With a growing inconsistency in the rates of employment, one needs to choose a career that is currently in demand, and will show good prospects even in the future. Here’s a glance at some of the most in-demand career options.
Did you know?
Despite a slow employment growth rate, some companies are struggling to fill positions. A recent survey conducted by CareerBuilder, showed that there were numerous positions experiencing a shortage of qualified candidates.
With an increase in the number of jobs on offer post 2010, it often becomes difficult to choose the right one from a vast array of choices at our disposal. A number of sectors are showing a rapid growth, thus also increasing the number of employment opportunities. But, the growth of a particular sector at a fast pace is not enough to ensure a possibility of getting employment in that sector. Only if you have a relevant degree and possess required skills (many times, even relevant experience), can you actually acquire a secure job in a fast-growing sector.
We have listed for you, top 10 careers choices which will continue to be in demand, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics’ (BLS) list of fastest-growing occupations. Acquiring qualifications for these jobs might seem to be difficult and also may take a long time, but once you are in the job, you will always continue to be in demand as long as you maintain the standards.
1. Home Health Aides
Education: Basic education such as a high school diploma is not necessary, and the home health aides are trained on the job by nurses, supervisors, or other senior aides. Several hospitals and community colleges offer programs for licensure. This means that after successful completion of the program, one becomes eligible to practice as a home health aide and thus, acquires a legal license for the same. The duration of these programs ranges from 75 hours to 120 hours, depending on the state in which a program is undertaken.
Future Prospects: Being much affordable alternatives to nursing homes or hospitals, the home health aides will be in demand, especially from the disabled and the elderly people.
Estimated Growth: 1,313,200 jobs to be added by 2020 (70% growth)
Median Annual Salary: $20,160
2. Medical Scientists
Education: An undergraduate degree in biological sciences, along with specializations in math, chemistry, computer science, and physics may prove to be helpful. Most of the medical scientists generally have a Ph.D or a joint Ph.D in the relevant subject. Those with a Master’s degree may find work opportunities in research laboratories, and so on.
Future Prospects: With a tremendous increase in demand for pharmaceuticals in the global markets, the job openings for medical scientists seem to be on an increase.
Estimated Growth: 36,400 jobs to be added by 2020 (36% growth)
Median Annual Salary: $76,700
3. Architects
Education: Minimum educational requirement to enter the profession is a university degree in architecture, after which an internship of two to three years (depending on the location) satisfies the condition of experience. Acquiring a valid license is mandatory.
Future Prospects: With the growth in population, more new shelters need to be erected, alongside mending the older ones, and conserving the historical ones. Added to this, architects with the know-how of sustainable design will be in demand over the next few years.
Estimated Growth: 27,900 jobs to be added by 2020 (24% growth)
Median Annual Salary: $72,550
4. Physician Assistants
Education: There are rigorous training programs in the U.S. for aspiring physician assistants. Most of them are graduate programs awarding Master’s degrees, and require a relevant Bachelor’s degree and MCAT/GRE scores to be eligible for application. However, individual states and medical boards also regulate professional licensure.
Future Prospects: The growing population demands more number of health care specialists, and since the physician assistants are easier to approach in cases of routine ailments, they will be in great demand.
Estimated Growth: 24,700 jobs to be added by 2020 (30% growth)
Median Annual Salary: $86,400
5. Interpreters and Translators
Education: Usually, interpreters and translators can do with a Bachelor’s degree in any field. However, the main prerequisite for the job is fluency in English, alongside at least one other language. Interpreters and translators working in technical areas, such as engineering or finance, need a Master’s degree in the related field. No universal certification is required, but organizations such as the American Translators Association do provide certificate courses. Relevant work experience is preferred.
Future Prospects: Owing to the large-scale migrations in the United States that have resulted in the rise in the non-English-speaking population, the need for people in this occupation will be on the rise. Broadening international ties is also another factor leading to the growth in employment opportunities for interpreters and translators.
