4 Fast-Growing Jobs That Pay $70,000 or More Per Year

First things first: if you want job security and a big salary, you’re probably going to be in school for a long time. Most of the fastest growing jobs in the Bureau of Labor Statistic’s Occupation Finder require at least a Master’s Degree. But if you’re willing to put in the time and effort to train, and these careers appeal to you, it will probably be worth it: while the median household income in the United States hovers around $53,600, people in these occupations typically earn more than $70,000 a year.

Plus, you’ll probably be able to find a job: the Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that all of these occupations will grow at least 30 percent by 2024.

One thing to note about these jobs, which constitute the highest-paying, fastest-growing jobs in the BLS’s Occupational Outlook Handbook; half of them are in healthcare, and all involve a focus on STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math). So if you’re hoping to make the big bucks, and want to make sure you’ll always be employed, learn to love math and science.

1. Nurse Practitioner: Nurse Practitioners fulfill many of the same functions as Physicians, diagnosing and treating illnesses and injury, providing preventative screenings, and prescribing medications. In some states, NPs can work independently, while in others, they must practice in collaboration with a doctor.

Median Annual Salary: $87,507

Typical Entry-Level Education Required: Master’s Degree

2. Operations Research Analyst: Using advanced statistical analysis, Operations Research Analysts help companies find ways to save money without sacrificing efficiency or results.

Median Annual Salary: $75,224

Typical Entry-Level Education Required: Bachelor’s Degree

3. Physician Assistant: PAs work in doctor’s offices, clinics, and hospitals as part of a medical team, diagnosing and treating illnesses and injuries. Often, Physician Assistants handle routine cases, freeing up Physicians to handle more complex cases. In some areas, they can prescribe medication.

Median Annual Salary: $87,342

Typical Entry-Level Education Required: Master’s Degree

4. Statistician: Statisticians work in a wide variety of industries, including healthcare (there it is again) and business. Regardless of the type of business they work in, Statisticians analyze data to offer practical advice to their employers, which in turn supports better decision-making.

Median Annual Salary: $71,716

Typical Entry-Level Education Required: Master’s Degree

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