Health care among 7 industries set to explode

Do you want to earn more money in the future? Maybe you are getting bored in your career and need to make a change? Or, perhaps you want to recession-proof your future?

Working in an in-demand industry will help your career prospects in several ways. First, it helps ensure that you’ll have a good job in the future. It also nearly guarantees a decent salary, especially if you hold a master’s degree or have a lot of experience.

If you want to earn more money, these seven industries should be at the top of your list. If a career change is in your future to pursue one of these, here’s your 6-point action plan.

Health care

Over the next decade, jobs in health care are projected to grow by 16%, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

From doctors to nurses, health care is here to stay.

Specific health care fields will have an explosion of opportunities. For example, according to CNBC, the projected growth rate of nurse practitioners over the next decade is more than 50%, and their median pay is already well over $100,000 in many areas of the country.

The top fields in health care expected to expand include nurse practitioners, occupational therapists and physical therapy assistants.

Social services

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the social services industry will grow by 12% by 2030. On average, almost 80,000 new social service jobs are anticipated every year. The median yearly salary for social workers was $51,760 in 2020.

Social workers help people deal with problems of everyday life. For instance, social workers help physical and psychological abuse victims escape their abusers. They also help children find loving and supportive households. Some facilitate disagreements between couples or manage disability services for those in need.

One of the best ways to boost your salary in the future is by pursuing a career in an expanding industry. Many high-paying industries are computer-based, but not all. But seeking jobs in growing industries will help ensure your career is long and profitable.

Artificial intelligence

The artificial intelligence industry is still hot, and all signs point to that continuing over the next decade. And you might be surprised at how common AI is today.

Auto manufacturers are spending billions of dollars on autonomous vehicle research. As a result, artificial intelligence-based technologies like hands-free driving, lane assist and adaptive cruise control are already standard in many cars.

Homes are quickly adopting artificial intelligence as well. From smart security systems to automated climate and lighting controls, AI has already transformed the way we live our lives.

The average salary of an artificial intelligence professional in the U.S. is almost $165,000.

Cloud computing

You have probably heard the phrase “in the cloud,” referring to computer technology. Cloud computing delivers fast, reliable and scalable computing services, such as data storage, web servers, networking, analytics and artificial intelligence over the internet.

In other words, you don’t need to own and store expensive hardware to take advantage of powerful webbased computers. Instead, you can rent these systems online.

For instance, do you back up your photos to Google or Amazon? Cloud computing powers these backup services. Amazon Web Services, or AWS, is a toprated cloud computing environment that thousands of companies rely on for secure and high-powered databases, web services, storage, analytics and other capabilities.

Online learning

Going to college by going to college is a thing of the past. According to Harvard Business Review, over 2,500 colleges and universities offer online learning programs, which will expand over the next 10 years.

Thousands of jobs are available all over the country in the burgeoning elearning industry, even part-time ones. Online learning depends on software developers to design software to host the learning content. It also requires instructors and content developers to build and vet the lessons while working remotely.

Online learning is expected to turn into a $300 billion industry by 2025.

Data science

Data scientists build and manage highly efficient repositories of data, often in databases. Virtually all organizations store huge volumes of data, making this profession one of the fastest-growing (and highest paid) industries.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average salary of a data scientist is over $100,000. Seasoned data scientists earn substantially more, especially those with an advanced degree, like a master’s or Ph.D.

According to a 2016 study, data science salaries increase by $2,500 or more with every year of experience.

The Internet of Things (IoT)

Like artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things refers to networking physical objects with software, wireless communications and sensors.

For instance, controlling your lights at home from your smartphone is an example of the Internet of Things already in widespread use. But, IoT goes far beyond home use. The health care, construction, energy, agricultural and military sectors depend on interconnected technology to communicate smartly, quickly and effectively worldwide.

The IoT industry is expected to exceed $1 trillion by 2026.