Fastest Growing Jobs in Illinois: Opportunities to Pursue
As the world evolves, so do the industries that make up the global workforce. Job trends come and go, but some stick and continue to grow year after year.
In Illinois, for instance, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that some industries are experiencing significant job growth, making them the top choices for job seekers in the state. From technical jobs to healthcare professions, this article explores the fastest growing jobs in Illinois for 2017.
Methodology for Determining Fastest Growing Jobs
The rate of job growth is a critical factor for anyone who is looking to get employed or change careers. The Illinois Department of Labor uses the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data to track employment trends and annual job growth rates (based on percentages) for different industries every year.
The BLS examines the annual average growth rate in each occupation between two periods: the projection for the current year and the five-year projection.
Importance of Fastest Growing Jobs
As a job seeker, getting a job that is in high demand with expected growth prospects gives you some significant benefits, including job security and better remuneration. Jobs that have higher growth rates are also less likely to become obsolete since they’re in line with current market trends.
Therefore, when you decide to follow a path that is aligned with the latest job trends, you improve your chances of getting employed and establishing a career with longevity.
Top 10 Fastest Growing Jobs in Illinois for 2017
1. Operations Research Analysts
If you consider yourself great in solving complex problems and analyzing data, becoming an Operations Research Analyst could be a good career path for you.
Operations Research Analysts help companies solve problems, identify potential risks and streamline processes to increase efficiency. This occupation tops the list of the fastest-growing jobs in Illinois for the year 2017, with an annual growth rate of 5.6%.
2. Web Developers
The digital age appears to be sweeping the world by storm.
A career in web development may be a perfect fit if you’re into technology and designing. In Illinois, Web Developers come second on the list of the fastest-growing occupations, with a growth rate of 5.2%, a projected growth rate of 27.7% until 2024.
Companies need individuals who can design elegant and functional websites to attract customers. 3.
Software Developers, Applications
Are you into coding and software development? If so, becoming a Software Developer in Applications could be the way to go.
These professionals create software that enables people to interact seamlessly with different devices utilized by businesses such as smartphones or tablets. This field has experienced steady growth and is listed as the third-fastest-growing occupation in Illinois, with a growth rate of 4.1% and an expected growth rate of 20.6% until 2024.
4. Home Health Aides
As the population of aging people is on the rise, the healthcare industry is experiencing notable growth.
Home Health Aides help aged people who require more support with their daily tasks, such as feeding, dressing, and moving around safely. Illinois is one of the states with the most significant projected growth rate of Home Health Aides, at 40.7% until 2024.
5. Occupational Therapy Aides
Becoming an Occupational Therapy Aide is an excellent career option for individuals who enjoy providing help to the sick and elderly.
This field helps Occupational Therapists deal with patients effectively by preparing treatment areas, supporting equipment maintenance and keeping detailed records. According to BLS, the annual growth rate of Occupational Therapy Aides in Illinois is 3.1%.
6. Veterinary Technologists and Technicians
Do you love animals and their welfare?
If so, becoming a Veterinary Technologist or Technician may be the right fit for you. These professionals assist in diagnosing, treating and conducting medical tests on animals.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects the annual growth rate of veterinary technologists and technicians in Illinois to be 3.1%. 7.
Nurse Practitioners
Nurse Practitioners are medical professionals who provide primary healthcare to their clients. They are becoming increasingly in-demand since they offer the same services as physicians.
As a result, the occupation has a growth rate of 3.0% and is expected to have a 39.7% growth rate until 2024. 8.
Computer Systems Analysts
Technology is continually expanding. As businesses require more IT assistance, Computer System Analysts are becoming more in-demand.
These IT specialists review and improve current computer systems to optimize their functionality. Illinois has a growth rate of 2.9% for Computer Systems Analysts, making it a popular career path for job seekers who have an inclination for IT departments.
9. Occupational Therapy Assistants
Occupational Therapy Assistants support Occupational Therapists in executing treatment plans for patients.
They help patients recover from a range of conditions by providing support, physical stimulation and educating them on essential recovery exercises. The yearly growth rate of Occupational Therapy Assistants in Illinois is 2.8%.
10. Software Developers, Systems Software
This occupation involves developing and upgrading complex operating systems that power PCs, servers, and other computing devices.
Software system developers play an essential role in ensuring optimal computer performance. In Illinois, the growth rate of software developers in software development for systems is 2.8%.
Conclusion
In conclusion, choosing a career path with a high growth rate is an excellent way to secure your employment and have career longevity. Closely examining the labor market trends can provide you with insight into occupations that have the most job prospects.
The above-listed 10 fastest-growing jobs in Illinois for 2017 are in-demand industries projected to see significant growth rates in the next few years. Consider the most suitable career path based on the talents you possess, level of education, and required skills needed to excel in the field.
