Looking for a high-paying job in a growing profession? Here’s what to know about some of today’s top professions offering generous compensation and good job security: 

Healthcare 

The U.S. population is aging, and the demand for health-care professionals is growing. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that nurse practitioners and physician assistants are among the top 20 fastest-growing professions nationwide, both earning median pay well over $100,000 a year. Trusted and valued by patients, peers and physicians, both career paths offer rich intangible rewards, along with long-term job security. 

Financial planning 

A growing talent shortage in the financial planning profession means that this career path is likely one that will offer job security for years to come. In fact, a recent study by McKinsey & Co. predicts that by 2034, U.S. wealth management firms could be about 100,000 financial advisors short of the number needed to fulfill customer demand. 

In particular, consumers and firms are actively seeking advisors who meet specific requirements; 81% prefer an advisor who takes all areas of their financial life into account, and 90% see an advisor’s certifications as necessary. This is why Certified Financial Planner certification can give financial planners at any stage of their career a leg up. During the certification process, CFP professionals develop deep subject matter expertise in everything from tax and estate planning to retirement income analysis and debt management. 

With a median annual compensation of $185,000, financial planning is a job that pays well. And given the rigorous, comprehensive training CFP professionals undergo, it’s no surprise they earn 13% more than other financial planners and commonly receive generous benefits packages and other perks. 

To learn more about the financial planning profession, along with the numerous career advantages CFP certification affords, visit CFP.net. 

Information Technology 

With technologies such as machine learning, artificial intelligence (AI) and cloud computing being introduced into workplace processes, organizations will need freshly minted information technology (IT) professionals with expertise in these areas to implement these tools into their business models seamlessly. At the same time, IT professionals are needed to protect companies from emerging cybersecurity threats. With a median salary of $169, 510 and an unemployment rate at just 1.4%, according to U.S. News and World Report, IT managers are well-compensated and job secure. 

Whether you’re a young person investigating post-graduation opportunities or a mid-life career-changer, understanding industry trends can help you align your career goals with greater financial security.