Estimated Growth: 24,600 jobs to be added by 2020 (42% growth)
Median Annual Salary: $43,300
6. Skincare Specialists
Education: All American states, except Connecticut, require a valid license to practice as a skin care specialist. One has to undergo rigorous training, both classroom and laboratory-based, for at least 600 hours, which covers anatomy, physiology, and the various methodologies used. This training course leads to a state license. Added to this, various community colleges, and cosmetology institutes offer certificate courses, which also lead to a valid license. Some community colleges also offer associate degrees in cosmetology, however, these are not mandatory.
Future Prospects: As men and women are growing more and more conscious about the various skin problems they are prone to, due to environmental or climatic conditions, there is an increased demand for skincare specialists, who find employment in more and more beauty salons and spas.
Estimated Growth: 11,700 jobs to be added by 2020 (25% growth)
Median Annual Salary: $28,920
7. Biomedical Engineers
Education: Biomedical engineers have a good knowledge of both, engineering and biology, and ideally have a Master’s or a Ph.D in the field. With the growing interest in the field, a lot of undergraduate programs are becoming popular in the U.S., and are largely being recognized by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology, Inc. (ABET).
Future Prospects: With the rising health care needs of the aging population, complemented by growing public awareness regarding the field of biomedicine and its advantages, the jobs in this sector would be on a rise.
Estimated Growth: 9,700 jobs to be added by 2020 (62% growth)
Median Annual Salary: $82,000
8. Financial Examiners
Education: A number of self-directed courses and exams for certification are conducted by the Society of Financial Examiners (SOFE) and the Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA). A Master’s degree in accounting is a prerequisite.
Future Prospects: Creation of new businesses and expansion of the existing ones will increase the demand for financial examiners. Moreover, the introduction and implementation of new financial regulations, will also increase a demand for them.
Estimated Growth: 7,900 jobs to be added by 2020 (27% growth)
Median Annual Salary: $74,940
9. Biochemists
Education: A degree in biochemistry or a related discipline is necessary to work as a biochemist. In order to pursue an independent research in the field, a doctoral degree is required. An in-depth knowledge of chemistry, biology, math, and statistics is also a prerequisite for this career.
Future Prospects: Developments in the areas of research in the field of biotechnology, and growing needs of the population for cleaner and healthier environment, will lead to the increase in the job opportunities for the biochemists.
Estimated Growth: 7,700 jobs to be added by 2020 (31% growth)
Median Annual Salary: $79,390
10. Athletic Trainers
Education: While a Bachelor’s degree in athletic training is a minimum requirement in order to pursue a career in the field, Master’s degrees are also offered. Subjects taught in a typical athletic training course include anatomy, physics, chemistry, and biology, alongside nutrition, and physiology.
Future Prospects: Desire of the people to stay fit, and their awareness regarding sports-related injuries, will lead to increased openings for athletic trainers.
Estimated Growth: 5,500 jobs to be added by 2020 (30% growth)
Median Annual Salary: $41,600
Some Other In-Demand Careers
Carpenters
Estimated Growth: 196,000 jobs to be added by 2020 (20% growth)
Average Annual Salary $39,500
Bus Drivers
Estimated Growth: 83,000 jobs to be added by 2020 (13% growth)
Average Annual Salary $29,000
Brickmasons and Stonemasons
Estimated Growth: 41,800 jobs to be added by 2020 (40% growth)
Average Annual Salary $45,400
Glaziers
Estimated Growth: 17,700 jobs to be added by 2020 (42% growth)
Average Annual Salary $36,550
Home Appliance Repairers
Estimated Growth: 3,100 jobs to be added by 2020 (7% growth)
Average Annual Salary $34,000
There are several other career options one may want to opt for depending on his/her likes and preferences. With so many options on the platter and so many training courses available, you can doubtlessly explore infinite possibilities as far as your career prospects are concerned.
