Promising Professions of the Future

Careers that will be in high demand in the next 5 years.

The job market is constantly changing, but with an aging and growing population, and greater dependency on technology, some career fields are guaranteed to grow rapidly. Here are some careers that are projected to have the most job openings in the next five years.

 

Software/Web Developer:

Software and web developers are the people behind some of your favorite apps. They design, build, and test electronic programs and apps based on user needs. A bachelor’s degree in a relevant field (Software development, computer science, or computer programming) is usually required. Software developers make over $120,000 a year on average and web designers make around $65,000 a year in Washington.

 

Information Security Analyst:

The demand for information security analysts is projected to grow by 31% by the end of the decade. They are tasked with the complex job of protecting computer networks and systems from cyber attacks. Due to the high demand, people in this career make an average of $101,000 per year, with an average of $5,000 in cash bonuses in Washington. A bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity or a related field is usually required, along with a certification to display proficiency in a certain area of cybersecurity.

 

Home Health Aide:

Home health aides assist elderly and disabled people with daily living with compassion and patience. They do everything from transporting their clients to appointments, to administering medicine. They must complete 75 hours of basic training and pass a certificate exam. Home health aides make an average of $18.37 an hour in Washington State, but salaries are projected to rise as demand increases.

 

Registered Nurse (RN) and Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) :

Registered Nurses and Certified Nursing Assistants do the incredibly important role of providing medical care for their patients. They work in various settings including hospitals, schools, assisted living homes, and correctional facilities. RNs must have an Associates Degree in Nursing (ADN) or a Bachelors in Science in Nursing (BSN), additionally, they have to obtain certification through the state’s department of health. CNA’s must complete an 85 hour training program approved by Washington, and pass the Washington State exam. RN’s make $86,000 a year and CNA’s make $18.75 per hour in Washington.

 

Construction worker:

With a growing population, the demand for housing and construction workers will continue to grow. Construction workers build and repair buildings, houses and other structures. Some people obtain jobs as construction workers with no training or education,  but some companies require workers to have a high school diploma or equivalent and/or participation in a basic training course. Depending on the equipment associated with the job, some construction workers might need a license to operate machinery. The average salary of construction workers is $19.01 per hour in Washington, but cities such as Seattle have higher hourly salaries.

 

Animal Caretaker:

Despite the profession being physically and emotionally demanding, it can also be incredibly fulfilling for those who love animals. Animal caretakers work in a variety of environments including kennels, zoos, shelters, and groomers. Most employers require prospective employees to have obtained their high school diploma or GED. Additionally, experience working with animals, such as prior volunteer work, is also preferred. It can be expected to make $15 an hour on average in Washington, depending on work experience and job responsibilities.