Table of Contents: Fastest Growing Jobs
What are the Fastest Growing Jobs in America in 2026?
Employment projections for 2026 and beyond are closely linked to market demand, so knowing the fastest-growing jobs in America can give you a clearer picture of what to expect. Across recent reports, several themes stand out: strong growth in AI and other computer occupations, continued expansion in healthcare roles, and rising demand for strategic, sales, and sustainability-focused talent.
Over the past three years, the demand for engineers, AI experts, healthcare professionals, sales leaders, and financial experts has been increasing, and that trend is expected to continue into the next decade. For the sake of brevity, we will highlight 10 of the fastest-growing roles that appear consistently across recent LinkedIn and BLS insights.
Side note: For a deeper dive, check out LinkedIn’s latest “Jobs on the Rise 2026: The 25 fastest‑growing roles in the U.S.” list, which still features AI‑heavy and strategic roles at the top.
The Top 10 Fastest Growing Jobs in America in 2026
1. Artificial Intelligence Engineer
Projected growth: AI‑related software and computer occupations are projected to grow much faster than average over the next decade.
Average salary: $106,386
What they do: Artificial intelligence engineers design, build, and train AI models and algorithms, leveraging programming languages to create intelligent systems capable of performing tasks that typically require human intelligence. As more organizations embed AI into products and internal workflows, demand for AI engineers continues to surge.
2. Artificial Intelligence Consultant / Strategist
Recent growth signal: AI consultants and strategists now consistently appear near the top of LinkedIn’s fastest‑growing roles lists.
Average salary: $113,566
What they do: AI consultants guide organizations on how to integrate AI technologies into business operations, products, and customer experiences. They help leaders understand ROI, select the right tools, and design responsible AI strategies—critical support as many companies race to adopt AI but lack in‑house expertise.
3. Physical Therapist
Projected growth rate: about 15% this decade, much faster than average for all occupations.
Average salary: $96,695
What they do: Physical therapists evaluate and treat patients to alleviate pain, enhance mobility, and support injury prevention or recovery. They complete extensive education and often hold doctoral or advanced professional degrees in the field. With an aging population and a focus on maintaining quality of life, demand for physical therapists—and related roles like physical therapist assistants, personal care aides, nurse practitioners, occupational therapists, and physician assistants—continues to rise.
4. Workforce Development Manager / Training & Development Manager
Projected growth rate: around 6–7% over the coming decade.
Average salary: $80,644
What they do: Workforce development and training managers create and execute learning programs that align employee skills with company objectives, helping staff upskill and reskill as roles change. As our 2025 Recruitment Trends Report notes, rapid technological change and widening skill gaps are pushing organizations to invest more in internal development, making this role increasingly central.
5. Travel Advisor / Travel Agent
Projected growth rate: about 3% into the next decade.
Average salary: $48,925
What they do: Travel advisors assist in planning and booking travel arrangements—transportation, accommodations, and experiences—tailored to clients’ preferences and budgets. With global travel continuing to rebound and become more complex, specialized advisors remain in demand for high‑touch, customized itineraries. Bon voyage!
6. Event Coordinator / Meeting & Event Planner
Projected growth rate: about 8% over the coming years.
Average salary: $50,890
Job description: Event coordinators plan and manage social, corporate, and nonprofit events, handling logistics like scheduling, venues, vendors, and budgets. As in‑person gatherings, conferences, and hybrid events have returned, organizations continue to rely on experts who can design experiences that bring people together safely and effectively.
7. Director of Development / Fundraising and Development Leaders
Projected growth rate: around 7–8% in the coming decade.
Average salary: $92,386
What they do: Directors of development oversee an organization’s fundraising strategy, donor relations, and portfolio management to secure financial support for initiatives. As competition for funding continues and nonprofits and institutions seek more stability, development leaders who can build sustainable revenue streams are in high demand.
8. Outside Sales Representative / Sales Specialist
Projected growth rate: modest but steady in many markets.
Average salary: $78,042
What they do: Outside sales representatives promote and sell products or services to potential and existing clients, fostering customer relationships and helping organizations hit revenue targets. Many of LinkedIn’s “Jobs on the Rise” lists also show strong momentum for specialized advertising and sales specialists, reflecting continued demand for growth‑oriented roles.
9. Sustainability Specialist
Projected growth outlook: generally positive, with many environmental and sustainability roles growing faster than average as regulations and ESG expectations evolve.
Average salary: $122,624
What they do: Sustainability specialists assess an organization’s environmental, social, and governance (ESG) practices, then develop strategies to reduce negative impacts and promote responsible resource use and positive social outcomes. While regulatory and investor attitudes toward ESG have shifted in some markets, demand for professionals who can navigate sustainability, risk, and compliance remains strong—especially in larger and global organizations.
10. Security Guard / Physical Security Professional
Projected growth rate: roughly in line with average, with pockets of stronger demand in certain industries and regions.
Average salary: $39,591
What they do: Security guards and physical security professionals protect property, individuals, and assets, responding to potential threats and maintaining overall safety. Growth in this field is tied to a mix of factors, including increased in‑person activity, expansion in sectors like logistics and cannabis, and heightened attention to risk and loss prevention.
What The 10 Fastest Growing Jobs Tell Us About the Future
Taken together, the fastest-growing jobs in America reflect broader trends in technology, healthcare, sustainability, and the evolving needs of the workforce. As industries adapt to new challenges and opportunities, from AI adoption to demographic shifts, professionals in these roles will play key parts in shaping the future of work.
Whether through advancing technological innovations, facilitating travel and events, improving healthcare access, driving revenue, or helping organizations meet new ESG and safety expectations, these careers offer promising prospects for job seekers and contribute to long-term economic growth. If you need assistance mapping out talent in your field or gaining competitive intelligence to inform your next hiring moves, Corporate Navigators can help you identify the people and skills behind these trends.
