Choosing a stable career path for the future can be a difficult task, especially when you’re young. Today’s students are looking for sustainable, futureproof careers, with high salaries and high demand within the job market. If you want to learn about futureproof careers, this article is ideal for you.
To understand the evolution of the labor market, pay attention to economic trends and choose a career with a high growth trajectory. Below, you’ll find the salaries, job growth figures, and entry requirements of some of the top futureproof careers.
What Makes a Career Sustainable over Time?
Job growth and high demand are the top two factors that mark a career as futureproof, keeping it sustainable over time. According to a study by the Division of Continuing Education at Harvard University and the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the job growth outlook for the fastest-growing careers ranges from 27 to 37 percent in the period 2016-2026.
Most high-demand jobs require some type of education through either training or a degree program. This is partly because many futureproof careers rely on human intellectual capital, due to physical labor increasingly being performed by machines. According to the World Economic Forum, in 2022, humans will be responsible for 58 percent of job tasks, while machines will perform the remaining 42 percent of labor.
Top 10 Futureproof Careers You Should Consider in 2023
If you are looking for a career path with excellent opportunities for growth and economic stability, these futureproof professions have the best salaries and growing career trajectories for 2023.
Doctor
- Salary: $208,000
- Job growth: 3 percent
- Education needed: Bachelor’s Degree in Medicine, four years of medical school, a one-year hospital internship, and three to seven years of residency training
Doctors have the important role of strengthening public health, something that’s in high demand after the destruction caused by the global pandemic. The hard work and research of these medical professionals will be needed in the coming years, as the US develops strategies to combat the possibility of new pandemics.
A doctor, physician, or surgeon diagnoses diseases and applies treatments to patients through medical procedures. Some of their main tasks include developing working relationships with patients, prescribing medications, and educating the public about different health topics.
Digital Marketing Manager
- Salary: $142,170
- Job growth: 10 percent
- Education needed: Bachelor’s Degree in Digital Marketing
Digital marketing managers will spur the future economic growth of millions of companies worldwide. These professionals drive the dynamics of brand promotion and the dissemination of campaigns. Digital marketers also develop a company’s communication skills and influence the purchasing decisions of the new e-consumers.
A digital marketing manager develops digital marketing campaigns. These professionals monitor the progress and media impact of each campaign. Some job activities include tracking web analytics and analyzing consumer profiles to build marketing strategies. The marketing manager also prepares reports on the effectiveness of marketing campaigns for companies.
Human Resources Manager
- Salary: $121,220
- Job growth: 9 percent
- Education needed: Bachelor’s Degree in Human Resources Management
Human resources management is another futureproof career that will survive the evolution of technology. Companies need human talent to establish close relationships with their employees and thus optimize teamwork. This is because communication and relationships between human personnel will always positively affect any company.
Human resource managers are often responsible for recruiting and hiring new employees into an organization. An HR manager must ensure that employees follow company standards.
Cyber Security Analyst
- Salary: $103,590
- Job growth: 33 percent
- Education needed: Bachelor’s Degree in Cyber Security
A cyber security analyst is a valuable professional and will be employed by tech companies and governments for years to come. The job of this tech professional is to prevent digital threats, combat cyberattacks, and offer and implement security solutions.
Cyber security analysts must also protect the security and integrity of an organization’s computer systems. The main tasks within this futureproof career involve analyzing systems and shielding the internal network against hacking, phishing, and ransomware attacks.
Data Scientist
- Salary: $96,976
- Job growth: 22 percent
- Education needed: Bachelor’s Degree in Data Science or another computer-related field
Data scientists are in charge of capturing large data flows and turning them into ideas or strategies for companies, governments, and other organizations. The primary objective of these tech professionals is to use data as a tool to improve their clients’ services.
Data scientists are key players within the current and future economy. A data scientist’s workday mostly consists of analyzing, interpreting, and modeling large sets of data. In this futureproof career, you can also help financial institutions and healthcare centers organize and understand growing amounts of data, in order to help them achieve their objectives. You can learn the skills required to become a data scientist in a data science bootcamp.
Mechanical Engineer
- Salary: $90,160
- Job growth: 7 percent
- Education needed: Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering or Mechanical Engineering Technology
Mechanical engineers will be indispensable in the future construction, innovation, and development of countries’ infrastructures. In the US, these professionals will be the main proponents of the country’s modernization, as of 2023.
A mechanical engineer must design, develop, and create mechanical devices and equipment. They need extensive knowledge in math, physics, and other engineering skills. These technical professionals work to adapt new functions to industrial production systems.
Nurse
- Salary: $75,330
- Job growth: 9 percent
- Education needed: Master of Science in Nursing or a Doctorate in Nursing Practice
Nurses will play a key role in human well-being and development from 2023 and onwards. After the COVID-19 pandemic, the demand for medical services has increased considerably, including the demand for nurses.
