Most people pick a degree based on interest, family advice or a gut feeling. The more useful question might be simpler: where are the jobs going to be?

According to BLS projections for 2024 to 2034, the fastest-growing jobs requiring degrees are in healthcare, data and cybersecurity. Nurse practitioners are projected to grow 40.1%, data scientists 33.5% and information security analysts 28.5%.

How to Read This List

The BLS expects the economy to add 5.2 million jobs between 2024 and 2034, which is overall growth of just 3.1%. Percentages can also mislead: a small occupation growing 50% may add fewer jobs than a huge one growing 5%. I've listed growth and median pay together so you can judge both. "Demanding" here means in demand.

The Ten Degrees

1. Nursing (advanced practice): Nurse practitioners are projected to grow 40.1% with a 2024 median wage of $129,210. This path typically requires a graduate degree.

2. Data Science: Data scientists are projected to grow 33.5%, with median pay of $112,590.

3. Cybersecurity: Information security analysts are projected to grow 28.5% and earn a median $124,910.

4. Health Services Administration: Medical and health services managers are projected to grow 23.2%, earning a median $117,960.

5. Actuarial Science: Actuaries are projected to grow 21.8%, with a median wage of $125,770. It's math-heavy and exam-driven.

6. Operations Research and Applied Math: Operations research analysts are projected to grow 21.5%, at a median $91,290.

7. Physician Assistant Studies: The BLS lists this role among the faster growers, at roughly 20.4% growth. It's a graduate-level program.

8. Physical Therapy Assisting: Physical therapist assistants are projected to grow 22%, with median pay of $65,510. This is typically a two-year degree, so it's a lower-cost entry point.

9. Renewable Energy Technology: Wind turbine technicians top the list at about 49.9% growth, and solar installers follow at 42.1%. These are often certificate or associate-level paths with smaller pay (about $62,580 and $51,860). The base is small, so the percentages look bigger than the job counts.

10. Computer Science: The BLS says computer and mathematical occupations are the second-fastest-growing occupational group, which keeps this degree relevant even as tools change.

Choosing Without Chasing Hype

Projections are estimates, and they can't predict sudden shocks. Match the growth numbers to your own strengths. A high-paying field you dislike is a bad deal if you'd quit in three years. Look at cost too, since a two-year degree with solid demand can beat a four-year one with debt.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which degree has the fastest-growing jobs?
By percentage, renewable energy technician roles lead. Among traditional degrees, advanced nursing practice leads at 40.1%.

Which pays best from this list?
Nurse practitioners, actuaries and information security analysts all have median pay above $120,000.

Are these numbers guaranteed?
No. They're BLS projections for 2024 to 2034 and get updated regularly.

Is a four-year degree required for all of them?
No. Physical therapy assisting and some energy roles are available through shorter programs.