides, and honest recommendations about the best apps and tech solutions available today.