Most In Demand Jobs That Require Innovation, Design & Communication

by Terri Williams

The most in demand jobs that require innovation, design and communication have several things in common. Each career has a projected job growth rate that far exceeds the national average of 14.3 percent -- in fact, some double, triple and even quadruple the national average. Also, each job involves analyzing problems and then creating and communicating cutting-edge solutions. Several high-demand career options require innovation, design and communication.

Biomedical Engineers

Biomedical engineers are responsible for innovative designs such as artificial organs and artificial devices that substitute for human body parts. They communicate with patients, physicians and therapists to gather input and with other professionals during the design process. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, demand for biomedical engineers will increase by 62 percent through 2020, more than four times the national average. The educational requirement for this career is a bachelor’s degree in biomedical engineering, although those with a degree in another engineering field might receive on-the-job training. In May 2012, the annual mean salary for biomedical engineers was $91,200.

Software Developers

Software developers are the creative minds responsible for designing computer programs. They analyze the needs of their clients and then use their technological savvy to create new software that modernizes and improves users’ experience. In addition to communicating with their clients, software developers also communicate with programmers and other computer specialists to provide clear instructions. Software developer jobs will grow by 30 percent through 2020, the BLS reports, more than double the average growth rate for other occupations. The educational requirement to enter this field is a bachelor’s degree in computer science. As of May 2012, software developers earned an annual mean salary of $93,280.


Architects innovate to design houses, shopping malls, schools and colleges, libraries, office buildings, restaurants and other buildings and structures. Increasingly, they also use their innovative skills to produce sustainable designs -- in other words, buildings that are environmentally friendly, promote energy and water conservation and reduce waste and pollution. Architects discuss their ideas verbally and in writing with clients, building contractors and other workers. Most architects complete a five-year bachelor of architecture degree, according to the BLS. These professionals earned an annual mean salary of $76,990 in May 2012.

Medical Scientists

The cutting-edge research of medical scientists allows them to create advanced medical treatments and medicines. They research illnesses such as AIDS, Alzheimer's disease and cancer and then design and develop pharmaceutical drugs to counteract them. These scientists use communication to explain their research findings and collaborate with other medical professionals. The BLS reports that medical scientists have a Ph.D. in biology or a related field, while others have both a medical degree and a Ph.D. As of May 2012, medical scientists could expect a mean annual salary of $87,830.

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