Fastest Growing Jobs Through 2035 | Labor Department Data

Demographic Shifts Reshaping the Workforce

The American labor landscape is undergoing a significant transition driven by an aging population and a steady increase in chronic medical conditions. New federal projections from the Labor Department, released August 27, 2026, reveal that the health care and social assistance sector remains the primary engine of job growth in the United States. This sector is forecast to add roughly 2.2 million new jobs through 2035, representing 37% of total job growth across the nation. For perspective, this expansion pace is double the combined job creation expected in the construction, manufacturing, and hospitality industries.

Demographic realities dictate this trend. As the oldest members of the baby boomer generation reach their 80s, the demand for medical oversight and daily living assistance has surged. Medical conditions like heart disease and cancer continue to affect a broader slice of the population, requiring specialized care providers. Labor Department data confirms that nurse practitioners lead the nation’s growth projections, with employment levels expected to jump 41% by 2035. This amounts to nearly 138,000 new openings for that specific role alone.

Technology and Infrastructure Requirements

While health care dominates the top of the list, the rise of artificial intelligence and shifting energy needs are creating demand in other sectors. Data scientists and computer researchers are seeing rapid growth as companies scale their intelligence infrastructure. Computer and information research scientists face a projected employment increase of 21.8% over the next decade. These roles command high salaries, often exceeding $140,000 annually, though they represent a smaller total volume of positions compared to clinical health care roles.

Blue-collar demand is also climbing alongside the transition to renewable energy. Wind turbine service technicians and solar photovoltaic installers are among the fastest-growing occupations, with anticipated growth rates of 29.5% and 36.5% respectively. This expansion is tied to national infrastructure goals and the rising power demands of large-scale data centers. Skilled trade schools are reporting higher enrollment numbers as students look toward these reliable, high-paying paths in energy maintenance.

Economic Outlook and Long-term Projections

Labor experts emphasize that these projections serve as a map for prospective employees and policy makers. The median annual wage data from May 2025 provides a snapshot of what these roles pay, ranging from $45,000 for technical support positions to over $130,000 for advanced medical practitioners. Medical and health services managers, tasked with overseeing the increasing complexity of hospital systems, are expected to see 155,100 new roles created in the coming ten years.

Physical therapist assistants and occupational therapy assistants round out the list, reflecting a broader shift toward rehabilitative and restorative medicine. Psychiatric technicians are also seeing a 22.3% projected increase in demand, highlighting the growing attention paid to mental health infrastructure. As the next decade unfolds, the intersection of patient care, green energy, and high-level data analysis will likely define the most secure and available career paths in the American economy.