Nurses are responsible for providing medical care to their patients. As a nurse, you must collaborate with other medical professionals to care for patients and guarantee the progress of the patients’ health.
Mobile Application Developer
- Salary: $73,408
- Job growth: 22 percent*
- Education needed: Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science
Mobile application developers have guaranteed job vacancies for both the present and the future. As the economy experiences a decade of hyper-digitalization, career projections are positive for mobile app developers. Companies increasingly require more professionals in the mobile software development field, as they strive to offer better automated services and apps to their clients that use a mobile device.
A mobile app developer must design and build apps for mobile devices like phones and tablets. This futureproof career also creates apps for gaming, entertainment, and social media. Other tasks of a mobile app developer include writing and debugging code and testing applications.
Video Game Developer
- Salary: $60,000
- Job growth: 22 percent*
- Education needed: Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science or related field
Video game developers are crucial for the entertainment industry’s ongoing evolution. If you are looking for a different job that’s well-paid, futureproof, and requires challenging technical preparation, this option is for you.
Video game developers create video games for many platforms and genres by writing code. As a video game developer, you will design new and attractive games using your knowledge of virtual reality and artificial intelligence. The “metaverse” concept will increase the demand for game developers in 2023.
Chef
- Salary: $53,380
- Job growth: 25 percent
- Education needed: Associate degree at an online chef school, Bachelor’s Degree in Culinary Arts.
Chefs guarantee the culinary quality of a restaurant, hotel, or any other type of organization that serves food. Since food is a constant human need, chefs are always in high demand, making this a sustainable and futureproof career. As a head chef, you will lead kitchen teams with sous-chefs and assistants.
Another responsibility of a chef is to maintain the safety and sanitation of food. Plus, chefs assume leadership roles and supervise their kitchen staff. In this prestigious profession, you will have to plan menus and maintain high-quality standards for dishes.
*These statistics are grouped under Software Developers, Quality Assurance Analysts, and Testers on BLS
10 Futureproof Careers That Don’t Require a Degree
While a degree is required for many lucrative in-demand careers, there are futureproof careers that are high-paying and don’t require a college degree. So, if you lack qualifications but still want to secure a stable future, take a look below for futureproof careers with fewer entry requirements.
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Computer User Support Specialist
To become a computer user support specialist, you’ll need technical training, but you won’t need a degree. Billions of computer users worldwide depend on technological services and hardware. Therefore, the demand for this job is significant, and this futureproof career will remain relevant throughout the coming decade.
The main function of a computer user support specialist is to offer solutions to clients’ computer problems, sometimes remotely. This expert must ask users questions to diagnose the software or hardware problem correctly. The computer user support specialist also guides customers through problem-solving steps to configure or repair computer equipment and related tech devices.
Sales Representative of Services
This job is very versatile and exciting if you like the fast-paced world of sales. A sales representative must appear trustworthy and offer personalized attention to customers. These are two qualities that technology and robotics cannot yet replace, meaning this career is sustainable.
A sales representative seeks out potential clients using various lead generation means and follows and implements initiatives for existing clients. Sales agents must contact new and existing customers to offer them new products or upsell existing ones. You must explain how your organization’s products or services can meet their needs.
Flight Attendant
- Salary: $59,050
- Job growth: 30 percent
After the COVID-19 pandemic, the demand for air services has rocketed, as people rush to travel internationally again. All air transportation-related jobs have openings for countless employees worldwide. To become a flight attendant, you must pass a training course, but you don’t need a degree.
This position involves participating in pre-flight briefings with the pilots, evaluating the conditions of the cabin and the flight, and conducting pre-flight inspections of emergency equipment. Additionally, a flight attendant takes care of the safety of passengers by explaining the correct use of safety and emergency equipment.
Electrician
An electrician is a fundamental profession for the development, modernization, and maintenance of electrical systems in companies and homes. Many of the workers in this field get jobs without a college degree. However, technical skills, experience, and responsibility are fundamental requirements to get this job.
An electrician’s job is to read blueprints or technical diagrams, then install and maintain wiring, control, and lighting systems. Additionally, this technical worker must inspect electrical components, such as transformers and circuit breakers. An electrician also identifies electrical problems using a variety of testing devices.
Industrial Machinery Mechanic
- Salary: $54,920
- Job growth: 19 percent
Industrial machinery mechanics will be instrumental to the industrial evolution of the world in the coming years. These professionals provide technical solutions for machines of mass production. Accuracy is vital for machinery maintenance, especially in countries that rely on numerous factories with automated processes, like the US.
Industrial machinery mechanics read technical manuals to understand and install equipment and controls, while also disarming machinery and equipment when there are technical failures. No college degree is required for this role, but you’ll need to undertake training before becoming qualified.
