A common concern when choosing a career is future growth and demand. Healthcare is generally the best field for security and growth, but jobs in other fields are also experiencing rapid growth. Ten high demand jobs based on industry, job prospects*, percent growth, and numerical growth:
Veterinary Technologists and Technicians
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment for veterinary technologists and technicians is expected to grow 36 percent through 2018. The median annual wage for veterinary technologists and technicians was $28,900 in 2008. Completion of a two-year degree from a college program accredited by American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) is required for working as a veterinary technician in the United States. Every state requires future veterinary technologists to pass a credentialing exam after coursework completion, although regulation varies from state to state.
Pharmacists
Projected growth for pharmacists is 17 percent through 2018. To practice pharmacy, one must obtain a Pharm.D. degree and pass a series of licensing exams. Pharmacists earned a median annual wage of $106, 210 in 2008. Visit the American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy for more information.
Computer Systems Analysts
Responsibilities of computer systems analysts include determining user requirements, reviewing system capabilities, making software recommendations, and updating existing computer systems and programs. Projected employment growth for computer systems analysts is 20 percent through 2018 and the median annual wages were $75,500 in 2008. Top 100 Computer and Technical Careers
Computer Software Engineers
Employment for computer software engineers is projected to grow by 32 percent through 2018. The median annual wage of computer systems software engineers was $92, 420 in May 2008. For computer applications software engineers the median annual wage was $85,430. Making it Big in Software: Get the Job. Work the Org. Become Great.
Optometrists
An aging population contributes to increasing demand for optometrists. Employment for optometrists is expected to grow much faster than average, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. In order to become qualified to practice optometry in the United States, one must graduate from an accredited college of optometry and obtain a state license. There are currently 19 colleges of optometry in the United States, and admission is very competitive. Optometrists earned a median annual wage of $96,320 in May 2008. Visit the American Optometric Association website for more information about optometry careers and education.
Due to a variety of factors, there is no guarantee that demand will rise as expected for a given profession. Everyone should be prepared to adapt to technological advances and globalization, even those in careers with high growth projections. Although no one can predict the future with certainty, employment projections provide the best resource for assessing job growth and demand. 50 Best College Majors for a Secure Future
Sources:
The Occupational Outlook Handbook
*Job prospect categories as defined by the OOH. Only careers with very good or excellent opportunities were chosen for this list
Read about Five More High Demand Jobs for the Future.