13 Most In-Demand Majors of 2024
September 5, 2024
When it comes to choosing a college career, it can feel like a gamble. You want to pick something that will set you up for a job you enjoy, but you also want to make sure you’re picking something that will actually earn you a position—and a salary. So, how to find the majors most in-demand in our current moment? In what sectors will there be new and growing job openings? And which ones will pay the most? What do you have to study to get there?
Luckily, the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) makes 10-year estimates for the employment outlook of every job sector in the country. They create projections for how much the field will grow, how many new jobs will be added, and they tell us the current median income for those jobs.
How this List is Organized
For the decade from 2023–2033, the BLS has given us the following 25 fast-growing job fields for jobs requiring a bachelor’s degree, with the most potential for growth and the highest median salaries. We’ve organized them into groups of different majors that you can choose to make yourself competitive for these jobs. Some positions may end up requiring master’s degrees or more, but these are the 25 positions with the fastest rate of growth that require bachelor’s degrees to begin with.
You’ll see the different MAJOR GROUPS in all caps, and the in-demand jobs that you can get with that major listed underneath.
All statistics and job descriptions come from the BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook.
Most In-Demand Majors
1) NURSING
Nurse Anesthetists, Nurse Midwives, and Nurse Practitioners
- Projected growth: 40%
- New jobs: 319,000
- Median annual wage: $129,480
Nurse anesthetists, nurse midwives, and nurse practitioners coordinate patient care and may provide primary and specialty healthcare. Individuals in this field work in a variety of healthcare settings, including hospitals, physicians’ offices, and clinics. Most advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) work full time.
Nurse anesthetists, nurse midwives, and nurse practitioners must earn at least a master’s degree in one of the APRN roles. They must also be licensed in their state and pass a national certification exam.
2) MATHEMATICS, APPLIED MATHEMATICS, STATISTICS, ETC.
Data Scientists
- Projected growth: 36%
- New jobs: 73,100
- Median annual wage: $108,020
Data scientists use analytical tools and techniques to extract meaningful insights from data. They spend much of their time in an office setting. Most work full time. Data scientists typically need at least a bachelor’s degree in mathematics, statistics, computer science, or a related field to enter the occupation. Some employers require or prefer that applicants have a master’s or doctoral degree.
Most In-Demand Majors (Continued)
Operations Research Analysts
- Projected growth: 23%
- New jobs: 113,000
- Median annual wage: $83,640
Operations research analysts use mathematics and logic to help solve complex issues. They spend much of their time in office settings, although travel may be necessary to meet with clients. Most operations research analysts work full time.
Operations research analysts typically need at least a bachelor’s degree to enter the occupation. Some employers require or prefer that applicants have a master’s degree. Analysts may need a degree in operations research or a related field, such as applied mathematics.
3) COMPUTER SCIENCE, INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY, ETC.
Information Security Analysts
- Projected growth: 33%
- New jobs: 59,100
- Median annual wage: $120,360
Information security analysts plan and carry out security measures to protect an organization’s computer networks and systems. Most information security analysts work for computer companies, consulting firms, or business and financial companies.
Information security analysts typically need a bachelor’s degree in a computer science field, along with related work experience. Employers may prefer to hire analysts who have professional certification.
Computer and Information Systems Managers
- Projected growth: 17%
- New jobs: 54,700 or more
- Median annual wage: $169,510
Computer and information systems managers plan, coordinate, and direct computer-related activities in an organization. Most computer and information systems managers work full time. Some work more than 40 hours per week.
Typically, candidates need a bachelor’s degree in computer or information science and related work experience. Many computer and information systems managers also have a graduate degree.
Most In-Demand Majors (Continued)
Database Administrator or Architect
- Projected growth: 9%
- New jobs: 95,000
- Median annual wage:
- Administrators: $101,510
- Architects: $134,700
Database administrators and architects create or organize systems to store and secure data.
Many database administrators and architects work in firms that provide computer design services or in industries that have large databases, such as educational institutions and insurance companies. Most database administrators and architects work full time.
Database administrators and architects typically need a bachelor’s degree in computer and information technology or a related field.
Software Developer
- Projected growth: 17%
- New jobs: 140,100
- Median annual wage: $132,270
Software developers design computer applications or programs. Quality assurance analysts and testers identify problems with applications or programs and report defects. Many software developers, quality assurance analysts, and testers work in computer systems design and related services, in manufacturing, or for software publishers. They often work in offices and on teams with other software developers or quality assurance analysts and testers.
Software developers, quality assurance analysts, and testers typically need a bachelor’s degree in computer and information technology or a related field. Some employers prefer to hire developers who have a master’s degree.
