Hyperscale data center services are the fastest-growing industry in the United States for 2026. Revenue is expanding nearly 29% as AI-driven demand for cloud computing surges. Close behind are subsurface exploration services, uranium and metal ore mining, and renewable energy sources like solar power, all fueled by high demand for energy and computing infrastructure.
How We Ranked the Fastest-Growing Industries in the USA
This list ranks industries based on their 2026 growth rate, not their total market size. A large industry may earn more money overall, but a smaller industry growing faster can still be among the fastest-growing sectors.
We used 2026 revenue growth data from the IBISWorld industry database and compared it with U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics job growth projections through 2032.
This helps show which industries are growing in both revenue and employment across the United States. Since money growth and job growth do not always happen in the same industries, this guide looks at both factors to give a complete view for investors, businesses, and job seekers.
The Top 10 Fastest-Growing Industries in the USA
Here is how the top 10 fastest-growing industries in the United States rank for 2026, based on year-over-year growth rates. Each entry below includes the industry’s revenue growth, what drives it, and where it’s likely headed over the long term.
1. Hyperscale Data Center Services
- Revenue Growth: 28.9%
- Market Size: $271.6 billion
- Employees: ~38,140
Hyperscale data centers are huge facilities that store and manage data for cloud services and AI systems. They contain thousands of servers that help companies build and run AI models.
The growth of generative AI is increasing demand for more computing power across industries like healthcare, finance, retail, and manufacturing. This is why data centers are becoming the fastest-growing industry in the U.S. in 2026.
This growth is expected to continue for years. New data center projects are also creating more opportunities for construction companies, utility providers, and skilled workers, making this growth important beyond the technology sector.
2. Subsurface Exploration & Geophysical Services
- Revenue Growth: 27.0%
- Market Size: $2.0 billion
- Employees: ~10,324
Geophysical service companies study underground rock formations using special surveys. Energy and mining companies use this information before drilling or mining.
Growing oil, gas, and mineral exploration in the U.S. is increasing demand for these services. Companies are investing more to reduce their dependence on imported resources.
This is a small but important industry worth billions of dollars. Its growth is expected to continue as the U.S. focuses on energy and mineral independence.
3. Uranium & Metal Ore Mining
- Revenue Growth: 26.4%
- Market Size: $2.7 billion
- Employees: ~4,440
This industry extracts uranium and other important metals used in nuclear energy, electronics, and defense. Growing investment in nuclear power is driving its rapid growth.
Electric vehicle batteries and defense projects also need these critical minerals, creating even more demand.
Since mining projects take many years to develop and approve, this growth is expected to continue for the long term.
4. Autonomous Underwater Vehicle Manufacturing
- Revenue Growth: 22.5%
Manufacturers in this field create unmanned underwater vehicles for naval defense, offshore energy checks, and marine research. These vehicles help inspect underwater areas without putting people at risk.
The main growth drivers are naval modernization projects and the rise of offshore wind farms. Both industries need advanced underwater inspection tools, and demand is expected to continue growing.
As offshore wind projects expand across the U.S. coast, this manufacturing sector is likely to grow even faster in the coming years.
5. Oil & Gas Extraction
- Revenue Growth: 21.3%
This industry extracts crude oil and natural gas from underground reservoirs. It includes onshore and offshore drilling operations and supports the broader energy supply chain.
Strong domestic energy demand, higher oil prices, and new drilling projects in key basins are driving growth in 2026. U.S. producers are also expanding exports of liquefied natural gas (LNG) to global markets.
While the industry is cyclical and sensitive to commodity prices, current investment levels suggest continued expansion in the near term.
6. Computer & Packaged Software Wholesaling
- Revenue Growth: 22.5%
Wholesalers in this industry distribute computer hardware and packaged software to businesses of every size. They act as the supply chain link between manufacturers and the companies that actually use the equipment.
Enterprise AI adoption is driving a wave of hardware refresh cycles, and information technology budgets have grown to match. Small businesses upgrading their systems make up a meaningful share of this increased demand.
Expect steady growth here as long as companies keep investing in AI-ready infrastructure, since most of that hardware still passes through a wholesale distributor first.
7. Computer Manufacturing
- Revenue Growth: 17.5%
This industry makes servers, workstations, and other computer hardware in the U.S. It is growing as more companies focus on building technology products locally.
Government support and new investments in chip and hardware production are bringing more manufacturing back to the U.S., creating jobs and increasing production.
As demand for data centers and AI technology grows, U.S. computer manufacturing is expected to continue growing in the coming years.
8. Petroleum Refining
- Revenue Growth: 16.8%
Petroleum refineries turn crude oil into products like gasoline, diesel, and jet fuel. It is a large industry that requires high investment and is led by a few major companies.
Refining capacity is growing to meet steady fuel demand in the U.S. and increasing demand from global markets. Some facilities are expanding to supply more fuel to international buyers.
Because of this growth, petroleum refining remains one of the top 10 fastest-growing industries in 2026, despite being a well-established sector.
