Mapped: The Fastest-Growing Job in Every U.S. State Through 2034
Key Takeaways
- Nurse practitioners are projected to be the fastest-growing occupation in 42 states through 2034, based on the latest state projections released in 2026.
- Florida has the highest projected growth rate, with solar PV installer employment expected to rise 91% by 2034.
- Eight states buck the healthcare trend, with fastest-growing jobs ranging from couriers in Kentucky to marine engineers in Connecticut.
Which job is projected to grow fastest in your state over the next decade?
The answer is remarkably consistent across much of the country, though a handful of states stand out with very different employment trends.
This visualization maps the fastest-growing occupation in every state through 2034, based on the latest state projections compiled by Projections Central.
Which Jobs Are Projected to Grow Fastest?
Nurse practitioners take the top spot in 42 states, but projected growth rates vary considerably. Among these states, growth ranges from 30% in Nebraska to 65% in Utah.
| State | Occupation | Job Growth (2024-2034P) |
|---|---|---|
| Florida | Solar PV Installers | 91% |
| Utah | Nurse Practitioners | 65% |
| Idaho | Nurse Practitioners | 62% |
| Colorado | Nurse Practitioners | 62% |
| Nevada | Nurse Practitioners | 62% |
| Mississippi | Nurse Practitioners | 57% |
| Georgia | Nurse Practitioners | 57% |
| Arizona | Nurse Practitioners | 54% |
| California | Nurse Practitioners | 52% |
| Texas | Nurse Practitioners | 51% |
| Arkansas | Nurse Practitioners | 50% |
| West Virginia | Nurse Practitioners | 50% |
| Virginia | Nurse Practitioners | 48% |
| Oregon | Nurse Practitioners | 48% |
| Connecticut | Marine Engineers | 48% |
| Iowa | Nurse Practitioners | 48% |
| South Carolina | Nurse Practitioners | 47% |
| New Jersey | Nurse Practitioners | 46% |
| North Dakota | Nurse Practitioners | 45% |
| Delaware | Nurse Practitioners | 45% |
| Montana | Nurse Practitioners | 45% |
| North Carolina | Nurse Practitioners | 45% |
| Tennessee | Nurse Practitioners | 45% |
| Alabama | Nurse Practitioners | 44% |
| Minnesota | Nurse Practitioners | 44% |
| New York | Nurse Practitioners | 42% |
| Maryland | Nurse Practitioners | 42% |
| Michigan | Nurse Practitioners | 42% |
| Illinois | Nurse Practitioners | 41% |
| New Hampshire | Nurse Practitioners | 41% |
| Wisconsin | Nurse Practitioners | 41% |
| Oklahoma | Nurse Practitioners | 40% |
| Indiana | Nurse Practitioners | 40% |
| Maine | Nurse Practitioners | 40% |
| New Mexico | Nurse Practitioners | 40% |
| Missouri | Nurse Practitioners | 40% |
| Pennsylvania | Nurse Practitioners | 39% |
| Kansas | Nurse Practitioners | 38% |
| Washington | Nurse Practitioners | 37% |
| Massachusetts | Nurse Practitioners | 35% |
| Ohio | Nurse Practitioners | 34% |
| Rhode Island | Nurse Practitioners | 34% |
| Louisiana | Nurse Practitioners | 32% |
| Nebraska | Nurse Practitioners | 30% |
| Wyoming | Healthcare Managers | 28% |
| South Dakota | Healthcare Managers | 28% |
| Hawaii | Mental Health Counselors | 25% |
| Vermont | Home Health Aides | 22% |
| Kentucky | Couriers | 19% |
| Alaska | Home Health Aides | 16% |
Why Nurse Practitioners Lead in 42 States
The U.S. is getting older as many parts of the country face shortages of primary-care doctors.
By 2034, nearly 13 million more Americans will be 65 or older than in 2024, increasing demand for healthcare services. Nurse practitioners can help meet this demand by diagnosing conditions, ordering tests, prescribing medications, and managing ongoing care.
Nationally, nurse practitioners are projected to be the fastest-growing occupation in the latest projections, with employment rising 41% from 2025 to 2035. The role also paid a median $132,300 in 2025.
The States Bucking the Healthcare Trend
Florida stands out most. Solar PV installer employment is projected to surge 91% by 2034, the highest growth rate of any state and occupation on the map. The expansion comes as solar’s share of Florida’s electricity generation is forecast to quadruple from 2024 levels, reaching 28% by 2034.
Connecticut has perhaps the most unusual fastest-growing job. Marine engineer employment is projected to grow 48%, as multibillion-dollar Navy programs fuel the state’s nuclear submarine industry.
In Kentucky, couriers take the top spot at 19%. Louisville is a major U.S. logistics hub, while continued e-commerce growth is expected to support employment in logistics and distribution nationally.
Learn More on the Voronoi App
To learn more about this topic, check out this graphic on the 30 highest-paying jobs in America.
- Source: https://www.visualcapitalist.com/mapped-the-fastest-growing-job-in-every-u-s-state-through-2034/
