Planning for the Next Generation
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) recently released its 2025–2035 Employment Projections. While this blog is purely for educational purposes and not a specific career recommendation for your family, the data highlights a clear trend: there are incredible opportunities in the modern workforce well beyond the traditional four-year college degree.
Here is a look at where the job market is heading over the next decade.
The AI and Energy Boom
The integration of Artificial Intelligence is drastically changing our economy, and it requires massive amounts of electricity and physical infrastructure to function. Because of this, the Utilities sector is projected to be the fastest-growing industry over the next decade, with a 9.8% growth rate.
This demand for power is creating a surge in specialized, technical jobs. For example:
Solar Photovoltaic Installers: Projected to grow by 36.5%.
Wind Turbine Technicians: Projected to grow by 29.5%.
These are currently some of the fastest-growing jobs in the country. More importantly, these roles typically require technical training, certifications, or apprenticeships rather than a traditional four-year university education. They offer strong earning potential and stability for young adults entering the trades.
While advanced tech roles like data scientists will also see massive growth as businesses adopt AI, the physical infrastructure supporting this technology is creating an entirely different set of accessible, hands-on opportunities.
The Healthcare Surge
The second major factor shaping the economy is the aging U.S. population. Healthcare and Social Assistance will add the most jobs of any sector, over 2.2 million, accounting for 37% of all new jobs created by 2035.
While advanced roles like Nurse Practitioners are the single fastest-growing occupation (up 41%), the broader healthcare industry offers numerous paths. Services specifically for the elderly and disabled will add over 625,000 jobs. Many of the support and technical roles within this specific sector require specialized vocational training or associate degrees, providing stable careers in a rapidly expanding field without a four-year university commitment.
Sectors Facing Declines
As we look at where jobs are growing, it is also important to note where they are shrinking. AI and automation are expected to reduce the need for labor in several areas. Office and Administrative Support is projected to lose over 750,000 jobs. Sales, production, and retail trade are also expected to see declines as automated manufacturing and e-commerce become more prevalent.
Looking Ahead
The U.S. economy is projected to add 5.9 million jobs between 2025 and 2035. Understanding these macroeconomic shifts can help your family have informed, realistic conversations about the future.
We take great pride in getting to know each client and their unique goals. If you want to sit down and talk about how these economic trends might impact your long-term financial plans, we are always here to help.