Posted on 09/09/2012 4:08:10 PM PDT by SeekAndFind
The U.S. unemployment rate peaked at 10% in October 2009 and has since slowly improved, flirting with 8% earlier this month.
Despite the downward trend, the rate is still more than double prerecession levels.
As the economy continues to recover and more people return to the workforce, many are trying to find the right career—one that is hiring and pays well.
Knowing which jobs will be in high demand and pay the most is a good place to start. To serve as a guide, 24/7 Wall St. identified the best paying jobs of the future. These jobs will grow the most in the next decade, some as much as 60% by 2020. They also have median salaries that are close to double the national average of $34,450, and in some cases more.
Many of these occupations will be in highest demand because of changes in the nation’s population and in the way the country’s businesses operate. Last year, the first baby boomers turned 65. As this generation gets older, increasing medical needs will require more health care professionals. Of the 10 high-paying, high-growth occupations we reviewed, six are in the medical field. Because most of these positions are in the medical field, many require at least a master’s degree, and in many cases a doctoral degree. However, four have less demanding educational requirements, including the three that are growing the most. A career as a sonographer, projected to grow 43.5% with a median salary of $64,380, typically just requires an associate’s degree.
24/7 Wall St. identified the best paying jobs that also will have the highest demand for new workers in the future based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ National Employment Matrix, which forecasts job growth between 2010 and 2020 for the bureau’s more-than 1,000 listed jobs.
The Matrix was used to identify the professions that are going to grow the most as a percentage of 2010 employment figures by 2020. Of those, we then narrowed the list to jobs that also had a median annual income of at least $60,000 in 2010, 75% higher than the $34,450 national median average, and at least 5,000 positions. Using the BLS Occupational Employment Statistics, 24/7 Wall St. also identified the states with the highest concentration of jobs as of May 2011.
These are the best paying jobs of the future.
1. Optometrists
Pct. increase: 33.1%
Total new jobs (2010-2020): 11,300
Median income: $94,990
States with the most jobs per capita:Hawaii, North Dakota, Montana
Optometrists specialize in the care of eyes and vision. Their responsibilities include diagnosing eye injuries and diseases, as well as prescribing glasses and contact lenses. In order to practice, they are required to have a Doctor of Optometry degree, presently awarded by just 20 accredited programs, and must be licensed by the National Boards in Optometry.
Those who meet these qualifications are often extremely well-compensated: the top 10% of optometrists earned in excess of $166,400. With vision problems becoming more frequent as people grow older, the number of optometrists is expected to rise by 33.1% between 2010 and 2020.
2. Occupational Therapists
Pct. increase: 33.5%
Total new jobs (2010-2020): 36,400
Median income: $72,320
States with the most jobs per capita:Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire
“Occupational therapists treat patients with injuries, illnesses, or disabilities through the therapeutic use of everyday activities. They help patients develop, recover, and improve the skills needed for daily living and working,” according to the BLS. Becoming an occupational therapist requires a master’s degree, which generally takes two years to complete.
The number of occupational therapists is expected to reach 145,200 by 2020, as an aging baby-boomer generation looks to maintain its independence and stay active.
3. Veterinarians
Pct. increase: 35.9%
Total new jobs (2010-2020): 22,000
Median income: $82,040
States with the most jobs per capita:Montana, Colorado, Iowa
In addition to pets, veterinarians tend to sick livestock, laboratory animals and other critters. The BLS projects that the number of veterinarians will increase by 22,000, or 35.9%, between 2010 and 2020. A rising national pet population, as well as the need for additional food supply inspection as the U.S. population grows, are among the reasons for the strong job growth. To practice, veterinarians must obtain a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree, currently awarded by just 28 colleges nationwide, as well as a state license.
4. Medical Specialists, Except Epidemiologists
Pct. increase: 36.4%
Total new jobs (2010-2020): 36,400
Median income: $76,700
States with the most jobs per capita:Massachusetts, California, Washington
Though the roles of medical scientists vary from job to job, all study biological systems to understand their effects on human health. Medical scientists often work for the federal government, at research universities or in the private sector.
