With countless career paths to choose from, finding the right one can feel both exciting and overwhelming. Do you imagine yourself in an artistic role, bringing creativity to life? Or are you more drawn to an analytical job with problem-solving?
If you are looking to narrow down your options and start planning for your future, it’s helpful to know which industries are thriving. A recent study highlighted by Forbes uncovered the top 10 industries in 2024.
Ready to explore the possibilities? Let’s dive into the careers that are shaping the future!
Top 10 Industries in 2024
Legal - The legal industry is all about understanding, interpreting, and applying law to help individuals, businesses, and organizations solve problems and protect their rights. If you enjoy research, critical thinking, and advocating for fairness, this industry might be a great fit for you.
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- Roles can include: lawyers, attorneys, magistrates and judges, paralegals
- Average industry pay: $133,820
Computer and Mathematical - Are you an analytical thinker? Then the computer and mathematical industry may be for you. This industry is all about designing and developing software, analyzing large datasets, and solving problems.
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- Roles can include: cybersecurity analysts, software developers and engineers, and data scientists
- Average industry pay: $113,140
- Interested in this field? Check out the Delaware Pathways Computer Science Program.
Healthcare Practitioners and Technical - If you are interested in helping others, a career in healthcare is the path for you! Jobs in this field can involve direct patient care, performing diagnostic tests, administering treatments, and more.
- Roles can include: nurses, doctors, surgeons, and an endless list of other healthcare practitioners, such as therapists and technicians.
- Average industry pay: $102,060
- Delaware Pathways has a couple of different healthcare pathways you can pick from:
Architecture and Engineering - This industry combines creativity, technical expertise, and problem-solving to design and build structures and products. Roles often include office-based design work and fieldwork to oversee construction or test systems.
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- Roles can include: architects, engineers, and sustainability consultants
- Average industry pay: $99,090
- If this industry interests you, check out these pathways:
Business and Financial Operation - Jobs in this industry require skills like financial analysis, data interpretation, accounting principles, and more. Strong mathematical and analytical skills are essential for success in this industry.
- Roles can include: financial analyst, accountant, risk manager, and business administrator
- Average industry pay: $90,580
- Delaware Pathways has a few options for you if you are interested in this industry:
Life, Physical, and Social Sciences - Is it your dream to become a scientist and work in a lab? In this industry, you will use scientific research to help solve problems and expand knowledge.
- Roles can include: agricultural and food scientists, anthropologists and archaeologists, and chemical technicians
- Average industry pay: $87,870
- Delaware Pathways has an Agriculture, Food & Nature Resources (Agriscience) career cluster with many different pathways you could choose from:
Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media - This industry is all about being creative! Whether you love to draw, make videos, or write, this field offers fun ways to express yourself and connect with people.
- Roles can include: designers, social media specialists, sports analysts, and copywriters
- Average industry pay: $75,520
- Available pathways related to this industry:
Education and Libraries - In this industry you will focus on teaching, sharing knowledge, and helping people learn and grow. Help students discover something new, share books and resources, or create engaging learning experiences.
- Roles can include: teachers, librarians, school counselors, and educational assistants
- Average industry pay: $66,400
- Want to become a teacher? Consider participating in either of these pathways:
Construction and Extraction - The construction and extraction industry involves building structures, roads, and other projects while working with materials like oil, gas, and minerals. These jobs require hands-on skills and teamwork to bring plans to life.
- Roles can include: construction workers, carpenters, plumbers, and heavy equipment operators
- Average industry pay: $61,500
- Interested in this industry? Consider participating in an apprenticeship. An apprenticeship combines education and hands-on learning to help you gain real-world experience and succeed in this industry. Learn more about the opportunities available.
Community and Social Service - Jobs in this industry focus on helping others and improving people’s well-being. These jobs involve supporting individuals and families, working in schools or hospitals, and helping communities access resources and services for a better quality of life.
- Roles can include: social workers, counselors, healthcare aides, and community organizers
- Average industry pay: $58,980
Whether you are interested in these in-demand industries or others, Delaware Pathways can help you develop the academic, technical, and employability skills to gain the real-world experience needed for these jobs.
Click here to learn more about how Delaware Pathways can set you up for success.
