Career Clusters • 2024–2034 projections

Top 10 career clusters
for the Intelligence Age

The career clusters below reflect where opportunity is projected to grow over the next decade. They are based on Future of Work research and labor-market projections spanning 2024–2034, including trends in AI adoption, skills demand, and industry transformation.

Rather than focusing on individual job titles, Pathfinder groups related roles into career clusters— high-opportunity domains where students can build transferable skills, explore multiple pathways, and adapt as work continues to evolve.

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1) Health, Care & the Bioeconomy

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Growth: +XX% (2024–2034) Avg salary: $XX,XXX

The future of health is expanding beyond hospitals—into digital care, aging support, biotech, and wellness systems.

Top sub-clusters
  • Digital Health & Health Informatics
  • Biotech & Biomedical Innovation
  • Mental Health & Care Services
Top roles
  • Nurse Practitioner / Physician Assistant
  • Health Services Manager
  • Clinical Data / Health Informatics Analyst

2) AI, Data Science & Cybersecurity

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Growth: +XX% (2024–2034) Avg salary: $XX,XXX

AI is becoming infrastructure. This cluster powers intelligence, protection, and decision-making across every sector.

Top sub-clusters
  • Applied AI & Machine Learning
  • Data Engineering & Analytics
  • Cybersecurity & Risk
Top roles
  • Data Scientist / ML Engineer
  • Cybersecurity Analyst
  • Cloud Security / DevSecOps Engineer

3) Clean Energy, Infrastructure & Climate Tech

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Growth: +XX% (2024–2034) Avg salary: $XX,XXX

Electrification, grid modernization, and climate resilience are reshaping construction, utilities, and energy systems.

Top sub-clusters
  • Renewables & Storage
  • Grid & Infrastructure Modernization
  • Climate Resilience & Environmental Systems
Top roles
  • Renewable Energy Technician
  • Energy Analyst / Sustainability Specialist
  • Project Manager (Infrastructure)

4) Advanced Engineering, Robotics & Smart Manufacturing

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Growth: +XX% (2024–2034) Avg salary: $XX,XXX

Automation is expanding manufacturing capability—creating demand for robotics, precision systems, and process innovation.

Top sub-clusters
  • Robotics & Automation
  • Advanced Materials & Production
  • Industrial IoT & Smart Systems
Top roles
  • Robotics Technician / Engineer
  • Manufacturing Engineer
  • Automation / Controls Specialist

5) Education, Training & Human Development

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Growth: +XX% (2024–2034) Avg salary: $XX,XXX

As technology shifts work, learning becomes lifelong—driving demand for educators, trainers, and learning designers.

Top sub-clusters
  • K-12 & Student Support
  • Instructional Design & Learning Experience
  • Workforce Training & Coaching
Top roles
  • Instructional Designer
  • Learning & Development Specialist
  • School Counselor / Student Success Advisor

6) Creative Tech, UX, Content & Experience Design

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Growth: +XX% (2024–2034) Avg salary: $XX,XXX

As products and services go digital, experience becomes the differentiator—designing how people learn, buy, and engage.

Top sub-clusters
  • UX/UI & Product Design
  • Content Strategy & Digital Media
  • Creative AI & Experience Prototyping
Top roles
  • UX Designer / Researcher
  • Product Designer
  • Content Strategist

7) Tech-Augmented Skilled Trades

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Growth: +XX% (2024–2034) Avg salary: $XX,XXX

Trades are evolving with smart tools, diagnostics, and modern systems—creating stable pathways with strong demand.

Top sub-clusters
  • Electrical & Smart Systems
  • HVAC & Energy Efficiency
  • Construction Tech & Project Ops
Top roles
  • Electrician / Electrical Technician
  • HVAC Technician
  • Construction Project Coordinator

8) Entrepreneurship, Freelancing & Micro-Enterprise

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Growth: +XX% (2024–2034) Avg salary: $XX,XXX

The ability to build, ship, and sell is becoming more accessible—especially with AI as a leverage tool.

Top sub-clusters
  • Creator Economy & Digital Products
  • Small Business & Local Services
  • Startup Ops & Growth
Top roles
  • Founder / Solopreneur
  • Growth Marketer
  • Operations / Business Analyst

9) Mental Health, Coaching & Social Services

View cluster details →
Growth: +XX% (2024–2034) Avg salary: $XX,XXX

As systems strain and change accelerates, demand rises for mental health support, coaching, and community services.

Top sub-clusters
  • Counseling & Therapy
  • Coaching & Behavior Change
  • Community Health & Social Support
Top roles
  • Mental Health Counselor
  • Social Worker
  • Behavioral Health Coach

10) Digital Business, E-Commerce & Marketing

View cluster details →
Growth: +XX% (2024–2034) Avg salary: $XX,XXX

Growth moves online. This cluster blends creativity, analytics, and platforms to build audiences and revenue.

Top sub-clusters
  • Growth & Performance Marketing
  • E-commerce Operations
  • Brand, Content & Community
Top roles
  • Digital Marketing Specialist
  • E-commerce Manager
  • CRM / Lifecycle Marketer

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