Choosing the right career starts with understanding today’s most in-demand jobs. Careers in healthcare, technology, business and skilled trades continue to grow, offering strong job outlooks, competitive salaries and opportunities to make a difference. From patient care and counseling to cybersecurity, AI engineering, and supply chain management, these roles support individuals, organizations and communities.

We’re going to be looking at some of the fast-growing professions, their key responsibilities, salaries and more. 

Top 10 Fastest Growing Jobs 

Below, you’ll find an overview of growing career paths, including job responsibilities, salary potential and education options to help you prepare for success. Here are the fastest-growing jobs for 2026. 

1.  Home Health Aide 

A home health aide provider provides personal care for patients who have a disability, illness, injury or aging. The care is often provided in their home, where home health aides can help with daily tasks like: 

• Cooking 
• Cleaning 
• Grooming 
• Running errands 
• Checking patient vitals 
• Following care plans
• Administering medication 

Home health aides will observe and report noticeable changes in a patient’s condition to their healthcare professional. They also work closely with families and healthcare teams to ensure consistent care, even providing emotional support when needed. 

The projected job growth for home health aides is projected to grow 17 percent by 2034, with about 765,800 jobs opening annually. The median salary for a home health aide is $34,900. 

2. AI Engineer

AI is a rapidly growing and always evolving career field. Across multiple industries, AI is becoming more prevalent, and businesses are looking for ways to incorporate AI into their workflows, operations and more. AI engineers help train and build AI models or frameworks to better mimic human behavior for better decision-making. 

Other tasks that AI engineers will handle are: 

• Application development 
• Model implementation
• Data handling 
• AI optimization 
• System integration

The overall job outlook for AI engineers and other AI-related careers is projected to increase 16 percent by 2026, with a median salary of $101,752.

3. Registered Nurse

A registered nurse, or RN, plays an important role in patient care across hospitals, clinics, schools, and community settings. RNs assess and monitor patient health, symptoms and work with doctors and healthcare professionals to create treatment plans. They administer medications, perform medical procedures and use medical equipment while ensuring patient safety and comfort. Beyond clinical tasks, registered nurses communicate with patients and families about managing illnesses, treatments, diagnosis and overall wellness. RNs may also provide emotional support or advocate for patients’ needs between patients and healthcare teams. 

For students who feel called to help and make a difference in patients’ lives, we offer a B.S. in Nursing to Doctor of Nursing Practice program that combines online learning with clinical training. This program is designed to help students deepen their knowledge of nursing through three key parts: an 18 credit-hour pathway sequence, the DNP core, and a specialized concentration in Executive Nursing Leadership, that will develop leadership and healthcare management skills. This program is ideal for students who are nursing professionals or have already earned their bachelor’s in nursing.

The job outlook for registered nurses is expected to grow 8 percent by 2034, with a little over 189,000 job openings yearly. The median salary for a registered nurse is $93,600. 

4. Electrician

An electrician is a skilled professional who installs, maintains and repairs electrical systems for homes, businesses or industrial settings. Electricians work with wiring, circuit breakers, outlets, lighting systems and electrical panels to confirm power is delivered safely and efficiently. 

In addition to installation work, electricians diagnose electrical problems, replace faulty components and perform routine inspections to prevent electrical fires or power failures. They may also upgrade systems to handle increased electrical demands or install energy-efficient solutions. 

The demand for electricians is increasing, with over 81,000 job openings annually. The overall job outlook is expected to grow by 9 percent in 2034. The jump in job openings is caused by the transfer and retirement of electricians. The median salary for an electrician is $62,350. 

5. Cybersecurity Analysts

A cybersecurity analyst’s main purpose is to protect an organization’s computer systems, networks and data from digital threats. They monitor systems for suspicious activity, investigate potential security breaches and respond to incidents that might jeopardize sensitive information. Cybersecurity analysts use security software, firewalls, and intrusion detection systems to identify vulnerabilities and prevent attacks from hackers, malware or other cyber threats.

Other important tasks cybersecurity analysts perform to protect data and information are: 

• Risk assessment
• Develop security policies
• Perform security audits
• Test security systems 

Cybersecurity analysts stay informed about emerging threats and evolving technologies, allowing them to adapt security strategies as risks change. 

Here at ACU Online, we offer students a 100% online and flexible B.S. in Cybersecurity. Our bachelor’s program helps students develop real-world skills with a comprehensive curriculum that reflects current cybersecurity trends and strategies. After earning their undergraduate degree, students can pursue an M.S. in Information Technology. The curriculum for our online graduate program is based on industry trends and certification standards so students can enhance their real-world skills for cyber attacks, risk management and more. The overall job outlook for cybersecurity and information security analysts is projected to grow by almost 30 percent in 2034. There are 16,000 annual job openings, and the average salary for cybersecurity or information security analysts is $124,910. 

6. Digital Marketing Specialist

A digital marketing specialist plans and executes online marketing strategies to help organizations reach and engage their target audiences. They use multiple digital channels such as websites, search engines, social media, email, text messages and more to promote products, services or brands. Their work often includes creating and optimizing content, managing paid advertising campaigns and improving search engine visibility through search engine optimization, also known as SEO.

