By now, many of you have seen this year’s list of “hot jobs” for the coming year or coming decade posted on job and news sites throughout the internet. Every year, information is gathered from the nation’s top employment and placement firms as well as government data to determine which jobs have the highest pay and brightest employment prospects.

Sometimes jobs with the highest pay aren’t the ones with the highest demand. On the other hand, some jobs have above average salaries and are in high demand. What these articles don’t say is how to actually get them. What are the educational requirements? Do I need previous job experience? Will any of my previous education carry over? Over the next few months we’ll discuss these employment opportunities, the educational requirements and how to assess which career could be best for you. This article will provide a summary of this years top jobs with a future.

2005 – 2012 Hot Job Median Incomes

Worst Jobs of 2005 • Sewing machine operators • Preschool teachers     (except special education) • Maids and housekeepers • Janitors • Vehicle and equipment cleaners Reasons: Low pay, no benefits, part-time – Source: Utah Dept. of Workforce Services

Healthcare Jobs
• Nursing – RN $48,090, LPN $31,440
• Radiology Technician - $38,970
• Finance Administration - $73,340

Construction Jobs
• Carpenter - $33,932
• Electrician - $41,073
• Contractor - $63,500

Manufacturing Jobs
• Tool & Die Makers – $42,394
• Welders - $32,554
• Machinists – $32,322

Computer / Technical Jobs
• Technical Support / Help Desk Specialists -$39,100
• Network Administration - $54,810
• Security Specialists - $51,000

Education Jobs
• Teachers – $39,810
• Childcare workers - $16,300
• Administration - $71,490 K-12