Key takeaways
- Healthcare and tech lead the 2027 list. Six of the first eight jobs pay a median of $120K or more.
- The fastest-growing job so far, solar installer (+37%), starts with a high school diploma and paid on-the-job training.
- New jobs are added every week. Get a free job strategy to go after the one that fits you.
The list
Filter by field or sort by pay and growth. Every job shows how to get in, with a link to the full federal job outlook.
Nurse Practitioner
One of the fastest-growing jobs in the country. As physician shortages grow, NPs are handling more primary and specialty care, and many hospitals pay RNs’ tuition to move up.
How to get in
- Become a registered nurse (ADN or BSN)
- Complete an MSN or DNP nurse practitioner program
- Pass a national NP certification exam
Data Scientist
AI has made people who can clean, question and explain data more valuable, not less. Many data analysts move up into this role.
How to get in
- Learn SQL, Python and statistics
- Build a portfolio with real datasets
- Start as a data analyst, then move up
Solar Installer
The fastest-growing job on the list so far, and you can start with a high school diploma and paid on-the-job training.
How to get in
- Take a short solar course (community college or trade school)
- Learn on the job, usually for several months
- Optional: NABCEP certification to move up to lead installer
Information Security Analyst
Every company is now a target for hackers. Certifications like CompTIA Security+ can open entry-level security roles while you finish a degree.
How to get in
- Start in IT support or help desk
- Earn Security+, then CySA+ or similar
- Move into a security operations (SOC) analyst role
Physician Assistant
One of the best-paying jobs on the list, with about two years of graduate school after a bachelor’s degree.
How to get in
- Bachelor’s degree with science prerequisites
- Hands-on patient care hours
- Accredited PA program, then the PANCE exam
Wind Turbine Technician
Most techs get in with a technical school certificate plus on-the-job training. The job means climbing, travel and working outdoors.
How to get in
- Complete a wind energy technology certificate
- Earn climbing and safety certifications
- Expect about a year of on-the-job training
Medical & Health Services Manager
A strong move for people with customer service or operations experience. Clinics and hospitals need managers who can run schedules, billing and teams.
How to get in
- Bachelor’s in health administration or business
- Start as a practice coordinator or office manager
- Optional: a master’s (MHA) for hospital leadership roles
Software Developer
Still one of the largest high-paying job markets. Employers now look for developers who work well alongside AI coding tools.
How to get in
- Learn one language well (Python or JavaScript)
- Ship 2–3 real projects
- Apprenticeships and bootcamps are valid routes in
Compare pay & growth
Every job so far, side by side.
| # | Job | Median pay | 10-yr growth | Entry path |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Nurse Practitioner | $132,300 | +36% | Master’s |
| 2 | Data Scientist | $120,230 | +35% | Bachelor’s |
| 3 | Solar Installer | $53,140 | +37% | High school + OJT |
| 4 | Information Security Analyst | $129,180 | +21% | Bachelor’s / certs |
| 5 | Physician Assistant | $135,880 | +21% | Master’s |
| 6 | Wind Turbine Technician | $64,120 | +30% | Certificate |
| 7 | Medical & Health Services Manager | $123,860 | +24% | Bachelor’s |
| 8 | Software Developer | $135,980 | +10% | Bachelor’s / portfolio |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook (2025–35 projections) and OEWS May 2025 wage data.
What these jobs pay where you live
Pay and demand change by city. Our local editions track who’s hiring, what they pay and where to train, updated every week.
How we rank
FAQ
What is the hottest job for 2027?
Based on projected growth, pay and how fast you can get in, nurse practitioner currently ranks #1: 36% projected growth and a $132,300 median salary. The fastest-growing job so far is solar installer, at 37%.
What high-paying jobs don’t require a degree?
So far: solar installer and wind turbine technician. Both start with a short certificate or on-the-job training. Use the “No degree” filter above to see every one as the list grows.
How often is this list updated?
Every week until the full 100 Hottest Jobs for 2027 magazine is published in January.
Where does the data come from?
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projections and wage data, plus local labor market data for the Detroit and Tampa Bay editions.
Jazzy, Founder of Always Working
Jazzy runs the Always Working Career Center and newsletter, helping professionals, students and seniors move into higher-paying work. Creator of the “Customer Service to 6 Figures” course.