Detailed List of Fastest Growing Jobs in Illinois: Ranking and Wage Projections
JOB GROWTH TREND IN ILLINOIS
The job market is ever-evolving, and as such, it’s important to keep track of the trends in different industries in your area of specialization. The state of Illinois provides a snapshot of the fastest-growing jobs in the state on an annual basis using data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
The continuous study of job growth rates and job market trends is essential since it helps job seekers and career changers stay ahead of the curve with regards to career alternatives. In this article, we’ll go over various fast-growing jobs in Illinois, including job projections and wage data from 2019-2029.
OCCUPATIONS RANKED BY JOB GROWTH
The Illinois Department of Employment Security updates its occupational employment projections every two years to reflect changes in the labor market. Based on data from the 2019 study, the most recent available at the time of writing, the following is a ranking of occupations with the fastest job growth rates through 2029.
1. Wind Turbine Service Technicians
Wind Turbine Service Technicians are individuals who service, maintain, and repair wind turbines.
This occupation continues to see significant growth in Illinois (80.5% projected annual growth rate from 2019-2029), and the necessary skills training typically takes two years or less. As more homeowners and corporations seek to reduce their carbon footprint, this career path is likely to remain in high demand.
2. Home Health Aides
Home Health Aides directly assist individuals with long-term or chronic conditions that limit their ability to perform daily living activities.
Their duties include checking vital signs, administering medication, and providing assistance with basic grooming and hygiene needs. Illinois ranks as one of the top regions for this career path, with a projected 585,700 jobs predicted in 2026, giving an annual growth rate of 38.4%.
3. Physician Assistants
A Physician Assistant is a certified medical professional who provides many of the same patient services as a licensed physician, including medical counseling, examination, diagnosis, and sometimes treatment.
It is predicted that this occupation will experience substantial growth in Illinois, with a projected 32.5% growth rate from 2019-2029. 4.
Physical Therapist Assistants
A Physical Therapy Assistant work’s under a Physical Therapist’s supervision to help diagnose, prevent, and treat movement issues in patients. Illinois was projected to add approximately 430 Physical Therapist Assistant jobs from 2019-2029, with an annual growth rate of 29.9%.
5. Respiratory Therapists
Respiratory Therapists are medical professionals responsible for treating patients with breathing-related issues, such as asthma or emphysema.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Illinois is projected to have a 22.8% growth rate in this occupation by 2029.
VARIOUS OCCUPATIONS WITH PROJECTED GROWTH AND WAGES
1. Wind Turbine Service Technicians
Median Annual Wage Projection: $61,050
Expected Growth (2019-2029): 80.5%
Job Openings (2019-2029): 520
2.
Nurse Practitioners
Median Annual Wage Projection: $115,800
Expected Growth (2019-2029): 32.5%
Job Openings (2019-2029): 3,580
3. Physician Assistants
Median Annual Wage Projection: $107,020
Expected Growth (2019-2029): 32.5%
Job Openings (2019-2029): 1,340
4.
Home Health Aides
Median Annual Wage Projection: $26,550
Expected Growth (2019-2029): 38.4%
Job Openings (2019-2029): 585,700
5. Physical Therapist Assistants
Median Annual Wage Projection: $59,810
Expected Growth (2019-2029): 29.9%
Job Openings (2019-2029): 430
6.
Information Security Analysts
Median Annual Wage Projection: $103,590
Expected Growth (2019-2029): 38.4%
Job Openings (2019-2029): 2,100
7. Speech-Language Pathologists
Median Annual Wage Projection: $82,190
Expected Growth (2019-2029): 25.1%
Job Openings (2019-2029): 730
8.
Statisticians
Median Annual Wage Projection: $91,160
Expected Growth (2019-2029): 30.2%
Job Openings (2019-2029): 290
9. Digital Marketing Specialists
Median Annual Wage Projection: $71,530
Expected Growth (2019-2029): 39.8%
Job Openings (2019-2029): 2,150
10.
Medical Assistants
Median Annual Wage Projection: $35,800
Expected Growth (2019-2029): 18.6%
Job Openings (2019-2029): 7,880
CONCLUSION
As can be seen from the occupational employment projections for Illinois, selecting a career that falls under high-growth job categories in the state can be beneficial in the long run. The projected growth rates for these fast-growing jobs suggest a continued increase in employment opportunities that could improve the quality of life for those actively seeking employment in Illinois.
While wages and job openings vary for each occupation, overall, these job categories provide a good mix of opportunities in fields such as healthcare, marketing, IT, and more. In conclusion, keeping a close eye on the job market trends and job growth rates by the Illinois Department of Employment Security is essential for career seekers and job changers.
The business world keeps changing, and selecting a career path with high growth rates is an ideal way to secure your employment, job security and have career longevity. The ten fastest-growing jobs in Illinois, including Wind Turbine Service Technicians, Home Health Aides, Physician Assistants, Digital Marketing Specialists, and Speech-Language Pathologists, offer opportunities with substantial growth potential and various salary ranges.
These fields provide suitable alternatives in the healthcare, marketing, and tech industries catering to a diverse range of interests and talents.