Top Growing Career Fields in 2022

As another year draws to a close, many people are reflecting and wondering what they can do to improve their lives.

You might be doing the same. Perhaps you’re thinking that you need a new job but are also concerned that no job seems right for you. If you’re past high school or college-age, you might be worried that it’s too late to make a career change.

The good news is that it’s never too late to improve your life. If you’re looking to change industries and find a fulfilling career in 2022, here are a few things to consider.

Signs You Need to Change Careers

There are plenty of reasons to change careers. One sure sign that it’s time to switch is if you just don’t feel excited by your work. You might go to the office, restaurant, or store every day and feel apathetic about the work you do.

Another sign that it’s time to try something new is if you feel like you’ve gone as far as you can go along a particular career path. Some jobs have more room for growth and advancement than others. If you feel like you’re treading water or not making any progress on the job, changing course might be the right move.

Some career paths have more opportunities than others. If you’re having trouble finding work in your current industry or if you can only find sporadic employment or gigs, you might want to consider switching to a field with more job openings and opportunities.

It might be time for a change if you’re not earning enough at your current job. If it’s difficult to make ends meet, even when you’re working full-time, finding a higher-paying career might be the right option.

Unsure What Career to Pursue?

You might feel like you’re back in school, being asked by the guidance counselor what you want to do when you grow up. And you might not sure how to answer that question or what career is right for you.

If that’s the case, it can be helpful to look at some of the industries that are likely to have a lot of opportunities in the near future. Whether due to a high growth rate or an aging workforce, the following fields should have plenty of opportunities in 2022 and beyond:

  • Healthcare: The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that the healthcare industry will add 2.6 million jobs by 2030, a growth rate of 16%1. Healthcare jobs range from nursing assistants to doctors and from dental assistants to pharmacy technicians.

  • Information Technology: The BLS predicts that the computer and information technology industry will grow by 13% by 2030, adding more than 660,000 jobs2.

  • Hospitality: Job openings in the hospitality industry are expected to increase in the coming years. The future looks particularly promising for cooks, with openings expected to increase by 26% by 20303. The BLS also notes that pay for hospitality workers has increased significantly, up 6.9% from September 2020 to September 20214.

  • Media and Communications: Opportunities for people interested in a career in media or communications should increase over the next few years. That’s particularly true if you’re interested in a career as a technician, as opportunities are expected to increase by 21% by 20305.

How to Start a New Career

Choosing a career path that interests you is just the start. Once you know what you’re interested in, the next step to take is to find ways to get your foot in the door.

One option is to pursue a career certificate at Orange Technical College. Our programs range in length from a few months to just over a year. You’ll be able to learn the ins and outs of your chosen industry and get started on the path an exciting and fulfilling career.

Contact us today to learn more about the enrollment process and get ready to enjoy a new career in 2022.

Sources:

  1. Healthcare Occupations, Bureau of Labor Statistics, https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/home.htm

  2. Computer and IT Occupations, Bureau of Labor Statistics, https://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/home.htm

  3. Cooks, BLS, https://www.bls.gov/ooh/food-preparation-and-serving/cooks.htm#tab-6

  4. Compensation costs in leisure and hospitality up 6.9 percent for year ended September 2021, BLS, https://www.bls.gov/opub/ted/2021/compensation-costs-in-leisure-and-hospitality-up-6-9-percent-for-year-ended-september-2021.htm

  5. Broadcast, Sound, and Video Technicians, BLS, https://www.bls.gov/ooh/media-and-communication/broadcast-and-sound-engineering-technicians.htm#tab-6