An article published by CNBC in 2021 quoted research from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics about the fastest-growing jobs for the next decade.

The selection of those particular jobs was the result of the changing landscape of the labour market, as more people are switching careers and moving away from office-based roles to work remotely.

The highest growing sector is renewable energy, with many opportunities for technical workers. As more countries are aiming to reduce their carbon emissions and switch to more sustainable energy sources, the demand for skilled workers specialising in wind turbines and solar panels have increased.

Fast-Growing Jobs That Are in Demand

The report lists these fast-growing jobs that are likely to provide employment in the next ten years:

• wind turbine technicians
• nurses
• solar panel technicians
• statisticians
• assistants to physicians, care assistants and health service managers
• information security analysts
• data scientists.

Salaries can vary according to the levels of expertise, with good earning potential linked to data-focused roles.

Data Analysis Jobs Are Suitable for Remote Working

Roles that involve analysing data can be done anywhere: there is high demand for jobs in information security, statistics and data science and these sectors are projected to grow well above average.

Below are the requirements for roles that process data. Information on salary ranges for each role can be found at Payscale. For example, the average base statistician salary is $75,000, with bonuses reaching more than $15,000. The base salary for an information security analyst is $73,000, with bonuses reaching almost $15,000. A data scientist’s base salary is $96,000 on average with bonuses reaching $20,000.

Statistician

To become a statistician the requirements are:

• experience in collecting data via polls and surveys to draw meaningful conclusions
• experience in building models to support decision-making
• designing questionnaires and other modes of collecting data, and selecting sample sizes
• presenting data in graphs and reports in a way that is easy to understand
• ability to identify trends and test hypotheses based on available data
• proficiency in programming languages, databases and machine learning
• a degree in statistics, or a degree in computer science or mathematics with statistics modules
• an applied advanced degree is desirable, for example a master’s degree in applied statistics, for jobs in the private and public sector
• professional certifications are an advantage, to provide validation to accredited statisticians
• specialisation in fields such as pharmaceutical, medical, government, finance, education, biology, economics.

Demand for statisticians is projected to grow at 33% by 2029 by the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Information Security Analyst

To become an information security analyst, the requirements are:

• degree in information technology, information assurance or computer science
• master’s degree in information technology is a distinct advantage
• maintaining an organisation’s systems and recommending software updates
• train employees on how to use security software and hardware
• experience with Tableau Software, the business intelligence tool to understand data
• cybersecurity skills proven by certifications such as CompTIA security+
• background in IT fundamentals and coding
• network and infrastructure security management
• security testing and auditing
• project management
• security risk management
• research and keeping up to date with any developments in information security.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts the demand for information security analysts to grow at 32% by 2028.

Data Scientist

To become a data scientist the requirements are:

• ability to gather, organise and analyse data to find meaningful conclusions
• degree in information technology, physics, data analytics, computer science, mathematics
• a master’s degree is a distinct advantage
• ability to present data in a visual manner and to identify patterns using advanced algorithms
• ability to identify patterns of behaviour
• proficiency in using large databases and using code to manipulate data
• skills such as experimentation, coding, quantitative problem solving
• specialisation in business, industry sectors such as manufacturing or marketing
• ability to provide recommendations to businesses based on data, for example identifying price points
• continuous learning to stay up to date with the latest information technology trends.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that data scientist jobs will grow by 15% by 2029.

Organisations Looking For Data Professionals

As more jobs have become remote, organisations need to invest more in software and systems to allow their employees to be productive, as well as protect the information being shared and stored online.

These factors will drive employment of experts specialising in analysing data and protecting the infrastructure.

The industries that are more likely to employ data professionals are:

• business intelligence
• finance
• healthcare
• entertainment.

There are also opportunities in the sharing economy sector.