Fastest Growing Careers

With a job market that’s currently at a low point, there is a wonder of whether or not jobs will pick up in the near future. A concern is usually how many openings are available for each job. However, the prospects are not as grim as people make it out to be. In fact, by about 2014-2016, there are large projections of job openings for certain careers. Here are the top 20 of the fastest growing jobs at 25% growth and up:

Network systems and data communications analysts – More business calls for more technology and with it the need for greater amount of knowledgeable professionals. The expected growth for this career is at 53%, with a median salary of $67,460 reported in 2006. In most cases, a bachelor’s degree is required for this job.
Computer software engineers, applications – At the height of the computer age, it is logical that jobs for computer specialists would skyrocket in the future. These jobs are expected to increase 45% by 2016, with a median pay of around $82,000 in 2006. A bachelor’s degree is required, as well as knowledge working with various computers.
Personal financial advisers – With the baby boomers generation in its upcoming retirement phase, a need for financial advisers increases. While the job itself is expected to be highly competitive, it still doesn’t take away from the fact that there is a 41% growth at 2016. In 2006, the median pay for the job was $66,120. There is a minimum requirement of a bachelor’s degree for this career.
Theatrical and performance makeup artists – This is still a small, yet growing profession, even the increase might not be enough for the amount of people interested in the cosmetology field. However, the career is expected to grow 40%. Usually, a high school diploma or a GED is required from the job-seeker. Training in a cosmetology school might or might not be required. The median salary for this profession in 2006 was $36,730.
College instructor – College enrollment has increased tremendously over the years. Most school institutions have garnered thousands of applicants, with only a limited number of seats. Positions for instructors will increase at a rate of 37%, with an average pay of $51,800. To teach at a college level, a master’s degree is the minimum education. A PhD is required for tenure-track positions.
Veterinarians – As more people acquire pets, there is a call for an increase in veterinary services. Veterinarians are required to complete a post-grad program for a doctorate in Veterinary Medicine; it is also required that they attain a license in order to practice for a particular state. The growth rate is at 35%, with the median salary at $81,490 in 2006.
Medical assistants – With an expanding medical industry, healthcare also increases, and thus jobs in the medical field. Clinics are requiring staff support, of which the rate of growth is expected to be as high as 35%. The median pay for medical assistants is $26,290. An associate’s degree or certification is required, as well as on-the-job training.
Substance abuse and behavioral disorder counselors – There is an increase of people who are seeking treatment, thus the growth of substance abuse counselors is at a rate of 34%. In most cases, requirements call for at least a bachelor’s degree. However, getting a license as a counselor requires a master’s degree. The median pay for this profession in 2006 was $35,950.
Financial analysts – Even with the recession, the financial industry is going to pick up, and once it does, more people will be employed to handle accounts such as mutual funds. The median pay for financial analysts was $77,280 in 2006, and the profession is to grow at 34%. A bachelor’s or master’s degree is required for this type of job.
Skin care specialists – Spas and medical facilities are pushing for better skin treatment. It is expected that estheticians and the rest of the skincare industry are going to grow at a rate of 34% by 2016. The median pay for the profession was $29,550, and training programs can be found in vocational schools.
Pharmacy technicians – Pharmacies will be looking to cut more costs, so there is a shifting responsibility to the pharmacy technicians. Job openings will increase at a rate of 32% by 2016. The median pay in 2006 for technicians was $26,510. Training for the position is usually done on-the-job, though a bachelor’s degree would be recommended.
Forensic science technicians – Crime labs have become essential in criminal investigation, and so it is no surprise that forensic science technicians will become a popular profession in that particular field. A bachelor’s degree is usually required, with hands-on lab experience and legal knowledge an additional plus. The growth rate is at 31%, and the median salary in the past was at $48,150.
Mental health counselors – Insurance companies are adding in the benefits of counseling sessions (which are much cheaper than psychologists and psychiatrists), which calls for an increase of job openings for this profession. The rate of growth by 2012 is expected to be at 30%. Median salary for counselors was $37,840. A master’s degree is a minimum requirement to be a licensed counselor.
Marriage and family therapists – It has become more common to seek counseling and couples therapy before proceeding through a divorce, so therapists are expected to increase by 30%. The median salary was $44,700. It is usually necessary to attain a master’s degree to be a licensed therapist.
Computer systems analysts – With companies continually acquiring new technology, systems analysts are still increasing in growth, at a rate of 29% by 2016. Most employers expect a bachelor’s degree and field experience before hiring. The median salary in 2006 was $72,230.
Database administrators – A rise in networking technology has popularized the need for database administrators, who are responsible for information transfers through computer networks. A bachelor’s degree is a minimum; perhaps even a possible master’s in Management Information Systems might be required. Job openings are to grow 29% by 201, with $67,460 as a median salary.
Dental assistants – Dental health has become prominent in both the aging and developing population. Routine checkups are required, and the need for assistants is increasing. There is an expected 29% for the profession, with a median salary of $30,850. Dental assistants were normally required a high school diploma and on-the-job training, but now completing certificate programs may also be necessary.
Computer software engineers, systems software – With increased business ventures, technology systems are updated and more features are added to software nationwide. This profession pays well, with a median of $87,250, and the growth expectation is at 28%. A bachelor’s degree in computer science or software engineering is required.
Physical therapists – In addition to athletic accidents and other physical disabilities, there is also an aging population requiring physical therapy. The median salary for this profession in 2006 was $68,050 and has a growth rate of 27% by 2016. Physical therapists require a master’s degree from a physical therapy program as well as a state license.
Physician assistants – With the increase in healthcare thanks to an aging population, there is further need for physician assistants. The minimum amount of education for this profession is a bachelor’s degree (a master’s degree most times) and participation in a physician assistant program. The median salary for this job was $74,980 and its growth rate is at 27%.