By 2020, the number of medical scientists is projected to increase to more than 136,000, as the population of the United States grows and ages and the demand for prescription drugs rises. Educational requirements are quite high, with most positions asking for either a doctorate or a medical degree. The annual pay of the top 10% of medical scientists was $142,800.
5. Audiologists
Pct. increase: 36.8%
Total new jobs (2010-2020): 4,800
2010 Median annual wage: $66,660
States with the most jobs per capita: New Mexico, Colorado, West Virginia
Audiologists treat patients who have problems with their hearing, balance or ears. A doctoral degree is necessary, as is a state license, though exact requirements differ by state. Explaining projected job growth, the BLS notes that “hearing loss increases as people age, so an aging population is likely to increase demand for audiologists.”
There are not very many audiologists, and a projected 36.8% increase in jobs would bring the total number of audiologists to 17,800 by the end of the decade. Annual salaries exceeded $102,210 for the top 10% of audiologists.
6. Dental Hygienists
Pct. increase: 37.7%
Total new jobs (2010-2020): 68,500
Median income: $68,250
States with the most jobs per capita: Michigan, Utah, Idaho
From 2010 to 2020, the number of dental hygienists is projected to rise by 37.7% to more than 250,000. Factors driving ncreased demand for this occupation include ongoing research linking oral health to general health, as well as an aging population keeping more of its teeth. Dental hygienists typically do not need a professional degree or previous work experience, though they often need an associate’s degree and a license. Typical job responsibilities include cleaning teeth and taking dental X-rays.
7. Physical Therapists
Pct. increase: 39.0%
Total new jobs (2010-2020): 77,400
Median income: $76,310
States with the most jobs per capita:Rhode Island, Vermont, Maine
Physical therapists assist patients by helping to address and correct dysfunctional movement and pain. They are required to have a postgraduate professional degree, typically a Doctor of Physical Therapy, and a license.
Those completing these prerequisites join one of the fastest-growing professions in the country—by 2020, the number of positions is expected to rise by 39%.
The BLS states that “demand for physical therapy services will come, in large part, from the aging baby boomers, who are staying active later in life than previous generations did.” The top 10% of physical therapists earned more than $107,920.
8. Market Research Analysts And Marketing Specialists
Pct. increase: 41.2%
Total new jobs (2010-2020): 116,600
Median income: $60,570
States with the most jobs per capita: Delaware, Massachusetts, New York
Market research analysts work in most industries, monitoring and forecasting marketing and sales trends, as well as collecting and analyzing data on their companies’ products or services.
To become a market research analyst, a bachelor’s degree is typically required, though many analysts have a master’s degree. Citing increases in the use of market research across all industries, the BLS projects the number of positions in the field will rise to almost 400,000 by 2020. Top-earning market research analysts made more than $111,440 annually.
9. Diagnostic Medical Sonographers
Pct. increase: 43.5%
Total new jobs (2010-2020): 23,400
Median income: $64,380
States with the most jobs per capita: Rhode Island, Florida, South Dakota
Diagnostic medical sonographers work in hospitals and other facilities, conducting ultrasounds on patients and analyzing the resulting images. The BLS projects an increase of 43.5% in the number of positions between 2010 and 2020, which would raise the total number of such jobs to 77,100.
Explaining the driving factors behind the growth, the BLS states that “as ultrasound technology evolves, it will be used as a substitute for procedures that are costly, invasive or expose patients to radiation.” Sonographers typically need an associate’s degree, and many employers prefer candidates to have professional certification. The top 10% of sonographers made more than $88,490 annually.
10. Biomedical Engineers
Pct. increase: 61.7%
Total new jobs (2010-2020): 9,700
Median income: $81,540
States with the most jobs per capita: Massachusetts, Utah, Minnesota
The work of biomedical engineers typically involves designing or maintaining biomedical equipment, such as artificial organs and X-ray machines. These jobs often require a great deal of technical knowledge in fields such as biology, engineering, math and chemistry. Because of this, a bachelor’s degree is typically needed. The professional requirements come with impressive compensation. The median income for such jobs was $81,540 and the top 10% earned more than $126,990.
