The
hottest careers in the United States today draw on a broad
spectrum of skills and interests. Whether you're into
numbers, people, nature, sports, or computers, there's a way
to parlay your natural abilities into a lucrative career.
Do what you love, and the money will follow. This may be
true, but it helps if what you love coincides with a
high-demand career path.
The hottest careers in the United States today draw on a
broad spectrum of skills and interests. Whether you're into
numbers, people, nature, sports, or computers, there's a way
to parlay your natural abilities into a lucrative career.
10 Pathways to a Better Salary
The following ten careers are in demand--and they have big
paychecks to prove it. They are among the highest-paying
jobs on the Bureau of Labor Statistics' list of the
fastest-growing careers through 2014. With the right
training, you could upgrade into these jobs and start
earning what you're worth.
If
you're interested in HEALTH:
Physician Assistant--$69,250
Physician assistants perform many of the same functions as a
doctor: They examine patients, diagnose illness, and even
prescribe medication. Although doctors must supervise
treatment, physician assistants enjoy a good deal of
autonomy and more face time with patients.
Your career as a physician assistant begins with a
bachelor's degree and a 2-year physician assistant training
program.
Ranks fourth in the BLS Top 30 Fastest-Growing jobs, with
49.6% job growth expected through 2014.
Physical Therapist--$61,560
Physical therapists guide patients on the road to recovery
from illness or injury. They have a profound effect on the
people they work with, helping them improve mobility,
relieve pain, and even overcome disabilities.
Physical therapists must complete a master's-level Physical
Therapy program and pass a licensure exam.
Helps injured and ill patients improve their independence
and quality of life.
An active and interactive job.
Registered Nurse--$63,170
The shortage of registered nurses means unprecedented
opportunities and rising salaries. Registered nurses are on
the frontlines of medical care, examining and treating
patients.
Prospective nurses have several options: a two-year
associate's degree, a three-year applied nursing diploma, or
the four-year Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). All
culminate in a national licensing exam.
People skills and compassion are crucial for this
rewarding career.
This job ranks second for projected job growth through
2014.
If you're interested in TECHNOLOGY:
Computer Software Engineer--$76,310
Computer software engineers design and test applications
software and operating systems for computers. They write
programs using coding languages such as C++ and Java.
You can become a computer software engineer with a four-year
bachelor's degree in computer science.
Ranks fifth in the BLS Top 30 Fastest-Growing jobs, with
48% job growth expected through 2014.
An exciting, fast-paced industry that rewards innovation
and creativity.
Network Systems Analyst--$61,250
Network Systems Analysts are responsible for keeping a
company's network--its file-sharing, voicemail, and email
systems--in optimum condition. They evaluate new technology,
implement changes to the system, and maintain the company's
local area network (LAN), wide area network (WLAN), and
intranet.
You can become a network systems analyst in as little as two
years: the minimum requirement is an associate's degree.
Some positions may require a bachelor's in computer science.
Liberal arts degree holders also perform well in this
position, because systems analysis relies on out-of-the-box
thinking.
Systems analysts rank second in the BLS Top 30
Fastest-Growing jobs, with 54.6% job growth expected through
2014.
A technical career for creative types.
Database Administrator--$61,950
Database administrators perform a crucial function in the
information age--they set up computer databases and ensure
efficient and reliable access to data. They maintain and
upgrade a company's computer systems, identifying user
requirements and adding new users.
Educational requirements vary, but most entry-level jobs
require at least a bachelor's degree in a technical field.
Database Administration jobs are expected to increase 40%
through 2014.
A rewarding career for detail-oriented and computer savvy
people.
If you're interested in SCIENCE & NATURE:
Hydrologist--$60,880
Hydrologists study water. They recording the quantity,
distribution, and circulation above ground and below,
providing key data for public works and environmental
preservation. Hydrologists are involved in flood control,
anti-erosion, construction, and other projects.
Hydrologists need at least a bachelor's degree in Hydrology
or a related field. Many employers prefer to hire master's
degree holders, even for entry-level positions.
More than half of work hours are spent outdoors, in the
field.
Biomedical Engineer--$70,520
Biomedical engineers apply engineering and biological
research techniques to medical care. They make profound
contributions to the scientific community and to patients'
wellbeing, developing medical devices, diagnostic equipment,
artificial organs, prostheses, and more.
Biomedical engineering is a challenging and rewarding
career. Even entry-level jobs require a master's degree in
biomedical engineering, biotechnology, or a related field,
and many biomedical engineers go on to Ph.D.s.
Challenging and meaningful work that helps people.
Environmental Engineer--$67,620
Environmental engineers research and develop solutions to
some of our most pressing environmental problems: pollution
control, ozone depletion, and wildlife protection.
Environmental engineers hold at least a bachelor's degree in
the field--many go on to a master's in Environmental
Engineering.
Help prevent environmental damage.
Plenty of time outdoors, collecting field data.
If you're interested in ART:
Video Game Design--$65,000
Video game designers are responsible for creating the
animation, storyboarding, and programming that go into
producing video games. Video game design combines artistic
vision and technical skill. It is a software development
career that requires imagination.
Video game designers can start out with a certificate or
associate's degree, but they can progress more quickly with
a bachelor's degree in game design and development. Top
designers enjoy more creative control and command higher
salaries.
Software publishing will be the third-fastest growing
industry through 2014.
Video game industry jobs expected to double between 2004
and 2009.
Video games produce more revenue than movie theater box
office receipts--worldwide revenue is expected to hit $66
billion by 2011.
No matter what your innate talents and interests are,
chances are there's a need for them somewhere in the
marketplace. With the right training, you can develop your
natural abilities into valuable job skills. If you identify
hot industries and high demand careers that draw on those
skills, you'll be well on your way to earning what you're
worth. Remember, it's just as easy to fall in love with a
high-paying job as an underpaid one.
