The 10 specialties that will dominate the high-wage job market

Choosing a university course has never been a trivial decision, but in a context where graduate unemployment remains high in the Arab world—reaching 28% according to the Union of Arab Universities—this choice becomes strategic. *

The situation is particularly worrying in the Middle East and North Africa, where the youth unemployment rate was 24.4% in 2023 , double the global average.

The International Labor Organization estimates that Arab countries will need to create more than 60 million jobs over the next 30 years to meet market needs.

Faced with these challenges, certain disciplines stand out for their growth potential and the high salaries they offer, particularly in developed countries.

A labor market undergoing profound change

According to the World Economic Forum’s Future of Jobs Report 2025 , the job market will undergo a major restructuring by 2030 due to the combined effects of technological advances, climate change and demographic shifts.

It is estimated that 92 million jobs will disappear, but 170 million new jobs will be created, generating a positive balance of 78 million jobs (+7%).

The most dynamic sectors are artificial intelligence, big data, renewable energy, cybersecurity, and healthcare. Conversely, administrative, secretarial, and counter clerk jobs will be among the most affected by automation.

The 10 specialties with high potential by 2030

1. Human-Machine Director (HMMD) – Coordination between humans and intelligent systems (AI, robotics). Salary: $140,000/year .

2. Big Data Engineering – Mining and managing massive data sets. Salary: $151,000/year .

3. E-sports Coach – Professional coaching in a market worth $299 billion in 2024. Salary: $35,500 to $100,000/year .

4. FinTech Engineering – Development of innovative financial solutions. Salary: $147,000/year .

5. AI and Machine Learning Specialists – Design of Intelligent and Autonomous Systems. Salary: $70,000 to $111,000/year .

6. Electric and Autonomous Vehicle Experts – Design and maintenance of sustainable mobility solutions. Salary: $50,000 to $140,000/year .

7. Renewable Energy – Development and management of solar, wind, and hydraulic projects. Salary: $153,000/year (management).

8. DevOps Engineering – Integrating development and operations to optimize software deliveries. Salary: $132,000/year .

9. Internet of Things (IoT) – Creation and management of connected objects. Salary: $63,000 to $195,000/year .

10. Nurse – A growing profession (+6% jobs by 2033 in the USA). Salary: $98,000/year .

Key skills to stay competitive

Employers will prioritize analytical thinking , adaptability , curiosity , continuous learning , and social leadership . With 39% of current skills set to become obsolete, continuous training will be essential.

Thus, in a constantly changing world, choosing a university specialty aligned with job market trends is more than a precaution: it is a strategic investment for the future.

The ten sectors presented combine high employability and attractive salaries, but mastering them requires adaptability, curiosity and a constant desire to update one’s skills.