Top 5 Career Fields
With the recent release of job-growth projections for 2008 to 2018 from the U.S. Department of Labor, it's easy to see which careers rise to the top with a recession-proof look and feel. Check out the following list to find out which ones are predicted to have more openings, higher salaries and a wider range of degree requirements. Does your education match up?
Winning Job Categories
1. Science and Technology
As technology takes over and jobs go green, the science and technology fields continue to grow at an explosive pace. And these two fields aren't that divided; information technology is applied to medical science and environmental studies regularly.
Spotlight positions: computer software engineer, systems analyst, meteorologist, civil engineer, environmental engineer, hydrologist and biomedical engineer.
2. Healthcare
Do you have a passion for helping others treat illness, maintain treatments and live healthy lives? An aging U.S. population combined with medical innovation and a drive to expand healthcare access assures the continued growth of opportunity in this industry.
Spotlight positions: X-ray technician, veterinarian, physical therapist, optometrist, nurse, dental hygienist and lab technician.
3. Education and Public Service
As school districts work with new performance standards, teachers--particularly special education teachers--stay in high demand. But education isn’t the only field of public service seeing prosperity. The career fields that support the wellness and safety of growing populations will also reap rewards.
Spotlight positions: firefighter, clergy, urban planner, special education teacher, therapist and social worker.
4. Business and Finance
Will the field of business every really go bust? Even in a down economy, we still need business and finance professionals to help us recover, so it's easy to see why they make the list. Earning a degree in business or finance could definitely pay off, if it doesn't already.
Spotlight positions: actuary, accountant, market research analyst, financial adviser, loan officer and public relations.
5. Creative Arts and Services
It finally pays to play! Checking in at number five, creative types making business out of art might feel relieved to see the openings ahead. Whether it's designing games, offering a service or transporting others, jobs that let you apply your passion are seeing a green light.
Spotlight positions: gaming manager, multimedia artist, film editor, curator, landscaper and plumber.
