10 Jobs Most Likely to Receive a Pay Raise in 2025

Whether you’re thinking of moving on from your current job for a better salary, or you’re researching jobs in a higher-paying career, review our list of careers and industries most likely to get raises in 2025.

1. Pediatric surgeon

• Mean annual salary (2023): $449,320
• Number of jobs (2023): 834,500
• Estimated job growth (2023–2033): 4%
• Typical education level: Doctoral or professional degree
• Average pay growth (2021–2023): 24%

Job responsibilities for pediatric surgeons

Pediatric surgeons perform surgeries on infants, children, and teenagers. They treat a wide range of conditions, from congenital defects to serious injuries. Pediatric surgeons often work in hospitals and surgical centers along with other healthcare professionals to provide the best care.

Why pay is going up

Healthcare is one of the fastest-growing industries in the U.S., and the demand for specialized care is higher than ever. Pediatric surgeons are key contributors to this growth, addressing the specific medical needs of children. Hospitals offer higher salaries to attract and retain these highly skilled professionals to stay competitive in this industry.

2. Airline pilot, copilot, and flight engineer

• Mean annual salary (2023): $250,050
• Number of jobs (2023): 152,800
• Estimated job growth (2023–2033): 5%
• Typical education level: Bachelor’s degree
• Average pay growth (2021–2023): 12%

Job responsibilities for airline pilots, copilots, and flight engineers

Often working for commercial airlines, private charters, or freight companies, these aviation professionals fly and manage aircraft to ensure safe, smooth trips for passengers and cargo. Pilots handle navigation, monitor systems, and stay in touch with air traffic control while flight engineers take care of the plane’s technical operations.

Why pay is going up

Air travel is bouncing back fast post-pandemic, and demand for flights is growing around the world. However, the industry is facing a pilot shortage, with projections indicating it could be short by 80,000 pilots by 2032.

3. Dentist

• Mean annual salary (2023): $244,470
• Number of jobs (2023): 160,600
• Estimated job growth (2023–2033): 5%
• Typical education level: Doctoral or professional degree
• Average pay growth (2021–2023): 17%

Job responsibilities for dentists

Dentists diagnose and treat a wide range of oral health issues, from cavities and gum disease to more complex dental problems. They also perform preventative care, such as cleanings and oral health education, to help patients keep healthy teeth and gums. Most dentists work in private practices, though some are part of group practices or operate within specialized clinics.

Why pay is going up

Healthcare practitioners are in the top 4 occupational groups projected to grow from 2023–2033, and dental care is a big part of this expansion. More people need dental services now, thanks to a bigger population and an emphasis on preventative care. As a result, dentists are earning more. Specialists like orthodontics and oral surgery are also pushing up pay, with clinics competing to hire the best talent.

4. Industrial-organizational psychologist

• Mean annual salary (2023): $154,380
• Number of jobs (2023): 207,500
• Estimated job growth (2023–2033): 7%
• Typical education level: Master’s degree
• Average pay growth (2021–2023): 17%

Job responsibilities for industrial-organizational psychologists

Industrial-organizational (I-O) psychologists use psychology principles combined with research and statistical analysis to improve workplaces. This role involves studying factors like job performance and workplace culture to create better work environments and improve the hiring process. You’ll often find them working in corporate offices, consulting firms, or universities, where they help shape modern workplaces for success.

Why pay is going up

Companies are investing more in prioritizing engagement within the work environment, and demand for I-O psychologist jobs is increasing with these new company initiatives.

Psychologists are projected to see a 7% growth over the next decade, with I-O psychologists earning about 59% more than the average psychologist, making them the highest-paid professionals in the field. As a result, these experts are in high demand, leading to higher salaries and more job opportunities.

5. Personal financial advisor

• Mean annual salary (2023): $150,670
• Number of jobs (2023): 321,000
• Estimated job growth (2023–2033): 17%
• Typical education level: Bachelor’s degree
• Average pay growth (2021–2023): 12%

Job responsibilities for personal financial advisors

Personal financial advisors help people manage and make decisions about their money. They may help clients with budgeting and saving money or offer advice on investments and retirement. By creating custom financial plans based on client’s goals, these professionals help others feel less stressed out about their finances. Advisors usually work for financial firms, banks, or on their own as independent consultants.

Why pay is going up

One of the reasons contributing to an increase in pay for financial advisors is the growing availability of remote work. They’re now able to take on more clients online, and a cross-state study shows that between 2022 and 2023, pay has increased by an average of 6.6%. As wealth rises in certain demographics and financial markets are getting more complex, professional advice is more valuable than ever, leading to higher pay for advisors.

6. Veterinarian

• Mean annual salary (2023): $136,300
• Number of jobs (2023): 88,200
• Estimated job growth (2023–2033): 19%
• Typical education level: Doctoral or professional degree
• Average pay growth (2021–2023): 12%

Job responsibilities for veterinarians

Veterinarians care for the health and well-being of animals, from beloved pets to livestock and even wildlife. Veterinarians often work in private clinics, animal hospitals, or research facilities, where they diagnose and treat a range of illnesses and conditions.

Why pay is going up

The demand for veterinary care is increasing as pet ownership rises. Pet-related costs have increased by 78% from 2013 to 2021. This heightened demand, paired with a shortage of veterinarians in some areas, is driving salaries higher in clinics and hospitals.

