There are multiple job sectors you can choose from when planning your career. Some people look for careers that align with their interests, while others focus on job opportunities where they can utilize their skills. Others consider education requirements and income.

Popular job sectors tend to encompass careers with high job growth rates. High job growth rates are higher than the national average for all occupations. These careers usually pay salaries higher than the median annual income for all occupations. Some popular options have minimal academic requirements. Let’s explore some of the most popular job sectors you might want to consider when choosing your career path.

Careers in education are popular.

Careers in education include teaching and instructional design. There are also administrative careers. While most people associate education careers with teaching elementary, middle, or high school students, professionals in this field can also pursue opportunities to teach preschool children or adult academic programs.

Academic requirements vary, but earning a bachelor’s and master’s degree ensures you’ll qualify for multiple career options. If you pursue full-time studies, you can complete an online masters in instructional design and technology in less than two years. Alternatively, you can opt for part-time studies, allowing you to earn your graduate degree while working.

Online instructional design and technology programs include courses such as the design of blended and online learning environments and universal design for learning. Once you’ve completed the 30 credit hours required to graduate, you can pursue career options teaching online or developing online programs.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that instructional coordinators should see job opportunities increase by 10 percent between 2020 and 2030, slightly higher than the 8 percent average job growth rate expected in all occupations during the same period. You can begin a career as a postsecondary teacher with a master’s degree, and the BLS projects postsecondary teachers should see a 12 percent job growth rate between 2020 and 2030.

Use your artistic skills to become a designer.

Fashion designers design clothes and accessories. Some may concentrate on designing uniforms, formal attire, or bridal gowns, while others focus on popular clothing options such as bootcut jeans, sweaters, blouses, tees, tunics, jeggings, skirts, and dresses. The slim bootcut jeans women’s departments feature jeans that come in various colors, and designers also put their stamp on skinny jeans, straight-leg jeans, and full-length jeans. Those who enjoy designing accessories create custom handbags, belts, scarves, and footwear.

The BLS indicates fashion designers typically launch their careers by earning a fine arts degree and earned a median annual income of $75,810 in 2020. Individuals with fine arts degrees could also pursue opportunities as interior designers who create design plans for homes, offices, schools, hospitals, and other buildings. Interior designers use fabrics, colors, and patterns to customize design plans for their clients.

Health care careers are popular options.

Some of the reasons people pursue careers in health care include the competitive salaries and high job growth rates. Many also find it satisfying to work in a field where they can help others.

While doctors and nurses are familiar medical professionals, there are many job opportunities within this field. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics expects job openings for occupational therapy assistants to grow by 36 percent between 2020 and 2030. The job growth rate for respiratory therapists and physical therapy assistants will be 23 percent and 35 percent, respectively.

You only need an associate degree to pursue a career as an occupational therapy assistant, respiratory therapist, or physical therapy assistant. You can also launch a career as a nurse with an associate degree and continue your studies while working in your field, enabling you to qualify for advancement opportunities.

Popular job sectors include jobs that pay substantial salaries and have high growth rates. Some popular job sectors include education, design, and health care.