Ploymint

As we near the end of 2015, job trends for next year are starting to emerge. Some reports indicate that 2016 will be one of the best job markets for college graduates, with hiring expected to rise, particularly in higher-paying fields. In addition, freelance workers are expected to make up an increasing proportion of the workforce next year, both on site and remotely. A recent report from the Bureau of Labor outlined the top jobs for Millennials in 2016. You can see the list below.

1. Physician assistant
2. Actuaries
3. (tied) Statisticians
4. (tied) Biomedical engineers
5. Computer and information research scientists
6. Market research analysts and marketing specialists
7. Nuclear engineer
8. Elevator installers and repairers
9. Petroleum engineers
10. (tied) Therapists
11. (tied) Dental hygienists
12. Logisticians
13. Financial analysts and advisors
14. Software developers and programmers
15. Pharmacists
16. Public relations and fundraising managers

Of the above positions, the market for physician assistants is expected to grow the most, by 36% next year. However, Millennials in particular are slated to make up a large share of actuary positions, with 57% of the young professional workforce turning to that profession. Despite downward trends in the oil market, according to The Wall Street Journal article above, petroleum engineers are still expected to command the highest salary at about $130,000.

In addition, as mentioned above, there will also be an increasing amount of freelance opportunities available across a variety of subjects. Companies of all sizes—large-scale and start-ups alike—are looking to cut down on costs without sacrificing quality. Millennials seem to be on board, as well; many young professionals are attracted to the flexibility and potentially higher wages paid by being a freelancer. There are inherent difficulties to such a work lifestyle; the jobs aren’t as secure and the benefits might be lacking as compared with full-time, salaried positions.

Next year is shaping up to be an interesting and exciting year for young professionals with diverse skills and distinct ideas of how and where they want to work. As the job market heats up, it’s likely the opportunities for young workers will only increase.