When reporting on the fastest growing industries, we can look at a few variables. We can consider those that are predicted to have the highest sales or profits. We can also look at which ones have the highest levels of production.
While these are important factors, what it comes down to for individuals who want to grow their careers is to find industries that economists expect to have the greatest employment growth. In other words, where will the jobs be?
Here are 10 of the fastest growing industries in the United States, based on how many jobs the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) predicts each will add over the current decade (beginning in 2014 and ending in 2024). The following description and employment projections for each industry are a list of job titles. While each industry employs people in many different occupations, these are the job titles held by the majority of people employed in it.
The job outlook is included for each title. This is an estimate of the increase (or decline) in employment for those occupations, both in and out of these industries. It is important to have this information should you plan to look for work in another industry down the road. You want to make sure you can move from industry to industry. Where available, median salaries for each job title within the industry described here are included. If that information is unavailable, a median salary for that occupation, in general, is provided.
Although the health of a particular industry or occupation is a factor you should always consider when making decisions about your future, it is also essential to choose a career that is a good fit for you. Learn everything you can about yourself by conducting a thorough self-assessment and extensively research the occupation you are considering. While working in one of the fastest-growing industries can help ensure a prosperous future, you will only have a fulfilling career if you choose one that is also suitable for you.
10. Other Financial Investment Activities
What Types of Entities Are Part of This Industry?
- Investors that buy and sell their own investment contracts
- Portfolio Management Firms
- Investment Advisors
- Bank Trust Offices and Escrow Agencies
Jobs Projected to Be Added Between 2014 to 2024: 167,900
Projected Employment in 2024: 597,800
9. Residential Mental Health and Substance Abuse Facilities
What Types of Entities Are Part of This Industry?
- Residential facilities that provide care for individuals who have mental health and substance abuse illnesses
Jobs Projected to Be Added Between 2014 to 2024: 82,600
Projected Employment in 2024: 291,800
8. Ambulance Services
What Types of Entities Are Part of This Industry?
- Companies that provide ground or air transportation and medical care to patients, usually during a medical emergency
Leading U.S. Company (by revenue): NORCAL Ambulance
Jobs Projected to Be Added Between 2014 to 2024: 68,700
Projected Employment in 2024: 235,600
7. Electronic Shopping and Mail-Order Houses
What Types of Entities Are Part of This Industry?
- Companies that sell merchandise on the Internet
- Establishments that use the Internet to facilitate the business-to-consumer and consumer-to-consumer sales of new and used goods by auction
- Companies that use catalogues and television to sell merchandise
Leading U.S. Companies (by revenue): QVC, Guess.com Inc.
Jobs Projected to Be Added Between 2014 to 2024: 152,900
Projected Employment in 2024: 481,700
6. Community Care Facilities for the Elderly
What Types of Entities Are Part of This Industry?
- Continuing Care Retirement Communities With Nursing Facilities
Assisted Living Facilities for the Elderly
Leading U.S. Companies (by resident capacity): Brookdale Senior Living Inc.,
Jobs Projected to Be Added Between 2014 to 2024: 405,400
Projected Employment in 2024: 1,248,600
5. Offices of Physical and Speech Therapists and Audiologists
What Types of Entities Are Part of This Industry?
- Physical Therapists’ Practices
- Occupational Therapists’ Practices
- Audiologists’ Practices
Leading U.S. Companies (by market share): Healthsouth
Jobs Projected to Be Added Between 2014 to 2024: 190,800
Projected Employment in 2024: 525,700
4. Power and Communication Line and Structures Construction
What Types of Entities Are Part of This Industry?
- Establishments that build structures related to power and communications networks such as power lines and towers; power plants; and radio, television, and telecommunications transmit and receive towers.
- Companies that are involved in the reconstruction and repair of the above structures
Leading U.S. Company (by revenue): United States Infrastructure Corp.,
Jobs Projected to Be Added Between 2014 to 2024: 96,800
Projected Employment in 2024: 265,400
3. Offices of Other Health Practitioners
What Types of Entities Are Part of This Industry?
- Private and Group Medical Practices in Free-Standing Facilities
- Private and Group Medical Practices in Hospitals and Medical Centers
Leading U.S. Companies (by revenue): Corizon Inc.
Jobs Projected to Be Added Between 2014 to 2024: 352,300
Projected Employment in 2024: 1,136,500
2. Home Health Care Services
What Types of Entities Are Part of This Industry?
Companies that provide:
- Skilled Nursing Services
- Personal Care Services
- Homemaker and Companion Services
- Physical Therapy
- and Much More
Leading U.S. Companies (by revenue): Option Care Inc.
Jobs Projected to Be Added Between 2014 to 2024: 760,400
Projected Employment in 2024: 2,022,600
1. Specialty Hospitals
What Types of Entities Are Part of This Industry?
- Long-term Care Facilities for the Chronically Ill
- Rehabilitation Facilities for Physically Challenged or Disabled Patients
Leading U.S. Company (by revenue): RehabCare Group Inc.
Jobs Projected to Be Added Between 2014 to 2024: 2,300
Projected Employment in 2024: 5,000