7. Management analyst

• Mean annual salary (2023): $115,530
• Number of jobs (2023): 1,018,300
• Estimated job growth (2023–2033): 11%
• Typical education level: Bachelor’s degree
• Average pay growth (2021–2023): 7%

Job responsibilities for management analysts

Management analysts work with businesses to find and solve challenges, often in a project-based setting. They analyze data on company operations, gather insights from different stakeholders, and then suggest strategic changes to improve an organization’s efficiency. By offering thoroughly researched, evidence-based solutions, they help companies stay adaptable and thrive in a fast-paced business world.

Why pay is going up

Management analysts (or consultants) solve business challenges and inefficiencies by providing their expertise to different industries ranging from consulting agencies, non-profits, and private companies. Over the past decade, this field has experienced steady growth with salaries increasing from $87,260 in 2010 to over $100K in 2021.

8. Wind turbine service technician

• Mean annual salary (2023): $65,380
• Number of jobs (2023): 11,400
• Estimated job growth (2023–2033): 60%
• Typical education level: Postsecondary nondegree award
• Average pay growth (2021–2023): 6%

Job responsibilities for wind turbine service technicians

Wind turbine service technicians work with wind turbines by helping install, maintain, and repair them. They often work at great heights and perform routine inspections and repairs on wind farms. Their expertise directly supports the generation of clean, sustainable energy, making them essential contributors to the growing renewable energy sector.

Why pay is going up

The industry will grow from a $89.6 billion industry in 2023 to a $260.8 billion industry by 2034, which increases the need for wind turbine service technicians. The expansion of wind farms and advancements in turbine designs are creating more job opportunities in the industry. There’s a shortage of workers with specialized skills required for working at heights and handling complex machinery — which increases the likelihood of salary growth in the near future.

9. Skincare specialist

• Mean annual salary (2023): $51,100
• Number of jobs (2023): 81,800
• Estimated job growth (2023–2033): 10%
• Typical education level: Postsecondary nondegree award
• Average pay growth (2021–2023): 11%

Job responsibilities for skincare specialists

Skincare specialists, also known as estheticians, provide a variety of beauty and wellness services to improve the appearance and health of their clients’ skin. They can help with problems such as acne or wrinkles by performing skin care treatments or giving advice on skincare routines and products. You can find skincare specialists working in spas, salons, dermatology offices, or independent businesses.

Why pay is going up

As the beauty and wellness industry continues to thrive post-pandemic, the demand for skin care services is rising. With projections showing a 5-10% increase in the wellness industry’s value, this growth also drives a growing focus on self-care and skin health. Skincare specialists are, therefore, in high demand. Additionally, the expansion of medical spa services and a growing interest in non-invasive cosmetic procedures contribute to greater earning potential in this field.

10. Psychiatric aide

• Mean annual salary (2023): $41,000
• Number of jobs (2023): 160,600
• Estimated job growth (2023–2033): 13%
• Typical education level: High school degree
• Average pay growth (2021–2023): 9%

Job responsibilities for psychiatric aide

Psychiatric aides assist patients with mental health conditions by helping them with daily activities, monitoring their well-being, and providing emotional support. They help out in psychiatric hospitals, mental health facilities, or residential care settings, to implement treatment plans under the supervision of healthcare professionals like psychiatrists or social workers.

Why pay is going up

As mental health awareness and treatment needs continue to grow, the demand for psychiatric aides is increasing. With a rising focus on improving mental health care, these professionals greatly support patients and help to manage their conditions. The shortage of workers in the mental health field is leading to higher wages and better job opportunities for psychiatric aides.

Industries giving raises in 2025

As we step into 2025, several industries stand out for experiencing significant pay growth. Let’s take a look below:

Healthcare

• The aging population is increasing the demand for healthcare workers, resulting in the largest demand for workers in this industry in the coming year.
• The healthcare sector is expected to hire 2.3 million new workers this year, accounting for about 1 in 4 new jobs in the US.
• Occupational growth for healthcare practitioners and technical occupations (16.4%) and healthcare support occupations (23%) is much higher than the national average of 6.5% growth.

STEM (Science, technology, engineering, mathematics)

• Science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) occupations are projected to grow 10.4% by 2033 – faster than the average for all occupations (4.0%).
• The growing need for IT, cybersecurity, and advancements in automation and machine learning (like AI and robotics) is driving rapid growth in computer and math jobs.
• On average, job postings demanding AI skills are associated with a 25% wage premium.
• Businesses are increasingly relying on data analysis, which is expected to fuel even more demand for math-related roles.

Wellness

• The wellness industry is valued at $6.3 trillion as of 2023 and is projected to grow to $9 trillion by 2028.
• Growth in different sectors related to the industry — such as corporate wellness and wellness tourism — is also driving up salaries for those in the field.
• Mental health awareness is increasing, and online platforms are allowing specialists in this field to reach a wider audience while meeting a higher demand of clients.

Methodology

The primary data for this study was sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), particularly from their Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics throughout 2021–2023. The focus was on gathering data on the changes in wages for all occupations listed within BLS to identify past pay wage increases and patterns to predict future pay raises.

Our selection for the top 10 list was based on two key criteria:  a minimum U.S. median annual salary of $48,060 and a job growth of equal to or higher than 4%. The occupations were then sorted in descending order of their job growth projection and average change in wage over the years 2021–2023. Then, we filtered out industries that weren’t listed in the BLS’s projection of occupational groups that will grow the fastest. Finally, we ordered the occupations in descending order of their median wage and selected the top 10 of our detailed analysis.

Our researchers used the most recent data available at the time of writing to ensure that the analysis reflects the current labor market trends as closely as possible. However, the research doesn’t account for factors such as inflation and other external factors that may affect pay raises.

Sources

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