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Many of the fastest-growing jobs in America don't require a bachelor's degree, and many pay less than the median income in the U.S., according to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
FORBES looked at Bureau of Labor Statistics data that predicted which jobs would have the highest growth between 2014 - 2024, and included the median pay for those roles in 2014. The results might surprise you.
The six professions with the highest growth rates don't require a four-year college degree. For example, you only need a specialized associate's degree to work as a wind turbine service technician or a physical therapist's assistant. Other positions like home health aide and physical therapist's aide require a GED or high school diploma.
These jobs may be plentiful in the future, but they don't necessarily pay well. The average median pay for the jobs on the list that require an associates degree or less is $37,839. Four of the roles have a median wage of under $30,000, and eight pay less than the national median wage of $54,000.
Only four of the fastest-growing professions require a doctorate, but the average median pay for those jobs is $83,380. Job seekers looking for a higher salary should consider careers as optometrists, physician's assistants or physical therapists, which have median salaries of more than $90,000 a year.
Thirteen of the professions are in the healthcare industry, and many will cater to the growing population of older Americans. People over the age of 65 made up 13% of the population in 2010, up from 10% in 1970. By 2040 they're projected to be a full fifth of the population, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. The graying of America likely explains the rise of home health aides and hearing aid specialists, along with the five roles related to physical and occupational therapy.
Other popular roles reflect changing technologies. For example, the fastest growing role is that of wind turbine service technician, with a predicted growth rate of 108%. Genetic counselors and statisticians will also be in demand in the next few years.