Police Officer
Border control and public safety will be enforced in the US for years to come. This job requires in-depth training to obtain the appropriate physical, mental, and intuitive skills for a police and sheriff’s patrol officer.
This futureproof career is essential, as a police officer must respond to both emergency and non-emergency calls. This civil servant can also run traffic stops, issue citations, patrol assigned areas, and observe people and activities for danger.
Firefighter
Firefighters are crucial in everyday life, and you don’t need a college degree for this position. However, you must follow special training to avoid risks and accidents on the job.
The duties of a firefighter are to respond to emergencies, operate fire trucks and other emergency vehicles, and put out fires using the necessary equipment. In this job, you must find and rescue occupants of burning buildings, and help victims of other emergencies, like building collapses and natural disasters. Firefighters also give assistance to sick or injured people.
Insurance Sales Agent
Modern society is increasing its demand for health, housing, and vehicle coverage as the population grows, meaning the demand for insurance sales agents is also increasing. You don’t need a college degree to guide interested clients through purchasing insurance policies, but you will probably need to complete a training program to secure this role.
An insurance sales agent contacts potential clients to expand their company’s customer base. Their job is to get information about a customer’s financial resources and discuss their existing coverage.
Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Driver
During the current crisis in global supply chains, truck drivers are a fundamental aspect of maintaining the entire system of worldwide trade and goods distribution. This job does not require a college degree, but you must complete a preparation course for at least six months.
The key roles of this occupation include driving long distances, reporting incidents on the way to the dispatcher, and complying with all applicable traffic laws. Heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers must also secure the cargo for transport using ropes, blocks, chains, or covers, and inspect their trailers before and after the trip.
Massage Therapist
- Salary: $43,620
- Job growth: 32 percent
A massage therapist offers massage treatments to combat stress and relax muscles. Physical relaxation with massage is an essential job that will continue to expand for years to come. Without a college degree, you can become a proficient massage therapist with a specialized course.
In this job, you’ll talk to clients about their symptoms and medical history. You will then assess clients for painful or tense areas of their body, and perform massage therapies to improve your clients’ physical and mental wellbeing.
How to Find Futureproof Careers
A futureproof career is a goal for many young people. If you are looking for a career that’s in high demand, with a good salary and stability for the future, follow the tips below. Using this information, you can easily find futureproof careers.
Find an Academy Organization
Many organizations invest millions of dollars into funding new talent for future jobs. For example, telecom company AT&T, human resources company HR Services Randstad, and hotel chain Marriott International offer expert training and development programs so you can reach your full potential and career goals.
Remain Tech-Savvy
Keep your digital skills and knowledge updated to stay on top of technological trends. Constantly refreshing your computing skills will make you a valuable and strategic professional for any company. Learn about important subjects like coding, virtual whiteboards, wearable technology, and artificial intelligence.
Develop Your Soft Skills
To be a good professional and perform well in a job interview, you must excel at several soft skills, such as leadership, communication, innovation, and stress management. Work on these qualities with IT tools like Strides and Livestock.
Think Globally
Jobs are available anywhere in the world. Therefore, explore the job market beyond your local community. Find job vacancies within your sector in other developed countries and open your mind to learning new techniques or relocating. Places like Germany, Canada, Sweden, and Japan have good projections for futureproof careers.
Scan the Work Environment
Constantly monitor the job outlook of your futureproof career within the market. Apply a PEST analysis (political, economic, social, and technological) to find a good opportunity. With this tool, you analyze how your technical skills fit with the profile of a specific company. You can also use other useful tools such as Porter’s Five Forces and USP Analysis.
Why Finding a Futureproof Career Is Important
The world and careers are constantly changing, so it is essential to learn about useful skills for career development in the future. If you decide to pursue a futureproof career, you’ll enjoy a stable job with a high salary and excellent career progression. Read about a job’s outlook, compare it to global economic trends, and begin acquiring futureproof job skills to get your career started today.
Futureproof Careers FAQ
Futureproof careers are jobs with a high probability of maintaining a high demand after many years, despite the competition and changes in other types of work.
Jobs that are automation-proof, meaning they won’t become obsolete in place of robots, are healthcare workers, jobs in creative fields, software developers, and teachers. These jobs require an understanding of human behavior and require talents in emotional intelligence that humans are good at but robots are not.
Some of the jobs that rank the highest in job satisfaction and happiness include dental hygienist, physical therapist, radiation therapist, optometrist, and human resources manager. While it’s hard to measure happiness among workers and careers, these all rank high in work-life balance, salary competitiveness, and job outlook.
You can futureproof your career in several ways. First, adopt a “change is inevitable” mindset and become tech-savvy instead of tech-averse. Expand and hone your skillset, and keep a diligent inventory of your accomplishments.
About us: Career Karma is a platform designed to help job seekers find, research, and connect with job training programs to advance their careers. Learn about the CK publication.
