The job market never stays the same. That’s especially true for 2025, thanks to the rise of artificial intelligence and ongoing post-pandemic recovery. But, while headlines about economic uncertainty and AI job takeovers can naturally be nerve-wracking, there are still many career fields that are growing in 2025. Whether you’re looking to make a career change or are just starting in the workforce, these are some of the fastest-growing jobs in 2025 to consider.
AI/Machine Learning Specialist
Unsurprisingly, AI will remain a hot topic in 2025. Experts predict it will be one of the key global buzzwords of the year. But, although AI can perform many functions, people still need to create, train and improve AI models for businesses. AI and machine learning specialists will be one of the fastest-growing jobs in 2025, according to the World Economic Forum’s Future of Jobs Report 2025.
If you want to break into this line of work, you’ll need computer skills. Luckily, USC offers multiple online graduate programs focusing on computer science, data science and cyber security engineering, all of which can prepare you for an AI-focused job.
Software/App Developer
Almost every industry still needs talented software developers, and for many companies today, an official app is a must. Besides, with social media platforms fading in and out of popularity, app developers are positioned to create the next big thing. For those reasons and more, software and app developers remain in-demand positions, according to the World Economic Forum’s report.
Whether you want to build an app or help a company refine its software, there are plenty of opportunities available today. USC’s computer science programs can give you the design and coding skills you need to succeed.
Renewable Energy Engineer
“Sustainability” may be just as popular a term as “AI” in 2025. Climate change anxiety is on the rise and natural disasters — including the January 2025 Southern California wildfires and Hurricane Helene — have recently devastated communities across the U.S. The good news? More and more people are interested in transforming industries to be more sustainable and rely less on limited natural resources.
That’s where renewable energy engineers come in: They build energy systems that run off unlimited sources like wind, solar or nuclear power, as opposed to fossil fuels. Renewable energy engineers don’t just create and build these frameworks, though. They also consistently refine and innovate existing ones to ensure they are running as cleanly and efficiently as possible. If you’re interested in this role, consider the Master of Science in Sustainable Engineering online graduate program from the USC Viterbi School of Engineering.
Sustainability Specialist
Many other career paths besides engineering involve making industries greener and helping the environment. According to LinkedIn, “Sustainability Specialist” is one job title predicted to grow in 2025. Sustainability specialists work across industries, analyzing company policies and practices to find areas where the company can implement more sustainable or environmentally friendly methods.
Interested in learning more about sustainability? Explore USC’s Master of Sustainability Management online graduate program, where students will discover approaches to integrating environmental, social and governance criteria into every aspect of an organization’s business model, strategy and operations.
Research Librarian
Thanks to the internet, we have access to more information than ever before. But with this deluge of information, it can be difficult to determine what is accurate and useful. That’s the great thing about databases at academic institutions, museums and other organizations: Not only is there plenty of knowledge from verified sources, but there are research librarians on hand who maintain it and help people find what they need to know.
In fact, according to LinkedIn, the research librarian is one of the top-growing jobs this year. If you value knowledge, this could be the perfect role for you. A degree like the Master of Management in Library and Information Science online graduate program from the career-focused USC Bovard College will give you a leg up in the industry.
Travel Advisor
When you think about what jobs will thrive in 2025, consider what people spend their money on. According to UN Tourism, the travel industry has finally fully rebounded since the 2020 pandemic, with tourists eagerly planning trips around the globe. While the standard vacations (Paris! Disney World! A Caribbean beach!) remain popular, many people are interested in finding destinations off the beaten path.
Travel advisors can help make that happen, creating a dream vacation for travelers that’s fun, safe and within budget. If you love travel and are a careful planner, this might be the perfect role for you. There’s a reason LinkedIn named travel advisor as a growing role in 2025!
Nurse
Some jobs are always needed, regardless of the year. People have been getting sick or injured since prehistoric times, making “nurse” an eternally relevant job title. That hasn’t changed in 2025, when nurses continue to be in high demand, according to LinkedIn. It’s a great job for people who enjoy taking care of others and want to make an immediate positive impact on the world.
If you’re intrigued by medicine but a nursing program doesn’t seem like the right choice for you, don’t forget to explore your options for other health-related jobs. USC offers online graduate programs ranging from health administration to community oral health to nutrition — and much more. USC’s Doctor of Physical Therapy hybrid graduate program is also a great choice since physical therapy is another fast-growing field.
Lawyer
Like medicine, law has been relevant for centuries and continues to matter in 2025. Lawyers will remain a fast-growing profession in 2025, according to LinkedIn. If you enjoy working hard, thinking critically and communicating persuasively, a job in law might be for you.
While you need a Juris Doctor to become a lawyer, you may want to further specialize in a certain area afterward. Aspiring lawyers at USC can complete legal certificate programs that provide training in applicable fields like cybersecurity, business law, compliance, entertainment law, real estate law and more. Such certificates demonstrate to employers that you’ve gained the specific knowledge needed to work in these special fields.
USC also offers a Master of Laws (LLM) online graduate program to prepare international attorneys for leadership roles in the global marketplace and a Master of Studies in Law (MSL) online graduate program to help non-lawyers better understand complex legal issues.
Director of Employee Relations
A company can only succeed if it has motivated, productive workers. That’s where the Director of Employee Relations comes in. This role ensures an organization is creating the right environment for workers by developing employee satisfaction programs, acting as a liaison with management, running performance reviews, making sure company policies comply with local labor laws and overseeing training. It’s an important role for a company’s health, so it’s unsurprising LinkedIn lists it as one of the top-growing roles this year.
If you’re interested in working in employee relations, consider furthering your education with something like USC’s Master of Science in Human Resource Management online graduate program. This program equips students to become skilled and knowledgeable leaders in the human resources field.
Private Equity Analyst
If you’re most comfortable with finance and numbers, LinkedIn includes private equity analysts as one of the top-growing jobs in 2025. Private equity analysts act as advisors for companies, managing their portfolios and helping them identify other possible investments. It’s work that requires a deep understanding of the economic market and financial modeling skills. To get your foot in the door, consider USC’s Master of Business Administration (MBA) online graduate program or the interdisciplinary Master of Science in Financial Engineering online graduate program.
Learn more about USC Online graduate programs today.