Concept:
Number series problems are often solved by examining the pattern in the differences between consecutive terms.
Step 1: Find the differences between terms.
\[
6-2 = 4
\]
\[
12-6 = 6
\]
\[
20-12 = 8
\]
\[
30-20 = 10
\]
Step 2: Identify the pattern.
The differences increase sequentially:
\[
4,\,6,\,8,\,10
\]
Next difference:
\[
12
\]
Step 3: Find the next term.
\[
30 + 12 = 42
\]
\[
\boxed{42}
\]