by Gabby Hyman
Americas Most Wanted: High-Demand Jobs
John Walsh may not be after you, but you could be a "most-wanted" candidate among America's employers. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) gathers and crunches the nation's employment data and has determined the fastest-growing, most in-demand occupations for the 2006-2016 decade. The top careers slated for growth are among the technology, healthcare, sales, education, management, and financial professions.
Not everyone in those career fields will be privileged enough to join the ranks of the most-wanted by drawing attention from recruiters and earning hiring-on bonuses and incentives. If you're considering career training for your first job after college, pondering a career change, or looking to boost credentials to advance with your current employer, here are the high-demand jobs cited by the BLS.
Network Systems and Data Communications Analysts
Network systems and data communications analysts lead the pack among most-wanted high tech professionals. You'll find work in all sectors of the economy: technology, health care, finance, marketing, manufacturing, and the government. You'll need at least a bachelor's degree in network systems or computer science to qualify. The BLS predicts a whopping 53 percent increase in jobs through 2016 for these information technology heroes. Median annual wages in 2007 were $68,220, with a high end salary of $105,980.
Postsecondary Teachers
A rapidly aging, retiring generation of postsecondary teachers has created an exceptional need for replacements. Educators are needed at colleges, universities, and trade and technical schools to prepare students for the future. The BLS predicts a hefty 22.9 percent increase in jobs for postsecondary teachers through 2017. You'll need an advanced college degree to teach college, although requirements vary. At most colleges and research universities, a PhD in education or in your major field is required, although many postsecondary teachers find work after earning a masters' degree. BLS reported median annual earnings in 2007 as $62,760.
Personal and Home Care Aides
Personal and home care aides are the single largest, most-wanted group of workers in the land, with an astonishing 50 percent growth in jobs predicted through 2016. As our population ages, personal care aids will be needed to assist in private homes, extended care, or convalescent facilities. Median annual wages for 2007 were $20,010, but many home aids use their experience as a launching pad for high-paying careers in health care. Online associate degree programs provide training.
Computer Software Engineers
BLS figures show that the digital revolution is far from over. Computer software engineers will relish a sizzling increase in jobs surpassing 44 percent through 2016. All you need to be named on the high-tech wanted list is to complete a bachelor's degree in computer engineering or computer science. Work experience will move you ahead of the pack. Median annual wages in 2007 were $83,130 for applications engineers, or $89,070 in systems software.
Registered Nurses
It's no surprise that registered nurses will remain in top demand through 2016. Jobs will grow by a hectic 23.5 percent, with openings occurring throughout the country. Although admission processes into training programs is highly competitive, nurses can enter the workforce after earning a two-year associate degree, or complete a four-year bachelor's program BLS reported a 2007 median annual income: $60,010.
Customer Service Representatives
Customer service representatives are in high demand in a wide range of call centers, retail stores, and offices, and lead all administrative support careers with a BLS forecast of 24 percent growth through 2016. Median annual earnings in 2007 were $29,040. With on-the-job experience and bachelor's degree studies in management, you can move into a higher-paying supervisory role.
Executive Secretaries and Administrative Assistants
Executive secretaries and administrative assistants comprise a fast-growing career group with a total job increase nearing 15 percent nationwide through 2016. The more attractive candidates have career training from trade and vocational schools or community colleges in computer software, office machines, and business. Executive secretaries earned a 2007 median annual income of $38,640, with $59,260 reported among the top ten percent.
Childcare Workers
With so many people wanted by so many employers, who will watch the children? You will! Jobs for childcare workers are expected to increase by 17.8 percent through the decade. Nearly 35 percent of childcare workers are self employed. A college degree in child development or early childhood education will build your credentials. The median 2007 annual wage was $18,350, with $28,210 going to the highest earners.
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