Between 2010 and 2020, the number of biomedical engineers is projected to rise by 61.7%, more than four times the projected growth rate for all jobs, which is 14%. To explain its growth projections for the profession, the BLS cites the baby boomer generation’s growing demand for biomedical devices and procedures as it “seeks to maintain its healthy and active lifestyle.”
And the next 10....
11. Debt Slave
12. Mandarin Translator
13. Urban Drone Pilot
14. Urban Rubble Remover
15. Healthcare Black Market Manager
16. Marijuana Grower
17. Facial Imaging Monitor
18. Buggy Whip Maker
19. Buggy Wheelwright
20. Ammo Quality Control Manager
I can certainly understand the audiologists being listed. Those punks riding around in their thumpmobiles are going to need ear care when they becomes, say, 30.
Resistance fighter against a corrupt socialist regime.
The pay is in being patriotic and cannot be calculated.
That would be “become” not “becomes.” Sorry.
1. Drug dealer
2. Prostitute
3. Hit man
No, not true. My niece just graduated (she is 24 years old) this past May from a two year community college with an Associates Degree in physical therapy assisting. She had to pass a state test - and did - and The Cleveland Clinic hired her at $43,500 per year. Not too shabby. Also, she starts out with 28 days of vacation/personal time. They also provide an in-house gym, etc. (state of the art).
I'm pretty sure California is tops in "gaming the system". It is the growth industry in California now. You should check your numbers.
I always find these lists amusing. More like: Jobs the average peon has a chance of landing. I noticed occupations like Hedge Fund Manager, Member of Congress or Obama Campaign Bundler are not on the list.
Bookmark
Both are like magicians in helping people’s lives to improve. It is very difficult to get a degree in either profession, as the number of places at universities seems to be restricted too much.
And for some reason, PT treats the whole body except for the hands, OT treats hands, wrists, elbows and sometimes shoulders.
Leni
Is the number restricted because the pre-requisites are difficult (i.e. chemistry, biology, physiology etc) and the demanded GPA to enter high?
Interesting comment. Hubby had a 'back issue' in the spring of 2001. He had pain in the middle of his back, with additional burning pain just behind his navel. He went to the doctor on a Friday afternoon, who figured it was a kidney stone, and sent him home for the weekend with a strainer to 'catch' it. But he gave him a prescription for hydrocodone for the severe pain in his back.
The pain continued over the weekend, and when he roused himself on the following Tuesday, we had to call an ambulance because we'd had 18" of snow overnight, and the Doctor's office was closed. He had five doctors come in to look at him while he was in the ER, and none of them could figure out what was wrong with him, so they sent him home.
Our GP prescribed Physical Therapy for 'back pain', but hubby couldn't move for almost a week. He was finally able to get an MRI the following week, but it showed nothing in particular. When we finally were able to get him to the Physical Therapist, it took her about 10 minutes to diagnose his problem, and start him back on the road to recovery. When I told our GP what the PT had said, he just shrugged.
So when I hear a dismissive attitude from doctors about PTs, it really ticks me off!
All listed are medical except #8. <<
and most are subsidized by...You Guessed It!
the TAXPAYER!
1. Corrupt politicians: Current earns millions.
2. Pop Star: Same.
3. Hollyweird slut: Same.
4. Democrat slut: Same.
Working for a living is for suckers.
Yep. Heard that before. Soft tissue work is nearly always the *last resort*.
There are private practice PTs and advanced medical massage therapists out there, but, in defense of the MDs, they do have to rule out organic issues, first. If he’d gone to the PT, first, they might have suggested an MD exam and an image, especially if there was no resolution of the problem.
At least he got an MRI. In our local hospital, they have have been limiting imaging for awhile. I noticed that the only technical imaging credential mentioned in the article was ultrasound.
Thanks for posting this. Ping for later.
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