Best Jobs for the Future

Technology is ever-evolving, and with that means a shift in the jobs and careers that are available.

If you look back to the start of the century, some of the most common and in-demand jobs included printers (for magazines and newspapers), souvenir and gift shop workers, and machine operatives.

Now with everything available online, people read their news and purchase everything through the internet.

It is also predicted that with the future of AI, 73 million jobs globally will be replaced by robots by 2030.

This doesn't mean there will not be any jobs available – the demand will be in other industries. Studying creation and innovation could be the way to futureproof your career or learning to use the most advanced tools to enable you to do the latest jobs.

This article looks at the best careers for the future and what skills and qualifications will be recommended to secure these roles.

It will also delve further into the jobs that are likely to be obsolete and how to transfer current skills to new roles.

What Are the Best Jobs for the Future?

Whether you are deciding what to study at higher education, or you are looking for a new job, below you’ll find the predicted best careers for the future.

Software Developers

Average salary: $110,140

There’s a lot of evidence to support the idea that software developers and coding experts will be some of the most in demand jobs for the future.

This includes elementary schools introducing basic coding skills into their curriculum. The starting salary price for a software developer can also be 64% higher than the national average.

The job itself includes creating, designing, building, and maintaining tools and systems that power networks and devices. These devices could be for a company computer program or an application that people use on their phone or tablet.

With technology and applications part of everyday use, you can see why software developers are in demand.

To become a software developer, you will need a degree in a relevant subject, such as IT, math, computer science, or software development.

A good knowledge and experience of coding is required, in addition to experience working in programming languages such as Java.

Nurses

Average salary: $53,410 to over $116,230 per year

Nursing is currently the number one job in the US, and this doesn’t seem to be changing any time soon.

We will always need nurses and doctors, and these are roles that cannot be replaced with artificial intelligence. Many symptoms are bespoke to an individual, so there is often no set way to diagnose and treat them.

With people living longer too, there is a need for nurses to personally care for the elderly and their needs.

To become a nurse, a master’s degree is required in a specialized area. You will also need to pass the national certification of nurses and have a license in order to practice.

All nurses work in one particular area of healthcare, including pediatrics, maternity, cancer, and more.

Main duties include diagnosing patients through tests, treating them with medicine and care, and ensuring they have the appropriate aftercare.

Nurses in the United States often earn salaries that exceed the national average. As they gain experience, their wages tend to increase, with additional salary increments at various milestones throughout their careers.

The compensation for nurses in the United States is generally higher compared to many other countries.

Data Analysts

Average salary: $74,827 and for a data manager it can rise to $83,619.

The world of data analysts is predicted to rise by 30% by 2025, meaning a huge increase in demand for people pursuing a career in this industry.

The role can vary, but fundamentally it means taking large amounts of data and making decisions and predictions about that topic.

They will then inform business leaders and companies of the findings so they can make the best relevant decisions.

A data analyst typically needs a degree in statistics or mathematics – or they can specialize further and gain a master’s in data science. The further qualifications will help to gain a more specialist and experienced role.

There are also graduate schemes for on-the-job learning too.

Cybersecurity

Average salary: $100,000

While there is the internet and computers, there will be a need for cybersecurity specialists. A job in cybersecurity is definitely one of the careers of the future.

The role of someone in this job is to ensure the safety of a companies’ software systems. This includes protection from data breaches, as well as stopping cyberattacks.

A cybersecurity specialist role could now see you earn around $100,000 per year, with the number of jobs set to rise by 20% by the end of the year.

There are a number of one-year courses you can take if you are starting out in the world of cybersecurity, such as the Systems Certified Security Practitioner. This will give you skills and knowledge needed to start your journey in this career.

There are more advanced courses for those who have a few years’ experience in online security, including the Certified Information Security Manager course.

A degree in a relevant subject such as IT, computer science and forensic computing is also ideal.

Electrician

Average salary: $56,900

Electricians are currently already sought after and will continue to be, especially with electric vehicles and other electric items that are eco-friendly becoming more popular.

Without electricians, the world is likely to come to a halt.

The main role of an electrician is to install, repair, and maintain all the electrical items and systems in private and commercial properties.

You can take an apprenticeship course with on-the-job training and written work. These are paid, and the salary for these apprenticeship positions has increased vastly over the years.

Marketing Manager

Average salary: $133,460

Since the birth of online shopping and business websites, competition between companies and small enterprises has increased hugely.

The need for marketing managers for big brands and small businesses alike is now more in demand than ever.

This is reflected in salary, as marketing managers are now paid on average 20% more than 10 years ago.

The main duties of the marketing manager is to research the market, brainstorm ideas, design and implement campaigns, create content, and analyze results. The manager could lead a team working for one company or work freelance for a number of clients.

A degree in marketing or similar is required to ensure you secure the best job. Skills in writing, communication and creativity are vital, in addition to knowledge of the digital and media platforms out there.

Therapists and Mental Health Professionals

Average salaries:

• Mental health counselors: $47,660
• Clinical psychologists: $80,370
• Marriage and family therapists: $51,340
• Psychiatrists: $220,380

In today’s society, there’s many pressures, such as the recent pandemic, financial issues, work life balance, and employment that has led to more people seeking help for mental health issues.

It is such a demand that the amount of job postings requiring mental health skills or qualifications has risen by over 200% since 2016.

