Searching for a new job in Alabama? Consider seeking employment in one of the state’s rapidly growing fields, including healthcare, teaching, and machinery. Read on to learn more about the fastest-growing careers in Alabama.

Alabama has seen a surge in the number of jobs in the healthcare field in recent years as the state continues to experience an aging population. As a result, the healthcare field is one of the fastest-growing careers in Alabama, and there are many opportunities available for those who want to join the growing industry.

Healthcare providers can find positions in hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare facilities across the state. In addition, many opportunities are available for those who want to work in the insurance industry or become medical professionals.

The U.S. Department of Labor the  National Occupation Employment and Wage Survey collects data on the most sought-after occupations in each area. Its tables are based on current annual job openings and projected growth over the next few years. For example, the most in-demand careers in Alabama for that decade are as follows.

Alabama’s Fastest Growing Careers

Profession	Projected Employment 2024*	Percentage Growth
Occupational Therapy Assistants	590	57%
Commercial Divers	20	50%
Computer Controlled Machine Tool Operators	3,360	47%
Physical Therapist Assistants	2,880	47%
Biological Science Teachers, Postsecondary	2,570	41%
Ambulance Drivers and Attendants (except EMTs)	500	37%
Nurse Practitioners	2,400	37%
Physical Therapist Aides	770	37%
Physical Therapists	3,280	37%
Health Technologists and Technicians, All Other	830	35%

Source: *CareerOneStop from the DOL

In the United States, much of the increase in employment has transpired in various food items, healthcare, educational support, information and technology, and construction industries.

 

Jobs with the Most Openings in Alabama

The fastest-growing jobs are not necessarily the ones with the most promising job openings since openings can also be created by turnover, retirement, and other factors in addition to growth. The table below identifies those jobs in Alabama expected to have the highest number of job openings through 2024.

Profession	Employment	Projected Annual Openings
Cashiers	69,260	3,270
Retail Salespeople	59,810	2,620
Food Preparation & Service Workers	43,480	1,900
Registered Nurses (RNs)	46,460	1,870
Team Assemblers	33,550	1,560
Waiters and Waitresses	29,240	1,480
Hand Laborers and Freight, Stock and Material Movers	36,190	1,380
Customer Service Reps	31,430	1,190
Office Clerks	45,750	1,090
First-Line Supervisors of Retail Workers	35,290	1,030

Source: **CareerOneStop from the DOL