Hot List: Growing Careers until the year 2016
If you’re still clueless on what course to take this coming semester, or if you’re wondering about which career path is right for you, then the list below might just be what you need! The U.S. Labor and Statistics Bureau identified 30 growing and lucrative careers from the year 2006 to 2016. Aside from providing career descriptions, the list also reported a 10-percent increase in employment amounting to 15.6 million jobs in the U.S.
30 of the leading career choices are from various industries, all of them with diverse skill requirements. Check out the top ten career profiles, which provide high employment security and better incomes compared to other careers.
1. Network Systems and Data Communication Analyst
Career description: As technology continues to grow, more IT professionals are needed to monitor and set up networks both for professional and personal use. A bachelor's degree in Information Technology is a must in order to land a job as a network system and data communication analyst.
Projected increase (2016): 53.4 percent
Median Earning (2006): $67,460
2. Personal and home care aides
Career description: As members of the baby boomer generation go into retirement, the number of elderly people who'll need special care and attention from trained professionals will also increase. Some states require formal trainin that can be completed at vocational schools, community colleges, or university. Some states, on the other hand, only require on-the-job training.
Projected increase (2016): 50.6 percent
Median Earning (2006): $18,180
3. Home health aides
Career description: Home health aides provide extensive healthcare to patients, especially for the elderly. Most often than not, these healthcare workers receive their training from on-the-job experience from other aides or nurses. Some employers require the aides to attend classroom training, lectures and workshops to enhance their knowledge and skills.
Projected increase (2016): 48.7 percent
Median Earning (2006): $20,100
4. Computer applications software engineers
Career description: These engineers are needed by companies and businesses to keep up with ever-changing trends in technology, making their operations more efficient with the use of computers. A bachelor’s degree is a requirement in this career to get a better understanding of current innovations in computer technology.
Projected increase (2016): 44.6 percent
Median Earning (2006): $82,000
5. Veterinary technologists and technicians
Career description: Dogs or cats aren't "just pets" anymore. They become member family that cares for them, resulting in the rapid growth of this industry. There are two educational tracks available for veterinary technologists or technicians: a four-year bachelor’s degree offered by 16 colleges nationally, or a two-year associate degree (veterinary technician program) from accredited community colleges.
Projected increase (2016): 41 percent
Median Earning (2006): $27,750
6. Personal financial advisers
Career description: This industry’s expansion is caused by the large number of financial advisers who are ready to go into retirement. Although job openings are expected in the coming years, the competition still remains tough. Aside from the minimum requirement of a bachelor’s degree, signing up for extra training courses can give you a real edge over your peers.
Projected increase (2016): 41 percent
Median Earning (2006): $66,120
7. Theatrical and performance makeup artists
Career description: Aside from skin care specialists and manicurists, theatrical performance make-up artists provide specialized beauty services to their clients. They simply help clients’ look and feel their best. Your prospective employer will decide if you’ll need formal training before you can become a make-up artist. Usually, however, the minimum requirement is a high school diploma or a General Educational Development (or GED) certification.
Projected increase (2016): 39.8 percent
Median Earning (2006): $36,730
8. Medical assistants
Career description: The growth of the medical industry is caused by the growing number of elderly people and the continuous advances in technology. This is why more healthcare professionals are needed to provide care and assistance to the public. Generally, a one-year certificate or two-year associate degree is required for this career. But some employers will probably require on-the-job training before accepting medical assistants.
Projected increase (2016): 35.4 percent
Median Earning (2006): $26,290
9. Veterinarians
Career description: Since Spotty and Kitty have now become instant family members, pet owners continuously try to provide utmost care to them. For many American families, their pets deserve only the best medical and healthcare services, especially for such procedures as blood transfusions, hip replacements, and cancer treatments. Veterinarians therefore, play a big role in households who have pets. In order to be a veterinarian, you must complete a four-year program in Veterinary Medicine. You must also be licensed by the state to be a full-fledged veterinarian.
Projected increase (2016): 27.6percent
Median Earning (2006): $81,490
10. Substance abuse and behavioral disorder counselors
Career description: According to Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), the number of Americans admitted to drug and alcohol treatment facilities, annually increases. In 2006 alone, a total number of 1,800,717 individuals were under substance abuse treatment across the country. This caused a bigger demand for professional counselors across the country. A master’s degree in Psychology or Therapy and Counseling is typically required to be a certified or licensed substance abuse counselor. The requirements for professional counseling also vary from state to state. In Alabama, for example, you need to pass the Alabama Board of Examiners in Counseling administered every year.
Median Earning (2006): $35,950
