Pursuing certain “growth” occupations will likely provide job seekers with a more fortunate and fruitful return than others. If you are looking for a new job this year, consider honing your skills, finishing your college degree and applying for a job in one of these 10 growing occupations according to the US Department of Labor. Click on each category and link to the mySkillsmyFuture.org webpage listing the related jobs.
This is a job that is difficult to outsource. Not only is accounting projected to experience large growth through 2018, but it is consistently amongst the bachelor's degrees most desired by employers according to the National Association of Colleges and Employers (
NACE).
Salary: $60K
This occupation has a bright future as more and more commerce moves to the Internet. As the world becomes more dependent on technology, it also becomes more dependent on those who create it.
Salary: $88K
Another job that is difficult to outsource overseas. Occupational therapists help patients regain mental and physical function lost to such causes as arthritis, stroke, cancer or dementia, and will become more in demand as baby boomers age and create a larger elderly population.
Salary: $70K
As the economy spurs new business, Sales has to be managed. Since good salespeople directly contribute to a company's bottom line, they are a crucial part of the corporate rebuilding process. The key role salespeople have in keeping business booming also makes the job more stable in uncertain times.
Salary: $112K
According to the Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment for computer software engineers is expected to grow 32 percent between 2008 and 2018.
Salary: $97K
Transportation and Logistics are booming. We need to move materials throughout the United States. In 2008, truck drivers held more than 3.2 million jobs, making the occupation one of the largest in the country. The demand for goods and the need to ship them is not slowing down, either. Nearly 292,000 jobs will be created by 2018, according to the BLS.
Salary: $60K
As the overall population ages and grows, so will the need for nurses that can provide quality care. Additionally, large numbers of nurses are expected to retire in the coming decade, leaving plenty of room for those entering the profession.
Salary: $72K
This is another job that can’t be outsourced overseas. The Department of Labor, BLS considers this field one of the fastest-growing. It's expected to add nearly 63,000 jobs through 2018, a 36 percent increase over 2008.
Salary: $75K
The recession has wreaked havoc on personal finances. From those who lost equity in their homes or investment properties to others who wiped out savings accounts or tapped into retirement funds, Americans will be looking to get their finances back on track. As baby boomers begin to retire, the need for financial advisers will only increase.
Salary: $77K
According to the Department of Labor, BLS, the occupation is expected to grow much faster than average through 2018. Because training is relatively minimal (only an associate degree is usually required) and the pay is good, it's a great option for those looking for a career change.
Salary: $48K
*All salary information provided by www.PayScale.com and references the Department of Labor’s “mySkills myFuture” website.