Hot Jobs for 2006

According to the U.S. Department of Labor, the following occupations have the greatest potential for growth through 2014. The greatest growth is actually projected to be in the higher income bracket.

As you go through this list, there are some important things to remember. Salaries depend on a number of things including supply (vs. demand) of qualified people in the job's location, the stress or danger involved, and the knowledge/education required to do the job successfully.

Don't target a field just because of the salary. Enjoyment and job satisfaction are critical for most people to perform a job successfully.

The salary levels and educational requirements given below are for entry level jobs in the named field. These are listed below by annual earnings. Those occupations with the greatest demand are the highest in each list.

Annual earnings of $43,605 or better

College/university professors - doctoral degree required (job with the greatest projected job growth)

Computer software application engineers - bachelor's degree required

Computer systems analyst - bachelor's degree required

Computer systems software engineers - bachelor's degree required

Network systems and data communications analysts - bachelor's degree required

Network and computer systems administrators - bachelor's degree required

Dental hygienists - associate degree

Physical therapists - master's degree

Database administrators - bachelor's degree

Physician assistants - bachelor's degree

Occupational therapists - master's degree

Medical scientists (excluding epidemiologists) - doctoral degree

Diagnostic medical sonographers - associate degree

Environmental engineers - bachelor's degree

Forensic science technicians - associate degree

Hydrologists - master's degree

Biomedical engineers - bachelor's degree

Annual earnings of $28,590 to $43,604

Paralegals and legal assistants - associate degree

Employment, recruitment, and placement specialists - bachelor's degree

Physical therapist assistants - associate degree

Cardiovascular technologists and technicians - associate degree

Hazardous materials removal workers - moderate-term on-the-job training

Occupational therapist assistants - associate degree

Annual earnings of $20,185 to $28,589

Medical assistants - moderate-term on-the-job training

Preschool teachers (except special ed) - training after high school

Dental assistants - moderate-term on-the-job training

Veterinary technologists and technicians - associate degree

Physical therapist aides - short-term on-the-job training

Annual earnings of $20,184 or less

Home health aide - short-term on-the-job training

Personal and home care aides - short-term on-the-job training

For more information:

The U.S. Department of Labor's Bureau of Labor Statistics contains a wealth of data on occupations and industries. Check it out.

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Comments

[San Francisco Dentist]

'Don't target a field just because of the salary" This is a very good point... if don't don't truly enjoy what you are doing you'll never last!

[San Francisco Dentist]

Great information. Where does a dentist fall into this scheme?