In addition to campaign execution, digital marketing specialists analyze performance data to measure website traffic, engagement and conversions to understand what is working and what needs to improve. Digital marketing specialists also stay current with digital trends and platform changes. 

We have an online B.S. in Marketing, which equips students with the marketing and leadership skills to transform brands. Students can choose an analytics or general pathway, which will teach them core business fundamentals, marketing techniques and more to create effective marketing campaigns. ACU Online also offers an M.B.A. in Business Administration for students wanting to expand their knowledge or prepare for a new role. Our online graduates who apply for this major can choose a marketing focus that will explore consumer behavior, marketing trends and more.  

7. Supply Chain Manager 

A supply chain manager, sometimes known as logisticians, oversees the flow of goods, information and resources from suppliers to customers to guarantee that goods are being delivered to customers on time. Their responsibilities include planning and coordinating procurement, production, transportation and the distribution processes.

Supply chain managers collaborate with vendors, manufacturers and internal teams to improve operations and resolve disruptions. They analyze data to forecast demand, identify risks, and develop strategies to improve efficiency and resilience within the supply chain. Supply chain managers also ensure compliance with regulations and sustainability standards by confirming that transportation partners, suppliers and the internal process are within laws, regulations and policies. 

At ACU Online, we offer an MBA in Business Administration with an operations and supply chain management focus for working professionals. The curriculum will teach business professionals project management, in-demand organization operations and more to efficiently deliver products to customers on time. 

Job growth for supply chain managers is projected to be 17 percent by 2034, with over 26,000 annual job openings. The median salary for a supply chain manager is $80,880. 

8. Substance Abuse Counselor

A substance abuse counselor helps individuals struggling with alcohol or drug addiction work toward recovery and long-term wellness. They provide counseling and support to clients as they address the physical, emotional and behavioral factors of substance use disorders. Substance abuse counselors evaluate clients’ needs, develop individualized treatment plans, and lead one-on-one or group counseling sessions focused on coping skills, relapse prevention, and healthy decision-making.

Furthermore, substance abuse counselors educate and work with clients and their families on addiction, treatment options and recovery resources. They often collaborate with healthcare providers, social workers and support organizations to coordinate care and confirm clients receive comprehensive support. 

Our B.S. in Psychology program develops and shapes compassionate psychologists and counselors through an in-depth and insightful curriculum focused on human behavior. Students will learn the fundamentals of the human mind, behavior and more to either pursue a graduate degree or immediately start working in their field. For those who have already earned their bachelor’s degree but are looking to grow their skills at a higher level, we offer an online Master’s of Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT) program. The MFT programs combine practical training for couples, children and families battling substance abuse and addiction, mental illness and more. The need for substance abuse counselors is increasing, with a projected job growth of 17 percent by 2034, with a little over 48,000 new job openings a year. The median salary for a substance abuse counselor is $59,190. 

9. Physical Therapist Assistant 

A physical therapist assistant, or PTA, works under the supervision of a licensed physical therapist to help patients recover from injuries, surgeries, or medical conditions that affect movement and mobility. PTAs help carry out treatment plans designed by the physical therapist, guiding patients through exercises, stretches, and physical activities that improve strength, flexibility, balance and coordination.

Physical therapist assistants also: 

• Use specialized equipment
• Observe patient progress
• Document patient response and treatment
• Report updates to physical therapists
• Educate patients and families on exercise and stretch techniques

Job growth for physical therapist assistants is expected to jump 16 percent by 2033. The average salary for a physical therapist is $65,510, with some making almost $90,000. 

10. Healthcare Administrator

A healthcare administrator manages the business and operational side for healthcare organizations such as hospitals, clinics, private practices and long-term care facilities. The role of a healthcare administrator focuses on ensuring healthcare services are delivered efficiently, safely and in compliance with laws and regulations. Healthcare administrators oversee budgets, staffing and organizational policies while working to improve the overall patient experience. In addition to managing daily operations, healthcare administrators also coordinate with medical staff, department leaders and external partners to support clinical services. 

We offer an online B.S. in Healthcare Administration and a Master of Healthcare Administration for those who want to serve others through innovation and healthcare. Our programs focus on leadership and ethics, the healthcare system and technical and foundational competencies to help students improve and impact patient lives. 

Job growth for healthcare administrators is projected to grow 23 percent by 2034, with over 62,000 job openings a year. The median salary for healthcare administrators is $117,960. 

Find Your Career Path With ACU Online

As industries continue to evolve, careers in healthcare, technology, business, and skilled trades remain essential and in high demand. Roles such as home health aide, registered nurse, cybersecurity analyst, digital marketing specialist, and more offer strong job growth, competitive salaries and meaningful work. With flexible online and career-focused degree programs, students can gain the skills and knowledge needed to enter or advance in these growing fields

At Abilene Christian University, we provide online, affordable, flexible and faith-based degree and certificate programs for students with jobs, families and more. Each program is industry-based and taught by expert faculty, ensuring that students gain the skills needed for their future roles. For those ready to pursue higher education to jumpstart their career, visit our website.