Most In-Demand Majors (Continued)
Computer Systems Analysts
- Projected growth: 11%
- New jobs: 373,000
- Median annual wage: $103,800
Computer systems analysts study an organization’s current computer systems and design ways to improve efficiency. Most computer systems analysts work full time.
Computer systems analysts typically need a bachelor’s degree to enter the occupation. Studying a computer science or information systems field is common, although not always a requirement. Some firms hire job candidates who have a degree in business or liberal arts along with relevant skills.
Software Developers, Quality Assurance Analysts, and Testers
- Projected growth: 17%
- New jobs: 1,401,000
- Median annual wage: $132,270
Software developers design computer applications or programs. Quality assurance analysts and testers identify problems with applications or programs and report defects. Many software developers, quality assurance analysts, and testers work in computer systems design and related services, in manufacturing, or for software publishers. They often work in offices and on teams with other software developers or quality assurance analysts and testers.
Software developers, quality assurance analysts, and testers typically need a bachelor’s degree in computer and information technology or a related field. Some employers prefer to hire developers who have a master’s degree.
Most In-Demand Majors (Continued)
Web Developers and Digital Designers
- Projected growth: 8%
- New jobs: 165,000
- Median annual wage:
- Web developers: $84,960
- Digital Designers: $98,540
Web developers create and maintain websites. Digital designers develop, create, and test website or interface layout, functions, and navigation for usability. Some web developers and digital designers work in the computer systems design and related services industry. Others are self-employed. Still others work in industries including publishing, management consulting, and advertising.
4) HEALTH CARE MANAGEMENT
Medical and Health Services Managers
Projected growth: 28.5%
New jobs: 160,600
$110,680
Medical and health services managers plan, direct, and coordinate the business activities of healthcare providers. Most medical and health services managers work in healthcare facilities, including hospitals and nursing homes, and group medical practices. Most work full time, and some work more than 40 hours per week.
Medical and health services managers typically need a bachelor’s degree to enter the occupation; however, education requirements may vary. Prospective managers also typically need work experience in an administrative or clinical role in a hospital or other healthcare facility.
5) ACCOUNTING, FINANCE, BUSINESS, MANAGEMENT, MARKETING, ETC.
Financial Managers
- Projected growth: 17%
- New jobs: 75,100 or more
- Median annual wage: $156,100
Financial managers create financial reports, direct investment activities, and develop plans for the long-term financial goals of their organization.Financial managers work in many industries, including banks, investment firms, and insurance companies. Most financial managers work full time, and some work more than 40 hours per week.
Financial managers typically need a bachelor’s degree and 5 years or more of experience in another business or financial occupation, such as accountant, securities sales agent, or financial analyst.
Management Analysts
- Projected growth: 11%
- New jobs: 957,000
- Median annual wage: $99,410
Management analysts recommend ways to improve an organization’s efficiency. Some may travel frequently to meet with clients. Some work more than 40 hours per week. They typically need at least a bachelor’s degree and several years of related work experience.
Most In-Demand Majors (Continued)
Market Research Analysts
- Projected growth: 8%
- New jobs: 885,000
- Median annual wage: $74,680
Market research analysts study consumer preferences, business conditions, and other factors to assess potential sales of a product or service. Because most industries use market research, these analysts are employed throughout the economy. Most analysts work full time during regular business hours.
Market research analysts typically need a bachelor’s degree. Some employers require or prefer that job candidates have a master’s degree.
6) SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGEMENT/LOGISTICS
Logisticians
- Projected growth: 19%
- New jobs: 261,000
- Median annual wage: $79,400
Logisticians analyze and coordinate an organization’s supply chain.
They work in many industries. Most work full time, and some work more than 40 hours per week.
Logisticians typically need a bachelor’s degree, although less education may be sufficient for some jobs. Employers may prefer work experience, especially when hiring candidates who do not have a degree.
7) ENGINEERING
Mechanical Engineers
- Projected growth: 11%
- New jobs: 198,000
- Median annual wage: $99,510
Mechanical engineers design, develop, build, and test mechanical and thermal sensors and devices and generally work in offices. They may occasionally visit worksites where a problem or piece of equipment needs their personal attention. They work mostly in engineering services, research and development, and manufacturing.
Mechanical engineers typically need a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering or mechanical engineering technology. All states and the District of Columbia require mechanical engineers who sell services to the public to be licensed.
Most In-Demand Majors (Continued)
Industrial Engineers
- Projected growth: 12%
- New jobs: 252,000
- Median annual wage: $99,380
Industrial engineers design, develop, and test integrated systems for managing industrial production processes. They work in a variety of settings, such as offices and manufacturing plants. Most work full time, and some work more than 40 hours per week.