With this in mind, some of the best jobs for the future include ones for mental health professionals and therapists.

Roles vary from mental health nurses to counselors to hypnotherapists. The common theme they all have is to get to the root of the individual’s mental health issue and find ways to resolve them or for the person to learn to live with them.

A mental health nurse will need a degree in psychology or health and social care, and then a postgraduate qualification in a specialist area. You will also need to study for and pass the PMH-BC certification. It is also important to get some experience in a mental health setting.

A counselor in mental health will need a degree in counseling or psychotherapy.

Financial Manager

Average salary: $71,000

With the economy growing globally both offline and online, it is becoming increasingly common for companies to need financial managers.

The main role of this financial manager is to analyze risk of investment, monitor transactions online, study the current market and carry out general consulting duties for the company.

Managing the finances of one organization can be very stressful, and in the fluctuating markets, is also very fast-paced.

Salary reflects this, with the average pay of $71,000 to start with, increasing over time, and with often many chances for promotion.

Finance managers need to have a degree or similar in mathematics, business studies, or economics and be extremely knowledgeable of the current economic climate. Skills in numeracy and acumen are also key.

Content Creation

Average salaries:

• Writers and editors: $67,120 and $62,230
• Videographers and video editors: $59,810
• Social media managers: $40,000 to $70,000 per year
• Graphic designers: $53,380

It's important to note that thes

Content creators did not exist 15 years ago, but are now in demand, due to the increase of online consumption, which has doubled in the last five years, and people buying so much more from the internet.

A huge amount of us purchase something based on reviews or word of mouth, which is what makes content creators so in demand.

Social media influencers, bloggers and online writers will be paid to promote products or services for a purchase. They create engaging and relevant content that will appeal to their demographic.

The salary varies, but an influencer can be paid thousands for one content post if they have a huge amount of followers.

No set qualifications are required, but good copywriting skills and a vast knowledge of social media is recommended.

AI Experts/Developers

Average salary: $90,000 to $180,000 per year

Artificial intelligence can seem like a daunting process, as we worry it can take many current jobs.

However, some jobs of the future will be created from the AI revolution. People will need to build and manage functional robots or advise on the different AI languages.

It is also predicted that researchers will need to study how each AI robot or machine will help the economy and analyze the data from this.

There are no set average salaries for this field, as it is developing.

Qualifications and skills in computer science, data analysts, IT, and mechanics are all recommended for a future career in AI.

Entrepreneur Jobs for the Future

Entrepreneurial jobs are also an option when looking at future careers. With technology and online classes and opportunities, it is now easier than ever to start your own business.

Of course, you need an idea and the skills, but there are many online courses to help you know the key factors for setting up a business.

You can always train in one of the best jobs of the future listed above, and then set up on your own.

You do not need to meet people face-to-face any more, so can set your business all online, video calling clients and investors.

Many business owners create an e-commerce enterprise, building an online shop and shipping products straight from their home.

Or you could set up a business and advertise online and through organic SEO and social media, offering your service virtually.

What Careers Are Becoming Obsolete?

It is important when looking at the future jobs in demand, to also look at careers that are becoming obsolete.

With AI and advanced technology, some jobs no longer need to be completed by humans.

For example, shop cashiers are often replaced with the self-service tills. Also, there used to be printers who would ensure all newspapers are printed properly, but these are all done by a machine.

Music store owners are almost obsolete due to online music apps and streaming.

Manufacturers and mechanics of machinery are not as in demand any more due to AI robots and advancements in technology.

Although AI and technology have taken some older roles and careers, with the right skills you can change your career path to reflect the new jobs available.

It is also important to remember that the digital world and the opportunity to work remotely means you can work for companies across the world but not have to relocate. This widens your choices too!

Preparing for the Best Jobs for the Future

The key to future-proofing your career is to prepare as much as you can. Here are some of the best ways to do this.

The Importance of Soft Skills

The soft skills we possess, such as communication skills, ability to interact with others, problem solving, and resolving conflicts, are vital. These skills will be needed in every career or job you are in.

Whether you are in a customer-facing role, or needing to hold meetings with colleagues online, communication skills are important to achieve this.

Problems and conflicts arise in every job, too, and approaching them in the right way will be the key to success.

Honing soft skills will help prepare you for any job that you go for.

Developing Transferable Skills

Knowing how to transfer skills is another way to future-proof your career.

Perhaps you are a great writer who has worked on a print magazine; now you will be able to transfer those skills to write blogs for an online e-commerce company.

Your previous role may have helped develop your management skills, which you can now transfer to manage your online team for the new IT company you work for.

Keeping an Open Mind When Looking for Roles

Job titles can sometimes put us off applying for a job immediately, but it is important to keep an open mind and widen your options.

Looking at a role as a whole will allow you to see that you have many of the skills and would actually enjoy the job.

Networking While Studying/Working

Creating a good LinkedIn profile and connecting with lots of people is a great way to network and find opportunities for future job opportunities.

There are also network events you can attend where you can speak to a range of people about what you are studying, and they may have something you can apply for in the future.

Becoming a Lifelong Learner

Always being willing to learn new skills will help with future development in the job world.

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Thoughts

We cannot fully guarantee the future, but, as it stands, we know the types of jobs that are in demand.

It is worth looking at studying in these industries, as they are likely to only rise in demand in the future.

It is also good to future-proof your career by developing soft and transferable skills, keeping your options open and always being willing to learn.