9. Solar Power Generation
- Revenue Growth: 16.1%
Solar power includes large solar farms and rooftop systems that add electricity to the grid. It is one of the top renewable energy sources this year.
Lower equipment costs and growing electricity demand are helping companies build more solar projects quickly. Many power providers see solar as a fast way to increase energy supply.
Solar energy is expected to grow in the future because solar projects can be built and started faster than many traditional power plants.
10. SEO & Internet Marketing Consulting
- Revenue Growth: 16.0%
This industry includes agencies, freelancers, and consulting firms that help businesses improve their online visibility through search engines and AI tools.
AI-powered search is changing how people find businesses online. Companies of all sizes, especially small businesses, are increasing their marketing budgets to stay competitive. This has created a strong rise in demand.
As a result, this industry has become one of the fastest-growing service sectors, after technology and energy, and one of the few consulting fields to enter the top 10.
Industries Just Outside the Top 10 (And Why They Still Matter)
Real Estate
Although real estate development and property management are not among the fastest-growing industries in 2026, they remain one of the largest industries in the United States by revenue. Experts expect the industry to grow at about 5% each year through 2030.
An aging population is driving demand for senior living communities and homes designed for older adults. Builders are creating more accessible housing to meet these changing needs.
The real estate industry also supports many small businesses, including local real estate agents, property managers, and contractors. Since the COVID-19 pandemic, the industry has continued to recover, especially in the housing market and logistics-related commercial properties.
Information Technology & Software Development
Beyond large data centers, the IT industry is also growing quickly. Software development, cybersecurity, cloud services, and IT support are expanding at an annual rate of over 14%.
Today, businesses of all sizes rely on IT services to manage their daily operations. This steady demand continues to drive the industry’s growth, even when it is not among the fastest-growing sectors.
Fastest-Growing Industries by Category
Fastest-Growing Tech & AI-Driven Industries
The growth of hyperscale data centers, computer manufacturing, and software wholesaling is driven by the rapid expansion of AI infrastructure across the U.S. Businesses are also investing more in SEO and internet marketing to improve their visibility in AI-powered search.
Fastest-Growing Healthcare Industries
Healthcare may not be among the top 10 fastest-growing industries in 2026, but it remains one of the strongest sectors for long-term growth. Home healthcare, family care services, and healthcare providers are expected to add many jobs through 2032. This growth is mainly driven by an aging population and the rising need for in-home and outpatient care.
Fastest-Growing Renewable Energy Industries
Solar power and uranium mining show how the United States is expanding its energy sources. Both renewable energy and nuclear-related power are growing quickly, not just one of them.
Fastest-Growing Industries Over the Next 5–10 Years
Revenue growth shows where money is flowing today, but job growth reveals future opportunities. According to Bureau of Labor Statistics projections through 2032, event promotion and talent management, amusement parks, performing arts, and individual and family services are expected to increase employment by 30% or more over the next decade.
Seven of the 20 fastest-growing industries are part of the leisure and travel sector. Experts expect this sector to keep growing as more people choose to spend money on travel and experiences instead of products.
Specific metro areas concentrate much of this hiring growth. See our breakdown of the fastest-growing cities in the US for where these jobs are landing and how US growth compares globally in our look at the largest economies in the world.
Industries That Are Declining While Others Grow
Not every industry is growing. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the biggest job losses by 2032 are expected in tobacco manufacturing, magnetic and optical media production, and apparel and leather manufacturing. Jobs in these industries could fall by more than one-third.
The main reasons are automation and changing customer demand. Industries that rely on physical products and older technologies are shrinking, while digital, service, and energy-related industries continue to grow.
Key Takeaways
- Hyperscale data centers are the fastest-growing U.S. industry in 2026, mainly due to rising AI demand.
- Energy sectors like uranium, oil and gas, and solar are also among the top-growing industries this year.
- Technology hardware and software companies are growing as businesses need more AI tools and equipment.
- According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, healthcare, travel, and leisure will create the most jobs by 2032, showing a different growth pattern.
- Industries like tobacco, clothing, and printing are declining because of automation and changing customer needs.
- Investors, businesses, and job seekers should look at both industry growth and job growth to find future opportunities.
Conclusion
AI-powered data centers are driving the fastest industry growth in 2026. Energy and mining sectors, including uranium, oil and gas, and solar, are also growing quickly as tech spending increases. By 2032, the biggest job growth is expected in healthcare, travel, and leisure, while real estate and IT services continue to grow steadily.
FAQs
- What Is the Fastest-Growing Industry in the USA for 2026?
Hyperscale data center services ranks as the fastest-growing industry in 2026. Revenue is expanding nearly 29% as AI and cloud computing demand accelerates data center construction nationwide.
- Which Industries Will Add the Most Jobs Over the Next 10 Years?
The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects event promotion, amusement parks, performing arts, and individual and family services to lead employment growth through 2032.
- Which Industries Are Declining in the United States?
Tobacco manufacturing, magnetic and optical media production, and apparel manufacturing are shrinking fastest. Automation and changing consumer demand are the main causes.
