Everybody knows that doctors will always be in demand, and the next decade is no exception. As the baby boomer generation ages, they will place an increased demand on the medical professions. In addition to doctors, registered nurses are one of the most anticipated needs, with over a million more registered nurse positions to be filled in the next decade. Median salaries can be $60,000 and higher, depending on the location and scope of duties. There are varying degrees in the nursing field, and college is certainly helpful, with the top 10% having degrees. Of course, physicians (or those with any type of doctorate degree) can earn over $100K, so if you are continuing your education in the medical field, this is an assured growth area. Pharmacists also fall under this category, and are in the top 50 professions poised for growth, with salaries approaching $100K as well.
Education
There is a growing need for educators, with elementary, secondary and college teachers holding three of the top 50 growth occupations projected for the next decade. Teaching assistants are another growth career in this field, with lesser college requirements. Children will always need education, and it is going to be harder on high school graduates to compete without a college education, so the next decade will see more college-educated employees in the labor pool. As annual teaching salaries range from $30,000 at the low end up to $70,000, depending on location, it can be a lucrative career and satisfying, as well. College degrees are normally required in this field, so education should be considered mandatory for this field.
Executive Management
Of course, the higher up on the ladder you are in a company, the more in demand you will be. With the economy getting more complex, it will be important that executives know how to turn a profit for the companies for which they work. The good ones will be in high demand and middle management will also see growth. While some economic downturns have involved cost cutting in the middle- and upper-management areas, there will be a resurgence in demand over the future decade, as companies realize that they need to pay expert management to be profitable. If you are a proven leader in your field, you can expect to make over $100K, with even middle management making over $60,000 annually, depending on the type of company and responsibilities.
Insurance
This goes hand-in-hand with the medical field. As the baby boomers age, the demand for employees in the insurance field will increase over the next decade. As the next generation begins to buy homes and start families, their insurance needs will increase, as well. Many positions in the insurance field — sales, adjusters, examiners, and analysts are all listed as top growth careers in the next decade.
This field includes financial planners, bank loan officers, stock market analysts and financial service managers, sales, and all are on the growth list in the top 50 for the upcoming decade. Accountant services are in this field as well. These mostly require college degrees to make the $100K-and-over list in salaries.
Computer Services
This field is definitely going to be in high demand over the next decade. IT personnel at companies will become mandatory fixtures, and network installers and troubleshooters should encounter no lack of jobs. Computer system managers will remain in the specialized, high-demand category, with attractive salaries in excess of $100K.
Restaurant Management
As the restaurant industry has experienced more franchise growth and variety, these high volume chains offer management training and a decent living with many careers paying in excess of $50,000. Competition in this industry has become intense, and more consumers are eating out, as grocery costs accelerate. In small families or two-income families, eating out can be cost effective, and the convenience is still something that is hard to beat.
Of course, some miscellaneous categories are on the top 50 list, such as airline pilot, construction manager, civil engineer, and first-line mechanic, installer, and engineer.
Conclusion
The majority of the top 50 growth careers revolve around the family and home life.
While it is always hard to predict with certainty, it appears that the main fields involve things that are most important to consumers — their health, their money, their children’s education, and their own security and happiness, along with a few indulgences. It will become more important to continue one’s education in order to gain a competitive advantage to land the higher-paying jobs. There are many sources available to help, and with the internet changing how people hire and find jobs, it is important that you are familiar with the new market. Most employers no longer post in the want ads in the local newspaper since it limits their ability to reach the best talent. Be sure you are in high demand for the next decade, and use all professional resources that are available to help you land that lucrative career.
