One way of choosing a degree is by looking at jobs in high demand and those that pay well. Although these should not over-shadow your passion and interest, the above two rules can provide a practical guide towards selecting a rewarding career.
To create a list of careers in high demand, we have done some research on your behalf by looking at the input from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), which provides comprehensive statistics on occupational outlook. The data we have used is the BLS’s projections from 2019 to 2029.
The criteria used to select the following Top 10 list is as follows:
- Bachelor’s degree as the entry-level education
- Minimum median pay in 2019 of $80,000 per annum
- The job growth rate is as fast or much faster than the national average of 4 percent
- Projected number of new jobs between 2019 and 2029 of 10,000 or more.
The high paying jobs in demand till 2029 are as follows:
#10 Financial Analyst
Financial analysts generally guide companies and individuals on evaluating and making investment decisions.
- Median pay: $81,590
- Job growth: 5 percent
- Projected new jobs: 26,800.
You can get into this career with a business or finance degree from an online college or university. Pursuing an MBA upon obtaining a bachelor’s degree or working for a few years can project you to higher positions in most organizations.
#9 Operations Research Analysts
If you are strong in mathematics, becoming an operations research analyst may suit you as you will be helping clients solve complex issues by using advanced mathematical and analytical tools and methods. Your employers may range from logistics service providers, insurance companies to healthcare research and development companies.
- Median pay: $81,800
- Job growth: 25 percent
- Projected new jobs: 26,100.
A bachelor’s degree in management sciences, mathematics, operations research, or analytics can open doors for you in this career path.
#8 Industrial Engineers
These engineers develop and build systems that integrate humans, machines, energy, computers, and information to make products.
- Median pay: $88,020
- Job growth: 10 percent
- Projected new jobs: 30,000
You can choose industrial engineering, manufacturing, electrical or mechanical engineering to work as an industrial engineer.
#7 Computer Systems Analysts
Also known as systems architects, computer systems analysts study and design computer systems to help companies function more efficiently. They understand business and IT processes and functions to serve employees and the organization best.
- Median pay: $90,920
- Job growth: 7 percent
- Projected new jobs: 46,600
A bachelor’s degree in computer science, IT, or a computer-related field would set you off in this career.
#6 Database Administrators (DBAs)
DBAs master the use of highly specialized software to store, manage, organize, and protect data for organizations. Companies that hire DBAs include computer systems design, education, insurance, data processing services, and financial institutions.
- Median salary: $93,750
- Job growth: 10 percent
- Projected new jobs: 12,800
Database administrators typically hold a bachelor’s degree in IT, computer science, or information systems and understand database languages such as SQL.
#5 Construction Managers
Also known as project managers, construction managers plan, organize, budget, and manage construction projects from inception to completion. They collaborate and work with the rest of the construction team, including architects, engineers, safety officers, cost-estimators, and contractors.
- Median pay: $95,260
- Job growth: 8 percent
- Projected new jobs: 40,400
There are various paths to becoming a construction manager, including having a bachelor’s in architecture, engineering, or construction science.
#4 Information Security Analysts
These people plan and implement security measures to protect an organization’s computer systems and networks. Their employers include computer systems design companies, financial institutions, insurance, and IT companies.
- Median pay: $99,730
- Job growth: 31 percent
- Projected new jobs: 40,900
Information security analysts usually hold a bachelor’s degree in computer science, IT, or any computer-related field majors.
#3 Human Resources Managers
Besides hiring staff and managing talents, human resource managers also plan and coordinate an organization’s administrative functions. Beginning from small enterprises, almost all organizations hire human resources managers.
- Median pay: $116,720
- Job growth: 6 percent
- Projected new jobs: 10,400
To be one, you would hold a bachelor’s degree in human resource management or business management. It will also help if you have taken courses in psychology, conflict management, or neuro-linguistic programming (NLP).
#2 Advertising, Promotions, and Marketing Managers
Any organization that sells products or services needs promotions plans to generate interest and sales to prospective customers. Advertising, promotions, and marketing managers run campaigns and work with the operations, production, and finance teams to create successful marketing programs.
- Median pay: $135,900
- Job growth: 6 percent
- Projected new jobs: 18,800
Opening for advertising managers may require a bachelor’s in advertising or journalism. In contrast, marketing managers would have a degree in marketing, business management, economics, or even computer science.
#1 Computer & Information Systems Managers
Also known as IT managers, computer and information systems managers determine all IT requirements for organizations and plan, coordinate, and implement the correct computer systems to meet their objectives. Large organizations hire Chief Information Officers (CIOs) to implement and manage business-wide IT systems, programs, and security.
- Median pay: $146,360
- Job growth: 10 percent
- Projected new jobs: 48,100
Computer and information systems managers normally hold a bachelor’s degree in computer science, software engineering, management information systems, or computer-related programs.
As IT is growing and changing daily, IT managers must stay abreast with those advancements to deliver efficient and secure computer systems to the organization and stakeholders.
If you have not noticed, the high demand, high paying, and high growth trend seem to revolve around Information Technology (IT), with four related jobs making into the top 10 list.
Nevertheless, it would be best to select a degree and a major in a field that best fits you. Financial rewards and return on investment would not mean much if you do not enjoy your work.
Imagine the joy of doing a degree that is personally gratifying and financially rewarding!
For information, online colleges offer all the degrees mentioned in this article. Learn more about how online colleges work here.
Read this article on how to choose an accredited online college to ensure you enroll in a quality degree program.