A new labor market analysis by Visme, a leading platform for AI-powered infographics and presentations, has identified the fastest-growing occupations in the United States based on data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The research examined employment trends between 2020 and 2026, calculating the percentage change in job numbers (in thousands) to rank the top-growing roles.
Nurse Midwives Take the Lead as Fastest-Growing Profession
Key Insights:
At the top of the list is nurse midwifery, which saw a staggering 260% increase in employment over four years — rising from 5,000 professionals in 2020 to 18,000 in 2024.
Why It Matters:
According to the Cleveland Clinic, midwives are trained healthcare providers who offer a range of services including prenatal care, childbirth support, and routine gynecological exams.
However, a 2023 study published in the American Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology highlighted a midwife shortage in the U.S., with just 4 midwives per 1,000 live births. In contrast, high-income countries typically have between 30 and 70 midwives per 1,000 births, pointing to significant growth potential in this sector.
Proofreaders See Surprising Surge Despite AI Trends
In second place are proofreaders and copy markers, with employment growing by 250%.
Though many expected AI tools like chatbots and auto-writers to reduce the demand for human proofreaders, the data tells a different story.
The Reason:
AI-generated content often contains errors, awkward phrasing, or tone issues that are noticeable to readers. Skilled proofreaders remain essential for ensuring clarity, accuracy, and human touch — especially in professional or published materials.
Industry Voices:
“The data clearly shows how technology — especially AI and automation — is reshaping the labor landscape,” said Payman Taei, founder and CEO of Visme. “Interestingly, the production sector accounts for 20% of the fastest-growing jobs, and also 20% of the fastest-declining ones. This suggests a major industry transformation — where some roles vanish, others rapidly emerge.”
Top 10 Fastest-Growing Jobs in the U.S. (2020–2026)
- Nurse Midwives
- Proofreaders and Copy Markers
- Tire Builders
- Natural Science Managers
- Photographic Process Workers
- Reinforcing Iron and Rebar Workers
- Dancers and Choreographers
- Machine Feeders and Offbearers
- Ambulance Drivers and Attendants
Rail-Track Laying and Maintenance Equipment Operators
Professions in Decline: Model Makers Hit Hardest
The job that saw the most significant drop was model and pattern makers (metal and plastic) — down 88% in employment. The rise of CAD software and 3D printing has enabled designers to create prototypes quickly, reducing the need for traditional model-making roles.
Survey researchers and statistical assistants also saw notable declines of around 80%, reflecting shifts in how data is collected and analyzed.
Top 10 Fastest-Declining Jobs in the U.S.
- Model Makers, Metal and Plastic
- Survey Researchers
- Statistical Assistants
- Animal Control Workers
- Agricultural Engineers
- Etchers and Engravers
- Mining and Geological Engineers
- Parking Enforcement Workers
- Telemarketers
- Rehabilitation Counselors
This data reveals how technological evolution and economic shifts are rapidly transforming the job market, creating exciting opportunities in some fields while rendering others obsolete. Job seekers and employers alike should pay close attention to these trends when planning for the future.
