Posted by Picking the right career field can keep you from experiencing disappointment when job hunting. There is so much competition for jobs right now and little job growth in many industries. That is why it is important to find a career track that is growing and not contracting.
Let’s take a look at ten of the best career fields to work in over the next 10 years based on all of these factors.
1. Medical Field
Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNA), Nurse Practitioners, Physician Assistants
The medical field is ripe with growth potential. As everyone probably knows, nurses are in high demand. The average nurse practitioner makes $85,200 per year, and the demand is expected to increase 23%. Nurse practitioners can perform many of the same functions as doctors such as prescribing medicine and treating illnesses.
2. Technology Sector
Software Architects, Systems Engineers, Software Engineers, IT Analysts
How would you like to work in the fast-growing tech sector? Information technology is the #1 field in terms of expected job growth over the next decade, which makes systems engineers among the most highly sought after professionals today. The average salary for a systems engineer is $87,100, and the career field is expected to grow 45% over the next 10 years. To become a systems engineer, you need a bachelor’s degree in engineering.
3. Financial Services
Accountants, Actuaries, Financial Advisors
Are you good with numbers? You could find a rewarding career in the financial services industry. Certified Public Accountants (CPAs) make an average of $74,200 and 10-year job growth is expected to be 18%. As more companies are doing away with pension plans, employees will need help with retirement planning. Job growth for financial advisors is expected to be 41% over the next decade. The average financial advisor makes $101,000 per year.
4. Education Arena
College Professors, Elementary School Teachers, High School Teachers
A bad economy means increased enrollment in colleges and universities. As students return to school, there is an increased need for college professors. The average salary for a college professor is $70,400 and the 10-year growth rate is projected at 23%. College professors enjoy great flexibility in their work schedules, freeing them to do a variety of other tasks.
5. Technical Jobs
Physical Therapist Assistants, Dental Hygienists, Veterinary Technicians
Many technical jobs require certifications but do not require that applicants obtain a college degree. Physical therapist assistants earn approximately $42,000 and the physical therapy field is booming. The 10-year growth rate is 42%. Physical therapist assistants are responsible for developing treatment plans, documenting treatments, and modifying specific treatments to the needs of the patient.
6. Business Services Jobs
Environment Health Specialist, Construction Estimator
Service jobs are still the lifeblood of the United States economy, accounting for more than 70% of all jobs. Environmental health and safety specialists are expected to be big beneficiaries of this trend with 10-year job growth expected at 28%. Median pay is expected to be a healthy $71,000 per year.
7. Sales Jobs
Sales Director, Sales Executive, Senior Sales Professional
Sales are incredibly important to any company from software companies to financial service firms. Sales executives are needed to motivate staff and help companies reach their revenue goals. They have to be outstanding at customer relations and place employees in the best position to close deals.
8. Consulting Jobs
Management Consultants, Healthcare Consultants
Companies are looking for ways to save money on employee costs and one of the best ways to do this is by outsourcing projects. This is why consultants are expected to be in incredibly high demand. Companies do not have to provide benefits or pay healthcare costs for consultants.
9. Engineering Jobs
Project Engineer, Civil Engineer, Structural Engineer, Environmental Engineer, Biomedical Engineer
There is a dearth of math and science majors in universities and the engineering industry is reflecting that. Companies are having an increasingly difficult time finding quality engineers.
10. Middle Management Jobs
Research and Development Manager, Product Manager, Risk Management Manager
Mid-level management is just as important to a firm as top-level management. They are responsible for supervising many of the day-to-day functions and maintaining smooth interactions with management and staff.