2024 has already seen significant changes in the hiring landscape. Several industries continue to experience a significant surge in demand for skilled professionals while grappling with talent shortages. Making them great options for some of those still trying to figure out "what they want to be when they grow up". This blog post explores seven such industries, providing the latest available wage data and insights into career opportunities for 2024 and beyond.
1. Automotive Technicians
Demand: The automotive industry continues its technological revolution with the increasing prevalence of electric vehicles, advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS), and connected car technologies. Even with the advancement of AI, this will remain an industry that relies heavily on the human touch.
Barrier to Entry: Moderate
Certification/Career Path:
High school diploma or equivalent
Completion of a vocational program or associate degree in automotive technology (1-2 years)
ASE (Automotive Service Excellence) certifications
Manufacturer-specific certifications for specialized roles
Updated Pay: The median annual wage for automotive service technicians and mechanics was $68,189, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The top 10% earned more than $100k. With the rapid growth in electric vehicle adoption, specialists in EV technology may command higher salaries in 2024 and beyond. PLUS these roles often work on flag hour rates - which results in billing for production/maintenance (paid more per hour).
2. HVAC Technicians
Demand: The HVAC industry sees continued growth due to the increasing focus on energy efficiency, smart home integration, and indoor air quality improvements.
Barrier to Entry: Moderate
Certification/Career Path:
High school diploma or equivalent
Completion of a technical school program (6 months to 2 years) or apprenticeship (3-5 years)
EPA Section 608 Technician Certification
State licensure (requirements vary by state)
Additional certifications from organizations like NATE (North American Technician Excellence)
Updated Pay: The median annual wage for HVAC mechanics and installers was $75,334. The top 10% earned more than $84,790. With the growing emphasis on green technologies and smart HVAC systems, specialists in these areas may see increased earning potential in 2024.
3. Plumbers
Demand: Plumbers remain essential for new construction, infrastructure maintenance, and the implementation of water-efficient systems.
Barrier to Entry: Moderate
Certification/Career Path:
High school diploma or equivalent
Apprenticeship program (4-5 years)
State licensure (requirements vary by state)
Additional certifications for specializations (e.g., medical gas systems, green plumbing)
Updated Pay: As of May 2022, the median annual wage for plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters was $83,677. The highest 10% earned more than $124,920. Plumbers specializing in green technologies or working on large commercial projects may earn on the higher end of this scale in 2024.
4. Cybersecurity Specialists
Demand: With cyber threats becoming increasingly sophisticated, the demand for cybersecurity professionals continues to outpace supply across all sectors.
Barrier to Entry: Moderate to High
Certification/Career Path:
Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or related field (some positions may require a master's degree)
Industry certifications such as CompTIA Security+, Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP), or Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)
Continuous learning to stay updated with evolving threats and technologies
Updated Pay: The median annual wage for information security analysts was $113,000. The top 10% earned more than $215,920. Given the critical nature of cybersecurity in 2024 and beyond, professionals with advanced skills or in management roles may command even higher salaries.
5. Nursing Professionals
Demand: The healthcare industry continues to face a significant shortage of nursing professionals, exacerbated by an aging population and increasing healthcare needs.
Barrier to Entry: Moderate to High
Certification/Career Path:
Associate or Bachelor's degree in Nursing (2-4 years)
Passing the NCLEX-RN exam for licensure
Continuing education and specialization certifications (e.g., Critical Care, Oncology, Pediatrics)
Advanced practice roles require master's or doctoral degrees (additional 2-4 years)
Updated Pay: The median annual wage for registered nurses was $84,803 as of August 2024. Advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) like nurse practitioners had a median annual wage of $127,335, with the top 10% earning more than $210,540. The nursing shortage is likely to continue driving up wages in 2024 and beyond, particularly for specialized roles. (Aesthetics, Psych, Hospitalists, etc)
6. Data Scientists
Demand: As artificial intelligence and machine learning become integral to business operations, the demand for skilled data scientists continues to grow across industries.
Barrier to Entry: High
Certification/Career Path:
Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Statistics, Mathematics, or related field (many positions require a master's or Ph.D.)
Proficiency in programming languages like Python, R, and SQL
Knowledge of machine learning, statistical analysis, and data visualization
Industry certifications such as IBM Data Science Professional Certificate or Google Data Analytics Professional Certificate
Updated Pay: The median annual wage for data scientists was $122,410 as of August 2024. The top 10% earned more than $243,040. With the continued growth of AI and big data analytics, data scientists with expertise in cutting-edge technologies may see even higher earnings in 2024.
7. Welders
Demand: Skilled welders remain crucial in manufacturing, construction, and infrastructure projects, with particular demand in emerging technologies like renewable energy infrastructure.
Barrier to Entry: Low to Moderate
Certification/Career Path:
High school diploma or equivalent
Completion of a vocational program (several months) or apprenticeship (3-4 years)
Certifications from the American Welding Society (AWS)
Specialized certifications for specific industries (e.g., aerospace, petroleum)
Updated Pay: The median annual wage for welders, cutters, solderers, and brazers was $66,364. The top 10% earned more than $82,150. Specialized welders, such as those working in underwater welding or in high-tech industries like aerospace, may earn significantly more in 2024 - in some instances as high as $160,000 annually.
As we look towards 2024 and beyond, these industries continue to offer promising career opportunities with competitive salaries. The ongoing technological advancements, demographic shifts, and economic trends are likely to further increase the demand for skilled professionals in these fields. It's important to note that salaries can vary significantly based on factors such as location, experience, specific employer, and economic conditions.
For those considering entering these fields or making a career change, the potential for job security and growth remains strong. However, the key to success in these rapidly evolving industries is a commitment to continuous learning and skill development. As technology and industry practices advance, professionals who stay current with the latest trends and techniques will be best positioned to take advantage of these high-demand career opportunities.
Questions about any of the above? Email us at BDA to start the conversation!
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