Ten of the most in demand jobs for 2019

Ten of the most in demand jobs for 2019 As we make our way into 2019, you may be thinking about what your next step is, career-wise. If you’re looking to make some changes, here are some of the hottest and fastest-growing jobs and fields to consider. Medical Services ManagerThe job outlook doesn’t get much hotter than in healthcare right now. And with booms in technology and an aging population, it’s a field that will be growing for decades to come. Medical services managers, also known as healthcare administrators, hold a lot of power and responsibility for the nation’s healthcare. They work in hospitals or other medical facilities and coordinate medical and health services for patients. They provide the infrastructure for medical personnel to work with patients, and may manage a clinic, an entire hospital, or a group of physicians.These managers handle administrative tasks and ensure that medical care follows healthcare laws, regulations, and technology. The demand for medical services managers is expected to grow 20% by 2024, per the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.What you’ll need: A bachelor’s degree is recommended, an d a background in healthcare is an asset.What they make: The median annual salary is $98,350, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.Nursing AssistantWith much of the Baby Boomer population aging and needing advanced medical care, nursing assistants provide valuable boots-on-the-ground services. These aides help provide basic medical care in hospitals or other medical facilities, like nursing homes. Tasks may include helping patients with everyday tasks (like feeding, bathing, or dressing), transporting patients, and preparing patients for treatments or procedures. The demand for nursing assistants is expected to grow 11% by 2024, per the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.What you’ll need: Completion of a nursing assistant educational or training program, plus passing a certification exam.What they make: The median annual salary is $27,510, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.Fitness TrainerOn the everyday end of the health and wellness trend are professionals like fitness trainers. Trainers help people develop and maintain fitness and wellness plans, teach fitness classes, and educate clients on healthy lifestyle choices. The demand for fitness trainers is expected to grow 10% by 2024, per the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.What you’ll need: A high school diploma or equivalent, plus on-the-job training. Trainers may also need to pass a certification test, depending on your state’s requirements. You should also be in good physical condition.What they make: The median annual salary is $39,210, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.Software DeveloperTechnology rules our lives, and the information sector job outlook is growing as well. Software developers are responsible for the design and user experience of various computer programs and systems. The demand for software developers is expected to grow 24% by 2024, per the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.What you’ll need: Software developers typically have a bachelor’s degree in information technology or a related field.What they make: The median annual salary is $103,560, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.StatisticianStatisticians help manage the data of everyday life and help turn it into meaningful, actionable information. Statisticians can be found in government agencies or private industries, gathering data and using theories and models to predict outcomes and guide decision-making. They typically combine mathematical expertise and technology to wrangle data. The demand for statisticians is expected to grow 33% by 2024, per the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.What you’ll need: Statisticians typically have a master’s degree in statistics or mathematics, although you may be able to start with a bachelor’s degree in one of these fields.What they make: The median annual salary is $84,760, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.Nurse PractitionerNursing is a field where there’s a continuous need for qualified professionals, and nurse practitioners are one of the most in-demand segments of the nursing population. Nurse practitioners are advanced nurses who can provide specialized care, similar to physicians. Nurse practitioners provide primary or secondary care, and in some cases can prescribe medications and treatments. The demand for nurse practitioners is expected to grow 33% by 2024, per the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.What you’ll need: Nurse practitioners typically have a master’s degree in a nursing specialty, and must also pass a national certification exam, plus meet state licensing requirements. Each state has its own requirements, so be sure to check your own state’s.What they make: The median annual salary is $110,930, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.Occupational Therapy AssistantIn occupational therapy, patients work on a prescribed recovery plan to recover from illness or injury, including working on daily skills or physical strength. Therapists and their assistants work directly with these patients, developing and implementing treatment plans as well as physically assisting patients. The demand for occupational therapy assistants is expected to grow 28% by 2024, per the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.What you’ll need: Occupational therapy assistants typically have an associate’s degree from an accredited occupational therapy assistant program, plus on-the-job training. Individual states may have different licensing requirements, so be sure to check yours.What they make: The median annual salary is $56,690, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.Market Research AnalystCompanies rely on customer and market data to make crucial business decisions. This is where market research analysts come in. These professionals take raw data and apply knowledge of the industry, customer base, and other factors to determine trends, pricing, and customer reaction. The demand for market research analysts is expected to grow 23% by 2024, per the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.What you’ll need: Market research analysts typically have a bachelor’s degree in marketing or economics, although some advanced positions may require a master’s degree. A strong set of math and analytical skills is essential as well.What they make: The median annual salary is $63,230, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.Construction LaborerIf you’re looking for a career that’s more hands-on, the construction industry will continue to grow this year. Construction laborers work on building or construction sites, doing physical labor to build or repair. The demand for construction laborers is expected to grow 12% by 2024, per the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.What you’ll need: There is usually no specific educational requirement for entry-level construction worker jobs, although there is usually an on-the-job training component to develop skills and practice safety. This is also a very physically demanding job, so you should be able to perform heavy physical tasks.What they make: The median annual salary is $33,450, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.Medical TechnicianNot all essential healthcare roles are found in doctors’ offices or hospital clinics; some are way behind the scenes. Working in laboratories, medical technicians (also known as medical lab scientists or medical lab technicians) process samples and analyze bodily fluids or other biological materials. The demand for medical technicians is expected to grow 13% by 2024, per the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.What you’ll need: Medical technicians typically need an associate’s degree or a certificate from a certified training program, plus completion of a licensing process. Individual states may have different licensing requirements, so be sure to check yours.What they make: The median annual salary is $51,770, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.If 2019 has you itching for a new path in your career, there are lots of growing, thriving industries that could be a fantastic fit for you and your goals.