BLS Data Shows AI-Exposed Tech Jobs Will Grow Alongside Healthcare Boom
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects that while AI will transform many roles, high-paying tech jobs like software development and data science will still grow significantly through 2035. Healthcare remains the largest hiring sector, accounting for 37% of new jobs, driven by an aging population. Overall employment growth is expected to slow to 3.5%, but specific AI-exposed and healthcare roles will see substantial increases.
Key points
- BLS projects total U.S. employment will grow by 5.9 million jobs to 176.2 million by 2035, a 3.5% increase, significantly slower than the previous decade.
- Healthcare and social assistance will add 2.2 million jobs, the most of any sector, driven by aging demographics and chronic conditions.
- Software developer employment is projected to increase by 175,000, reaching 2 million workers, driven by AI, IoT, and robotics demand.
- Data scientists and computer research scientists are among the fastest-growing tech roles, with growth rates of 34.6% and 21.8% respectively.
- Nurse practitioners are projected to see the highest percentage growth (41%), while medical and health services managers will add the most raw jobs in healthcare (155,100).
Background
Recent coverage has highlighted a divide in AI exposure, with some high-paying roles showing low AI exposure and others facing high exposure. Earlier reports noted that while AI may automate certain tasks, it is also creating demand for new technical skills. The current BLS data provides a comprehensive view of which sectors will thrive despite AI integration, contrasting with fears of widespread job displacement.
How outlets are covering it
Business Insider emphasizes the 'very high' AI exposure of tech jobs like software development and HR, noting that AI assists tasks but does not necessarily eliminate jobs. Fortune highlights the utility sector's rapid growth due to AI power demands, with solar and wind generation seeing massive percentage increases. CNBC focuses on healthcare as the dominant hiring sector, stressing that AI exposure does not equate to job loss, and notes that some declining sectors still offer opportunities. All sources agree that AI is reshaping, not eliminating, high-paying roles, but differ in emphasis: BI on AI exposure, Fortune on infrastructure and utilities, and CNBC on healthcare dominance.
Why it matters
Understanding which jobs are growing despite AI integration helps workers and policymakers navigate labor market shifts. The data shows that AI is creating demand for technical skills while healthcare remains a stable, high-growth sector. This counters narratives of AI-driven job apocalypse, highlighting that adaptation and new roles are emerging alongside automation.
What to watch
Monitor BLS updates for revisions to employment projections. Watch for policy changes in healthcare and energy sectors that could influence hiring. Track AI adoption rates in tech and HR to see how job roles evolve. Consider the impact of aging demographics on long-term healthcare demand.
- 10 high-paying, fast-growing jobs that are at the forefront of the AI revolution Business Insider
- Which jobs are future-proofed? : The Indicator from Planet Money NPR
- The 10 fastest-growing jobs in America over the next decade Fox Business
- These industries will lead hiring in the next decade, with just one sector accounting for more than a third of all new jobs Fortune
- 6 of the 10 U.S. jobs projected to grow fastest over the next decade are in one industry—and it's not tech or AI CNBC
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