Industrial engineers typically need a bachelor’s degree in industrial engineering or a related field, such as mechanical or electrical engineering.
8) BIOLOGY, CHEMISTRY, KINESIOLOGY, ANATOMY, ETC.
Physician Assistants
- Projected growth: 28%
- New jobs: 43,700
- Median annual wage: $130,020
Physician assistants examine, diagnose, and treat patients under the supervision of a physician. They work in physicians’ offices, hospitals, outpatient clinics, and other healthcare settings. Most work full time.
To enter the occupation, physician assistants typically need a master’s degree from an accredited program. All states require physician assistants to be licensed.
9) OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY
Occupational Health and Safety Specialists and Technicians
- Projected growth: 14%
- New jobs: 182,000
- Median annual wage:
- Specialists: $81,140
- Technicians: $57,920
Occupational health and safety specialists and technicians collect data on, analyze, and design improvements to work environments and procedures. Those in this field work in a variety of indoor or outdoor settings, such as offices and factories or construction sites. Their jobs may involve considerable travel and fieldwork. Most work full time, and some work more than 40 hours per week.
Occupational health and safety specialists typically need a bachelor’s degree in occupational health and safety or a related field. Occupational health and safety technicians typically need at least a high school diploma to enter the occupation, and they receive training on the job.
10) PSYCHOLOGY, SOCIOLOGY, SOCIAL WORK, OTHER SOCIAL SCIENCES
Social and Community Service Managers
- Projected growth: 8%
- New jobs: 178,000
- Median annual wage: $77,030
Social and community service managers coordinate and supervise programs and organizations that support public well-being. They work for nonprofit organizations, for-profit social service companies, and government agencies. Most work full time.
Social and community service managers typically need at least a bachelor’s degree and work experience.
Most In-Demand Majors (Continued)
Therapists
- Projected growth: 12%
- New jobs: 51,000
- Median annual wage: $63,650
Therapists use various systems of cognitive, behavioral, social, dialectical, artistic, musical, and other therapeutic paradigms to treat the emotional and mental wellbeing of their patients. They can work in hospitals, public practices, schools, and other institutions. They track their patient’s progress over time, suggest and perform other treatments, and make referrals to other health professionals. Many work 40 hours a week or more.
Therapists require a bachelor’s degree, and typically study psychology, social work, sociology, or another related field. They typically have a master’s degree or more, as well.
Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors
- Projected growth: 19%
- New jobs: 489,000
- Median annual wage: $53,710
Substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors advise people on a range of issues, such as those relating to alcoholism, addictions, or depression. They work in a variety of settings, such as mental health centers, community health centers, and private practice. Most work full time, although part-time work is common.
Education and training requirements vary for entering these occupations. Substance abuse and behavioral disorder counselors typically need at least a bachelor’s degree, whereas mental health counselors typically need a master’s degree and an internship. Some counselors need a state-issued license.
11) EXERCISE SCIENCE, EXERCISE PHYSIOLOGY, ETC.
Exercise Physiologists
- Projected growth: 10%
- New jobs: 16,000
- Median annual wage: $54,860
Exercise physiologists develop fitness and exercise programs to help people improve their health. Most exercise physiologists are self-employed or work for hospitals. They usually work full time, but part-time work may be common.
Exercise physiologists typically need a bachelor’s degree in exercise science, exercise physiology, or a related field to enter the occupation.
12) FILM, BROADCASTING, JOURNALISM, COMMUNICATIONS, ETC.
Film and Video Editors and Camera Operators
- Projected growth: 3%
- New jobs: 71,000
- Median annual wage: $66,600
Film and video editors and camera operators manipulate moving images that entertain or inform an audience. They typically work in studios or in offices. Camera operators and videographers often shoot raw footage on location.
Film and video editors and camera operators typically need a bachelor’s degree in a field related to film or broadcasting.
13) ART, SCIENCE, HISTORY, ARCHAEOLOGY, MUSEUM STUDIES
Archivists, Curators, and Museum Workers
- Projected growth: 11%
- New jobs: 47,000
- Median annual wage: $57,120
Archivists and curators oversee institutions’ collections, such as of historical items or of artwork. Museum technicians and conservators prepare and restore items in those collections. Archivists, curators, museum technicians, and conservators work in museums, historical sites, governments, colleges and universities, corporations, and other institutions. Most work full time.
They typically need a master’s degree in a field related to their position. Museum technicians typically need a bachelor’s degree. Experience gained through an internship or by volunteering in archives or museums is helpful.
Most In-Demand Majors Additional Resources
