Projected job openings in occupations typically requiring a graduate-level degree, 2024–34

BLS develops employment projections for more than 800 detailed occupations. Of these, 40 occupations typically require a master’s degree for entry, and 73 occupations typically require a doctoral or professional degree (such as a Ph.D. or J.D.). Substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors is projected to have 48,300 openings each year, on average, from 2024 to 2034, more than any other occupation at these levels of education. These counselors usually need strong speaking and listening skills, interpersonal skills, and adaptability.

The 10 graduate-level occupations projected to have the most job openings account for about half of the openings projected in graduate-level occupations. In 2024, wages for each of these 10 occupations, as well as almost all other graduate-level occupations, were higher than the median of $49,500 for all occupations. (A median wage is the point at which half of workers made more than the amount, and half made less.)

These data are from the Employment Projections program. For more information, see “Education level and projected openings, 2024–34” in Career Outlook.