Median salary in 2020: $111,030
Projected growth rate between 2019 and 2029: 18% (much faster than average)
Actuaries typically work for insurance companies and are responsible for evaluating risk. Actuaries use math, data, and statistics to determine whether their employer should issue a policy to a potential customer—whether that’s an individual or a business—and, if they determine a policy should be issued, what the premium should be. Actuaries make evaluations regarding health, life, automobile, homeowners, medical malpractice, and workers’ compensation insurance, as well as retirement benefits and other investments.
A degree in actuarial science (which focuses on using math and statistical modeling to assess risk) or a related field (such as math or statistics) is a must. Plus, actuaries need to pass a series of rigorous exams over the course of several years in order to be certified to do the job by the Casualty Actuarial Society (CAS) or the Society of Actuaries (SOA).
2.
Median salary in 2020: $88,950
Projected growth rate between 2019 and 2029: 10% (much faster than average)
Industrial engineers are in the business of optimization and efficiency. They use math, statistics, science, and engineering principles to evaluate people, systems, and processes within a business—including supply chains, operations, finance, and machinery or equipment. Their goal is to figure out the most effective way to integrate the systems and processes needed to create a product or service. They ensure businesses keep costs low and productivity high and hit organizational goals (for example, shipping a new product by a certain deadline or optimizing shipping and delivery operations).
In order to succeed as an industrial engineer, a bachelor’s in industrial engineering or a related field is a must—and many industrial engineers go on to pursue advanced degrees.
3.
Median salary in 2020: $98,230
Projected growth rate between 2019 and 2029: 31% (much faster than average)
Data scientists create the frameworks that allow companies to collect, organize, and analyze data—and then leverage that data to make better decisions for their business. Depending on business needs, the job can include everything from running data experiments, implementing statistical models and algorithms, developing data products, and optimizing frameworks to increase efficacy and drive better business outcomes.
Data science is a highly technical, data-heavy role—and, as such, a bachelor’s degree in computer science, engineering, statistics, math, engineering, or a related field is typically a job requirement (and many companies prefer their data scientists hold an advanced degree).
Find data scientist and other data science jobs on The Muse
4.
Median salary in 2020: $151,150
Projected growth rate between 2019 and 2029: 10% (much faster than average)
Information systems managers (also known as IS managers) are responsible for designing and, yes, managing the information systems within an organization. They typically hold a senior-level role within a company’s information technology (IT) department and are tasked with evaluating a company’s current technology, staying up-to-date on available upgrades and best practices, developing an information systems strategy or plan, making recommendations on everything from hardware to software to security, and overseeing a team to implement their plans and recommendations. So for instance, an IS manager might weigh the costs and benefits of a new piece of software, pitch their recommendation to executives or other decision makers, get it installed efficiently across the organization, and oversee maintenance and security for it going forward.
IS managers need a deep understanding of information systems and, as such, they typically hold at least a bachelor’s degree in a tech-related field (like computer science or information technology).
5.
Median salary in 2020: $103,590
Projected growth rate between 2019 and 2029: 31% (much faster than average)
Information security analysts are responsible for keeping a company’s information safe and secure—a top priority for most companies at a time when so much sensitive information is shared and stored digitally. Information security analysts are responsible for everything from researching and testing security solutions, evaluating a company’s current digital security processes, identifying and fixing vulnerabilities, managing security threats or breaches, and developing and implementing security solutions and technologies (such as by overseeing the installation of firewalls and the use of data encryption).
Information security analysts need to know the ins and outs of all things cybersecurity and typically hold a bachelor’s degree (or higher!) in a technology-related field, such as computer science.
6.
Median salary in 2020: $134,180
Projected growth rate between 2019 and 2029: 15% (much faster than average)
As the title implies, financial managers are responsible for managing an organization’s finances. Financial managers may be employed directly by a company or they may work for a consulting firm, where they tackle financial management for the firm’s clients. Depending on the company or client’s needs, a financial manager may be responsible for a variety of finance-related tasks, including identifying financial weaknesses or risks; developing solutions to eliminate those weaknesses or risks; performing financial research; creating financial projections and reports; preparing financial statements; setting financial goals; providing suggestions for how the company or client can hit those financial goals; and suggesting ways to reduce costs, increase profits, or expand into new markets.
Financial management requires an in-depth knowledge of business finance—which they might’ve gained as accountants or financial analysts, for example—and candidates typically need a bachelor’s degree in finance, business, or a related field to get started.
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7.
Median salary in 2020: $75,330
Projected growth rate between 2019 and 2029: 7% (faster than average)
Registered nurses (also called RNs) provide medical care and support to patients in a variety of settings (including hospitals, doctor’s offices, surgery centers, nursing care facilities, schools, or patients’ homes) and across specialties (such as emergency care, pediatrics, or oncology). Depending on where they work, their area of specialization, and their patients’ needs, nurses may manage a wide variety of patient-related tasks, from monitoring vital signs to administering medication to assisting with surgeries. They also take medical histories, update medical records, monitor equipment, and teach and communicate with patients.
To launch a career as an RN, you’ll need to get an associate’s or bachelor’s degree in nursing and pass a licensing exam before you can start working and seeing patients.
8.
Median salary in 2020: $115,390
Projected growth rate between 2019 and 2029: 31% (much faster than average)
A physician assistant (also known as a PA) is a licensed medical professional who provides routine patient care. Just like a medical doctor (MD), a physician assistant can examine, diagnose, and treat patients; prescribe medication; and develop treatment plans. But unlike doctors, who work independently, PAs must be supervised by an MD. PAs can work in a variety of settings (including doctors’ offices and hospitals) and within different specialties (from primary care to surgery).
A career as a physician assistant starts with a bachelor’s degree in biology or a related field, followed by a master’s degree program (often called “PA school”), a national certification exam, and licensing (requirements vary by state).
9.
Median salary in 2020: $108,830
Projected growth rate between 2019 and 2029: 6% (faster than average)
As the title suggests, sales engineers hold a hybrid role that incorporates elements of both sales and engineering. Sales engineers typically work for companies that sell complex technology products or services to clients. Sales engineers work with the client to evaluate their systems and develop custom solutions to fit each client’s individual needs. They play a role in presenting and pitching to clients; closing and renewing deals; installing software or equipment; and providing support once the technology is in use.
Because sales engineers need an in-depth knowledge of science, technology, and engineering principles in order to successfully do their job, candidates typically need at least a bachelor’s degree in engineering to get their foot in the door (although some opportunities will require a master’s degree).
10.
Median salary in 2020: $74,650
Projected growth rate between 2019 and 2029: 7% (faster than average)
Technical writers take complex technical ideas and translate them into language people can easily read and understand—whether that’s in the form of journal articles, educational materials, video scripts, tutorials, instruction manuals, or FAQ pages. That means they need to interact with the people designing and creating the relevant products or equipment, for example, in order to understand the ins and outs of what they’re writing about and determine what kind of documentation is necessary. Their audience might be colleagues within their own organization, clients, customers, or the general public.
Technical writers often hold degrees in English, communications, or a related field. In order to succeed as a technical writer, you’ll also need a deep understanding of computer science, engineering, medicine, or whichever specific technical field you’re writing about (in some cases, that might come in the form of a degree or prior work experience in that field).
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