11 Jobs That Will Definitely Survive the Next 20 Years (And Even Be in Demand)
11 Jobs That Will Definitely Survive the Next 20 Years (And Even Be in Demand)
Chris Lewis, CEPFWed, May 6, 2026 at 1:18 PM UTC
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Many people worry that someday soon, a robot will steal their job. Technology will inevitably make some jobs obsolete in the future. However, other jobs simply cannot be performed by a machine.
Some careers will also likely remain in demand regardless of economic ups and downs. People in these industries may need to adjust workplace practices or make room for new technologies, but they can count on work for years to come.
Here are 11 jobs that will definitely survive and even be in high demand over the next several years. If you want to boost your bank account over the long haul, these may be careers to consider.
Editor's note: All data is taken from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
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1. Nurses
Several different types of nurses are expected to be in high demand throughout the decade ending in 2034, according to projections from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
Employment in health care occupations overall is projected to grow 5% faster than average over the decade, significantly faster than the average for all occupations.
Nurse practitioners, as well as nurse anesthetists and nurse midwives, will be in high demand, with overall employment expected to grow 40% over the decade, much faster than the average for all occupations.
Pro tip: Considering a change to one of these fast-growing careers? If you need to quit your job and return to school, one way to make ends meet until you graduate is to start a side hustle that can help you tap into a new source of income.
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2. Electricians
Most of us still need to call an electrician when the lights go out. These workers install, maintain, and repair electrical power, communications, lighting, and other systems.
Electricians can most likely count on work for years to come. Employment in the field is expected to grow around 9% faster than the average for all occupations through 2034, putting it on pace with all occupations across the U.S.
3. Plumbers
The projected job growth for plumbers across the U.S. is 4% faster than the average for all occupations through 2034.
As with electricians, most of us need to call an expert when a sink is clogged or a pipe is leaking. It's also unlikely that we'll trust robots to fix such a critical part of our homes anytime soon.
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4. Marketing managers
Marketing managers help advertise, promote, and generate interest in certain products, services, and companies. They will be in high demand over the next decade, according to the BLS.
Overall employment for people in advertising, promotions, and marketing management is projected to grow at a faster-than-average rate of 6% through 2034.
5. Construction managers
Construction managers help plan, coordinate, budget for and supervise construction projects.
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The BLS projects that the need for these workers will grow 9% through 2034, much faster than the average across all occupations.
6. Mental health counselors
Mental health counselors advise people on a range of issues, from alcoholism and other addictions to depression and more.
This career field is projected to remain in high demand, with expected growth at a whopping 17% faster than the average for all occupations through 2034.
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7. Data scientists
Data scientists use analytical tools and techniques to collect insights and data for their companies. This information may drive marketing strategies or even lead to product upgrades.
This is another gig where employment is expected to grow on a massive scale over the decade, surging 34% faster than the average for other occupations through 2034.
8. Personal financial advisors
In addition to being a well-paying gig, with a median salary of $102,140 a year, personal finance advisors are expected to be in high demand over the next decade or so.
BLS statistics suggest that job growth for personal finance advisors, people who help individuals manage their money and plan for their futures, will rise at a much faster-than-average 10% through 2034.
9. Truck drivers
Work for heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers across the U.S. is expected to remain fairly steady over the next decade or so, with a projected job growth of around 4% through 2034, much faster than the average for all occupations.
For those interested in the driver lifestyle, it requires workers to be on the road for long stretches of time and to work non-traditional hours to keep more cash in your wallet.
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10. Lawyers
People are not likely to stop needing lawyers anytime soon, given how often lawyers are brought in to mediate everything from real estate contracts to divorce proceedings.
Employment of lawyers is projected to grow at a faster-than-average 4% over the decade.
11. Software developers
Software developers can expect many opportunities to come their way through 2034, with job growth spiking 15%.
Those numbers translate to around 129,200 new openings for software developers, quality assurance analysts, and testers each year over the decade.
Bottom line
The rise in automation does not necessarily mean jobs will disappear in massive numbers. And for the 11 jobs on this list, opportunities are likely to abound.
So, if you are hoping to find an in-demand job that allows you to grow your wealth, these career paths are worth considering.
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Source: “AOL Money”
