Source: Yahoo
Good news. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the economy added a whopping 288,000 jobs in June 2014.
Yes, far from a shabby number, but it is important to note that certain sectors contributed to the job growth more than others. The following industries fell into the high-growth category:
To help you get a sense for which jobs fall in both the high-demand and high-pay potential buckets, we looked through the U.S. Department of Labor's job growth projections for 2012 to 2022 and 2013 median annual salary figures.
Keep reading to find out how you can prep for one of these potentially lucrative, booming careers.
Median Annual Salary:* $100,800
Projected Job Growth Rate From 2012-2022:** 13 percent
Are you good with people, proactive, and organized? Then you may want to hone your natural talents by pursuing work as a human resources manager.
As a human resources manager, your duties might include hiring employees and advising managers on organizational policies, says the U.S. Department of Labor.
Why the Hiring Boom: Human resources managers are valuable to companies right now, because they can support employee retention at a time when talent is competitive across many professional areas, says Stephanie Schmit, director of Randstad Human Resources, an executive search and project staffing firm. These professionals can also help control costs and maximize operational efficiency through workplace strategy, she explains.
Next step: Click to Find the Right Business Administration Program.
"Consequently, the need for strategic, business-minded HR managers will continue to grow," she says.
How to Prepare: Considering this in-demand career? You'll generally need a bachelor's degree in human resources or business administration, says the Department of Labor. You could also pursue a bachelor's degree in a different subject and take courses in human resources.
Median Annual Salary: $92,660
Projected Job Growth Rate From 2012-2022: 23 percent
Are you constantly glued to your smartphone or computer? If you'd like to create apps yourself, then you may want to consider a career as a software developer.
Your responsibilities in this position could include designing computer applications for consumers, such as games or word processors, says the U.S. Department of Labor.
Why the Hiring Boom: The immediate future of technology lies in these devices and the professionals who make the applications come to life, says Chris Mader, vice president of growth strategy and development at Randstad Technologies, a nationwide staffing firm specializing in technology solutions.
Next step: Click to Find the Right Computer Science Program.
"Companies are investing in mobile-enabled websites and applications because they will be left behind if they don't," Mader explains. And due to the shortage of skilled talent for this type of work, demand is high, he says.
How to Prepare: Interested in this hot career? You'll typically need a bachelor's degree in computer science, software engineering, or a similar field to pursue it, says the Department of Labor.
Median Annual Salary: $88,590
Projected Job Growth Rate From 2012-2022: 37 percent
Would you like to use your computer savvy to ward off cyber threats? A career as an information security analyst might be the right choice for you.
In this position, you could be responsible for carrying out security measures to protect an organization's computer networks and systems, such as monitoring networks and installing security software, says the U.S. Department of Labor.
Why the Hiring Boom: With the uptick in cybercrime, companies are taking proactive measures to secure their data, because customers need to trust the companies they work with, especially with sensitive information, says David Gilcher, lead resource manager at Kavaliro, an Orlando-based staffing agency utilizing cutting edge technology.
Next step: Click to Find the Right Programming & Software Program.
And information security analysts play a key role in handling everything from malicious data attacks to power outages. So organizations are in dire need of information security analysts who can help organizations should these issues arise, Gilcher says.
How to Prepare: Do you want to pursue this booming career? You'll typically need at least a bachelor's degree in computer science, programming, or a similar field of study, says the Department of Labor.
Median Annual Salary: $75,320
Projected Job Growth Rate From 2012-2022: 27 percent
Are you good at handling money? Maybe you feel confident you could handle someone else's, too. If so, you may want to think about pursuing a career as a personal financial advisor.
As a financial advisor, you might offer financial advice to clients to help them reach their financial goals, says the U.S. Department of Labor. This may involve researching and recommending investment opportunities and monitoring clients' accounts.
Why the Hiring Boom: "Personal financial advisors are in demand everywhere, due in large part to the aging population," says Mark Bernecker, a regional managing director for Randstad Professionals. "Baby-boomers, in particular, are in need of financial guidance and are seeking professional investment advice."
Next step: Click to Find the Right Finance Program.
Bernecker says many banks, credit unions, investment firms, and public accounting firms are investing in recruiting this type of talent to meet customer demand.
How to Prepare: How can you prep for this booming career? You will usually need a bachelor's degree for this role. Employers don't generally require a specific major, but a degree in finance, economics, business, accounting, mathematics, or law is good preparation for this job.
Median Annual Salary: $66,220
Projected Job Growth Rate From 2012-2022: 19 percent
Do you think of yourself as a compassionate, patient person? Then you might want to consider pursuing a career as a registered nurse, which is projected to add a whopping 526,800 jobs from 2012 to 2022.
As a registered nurse, your duties could include recording patients' medical histories and symptoms, administering medicines and treatments, and educating patients on how to cope with an illness or injury, says the U.S. Department of Labor.
Why the Hiring Boom: Baby boomers are a major catalyst for the hiring spree, says Aram Svajian, vice president of recruitment for Randstad Healthcare. For one, they're contributing to the number of patients in need of care, which is growing faster than the number of nurses available, he says. Secondly, baby-boomer nurses are retiring, creating new employment opportunities.
Next step: Click to Find the Right Registered Nursing Program.
Also a key player? The Affordable Care Act, says Svajian, as there are now more insured individuals.
How to Prepare: Ready to pursue this hot career? Well, you have a few options to choose from. According to the Department of Labor, you could earn an associate's degree in nursing, a diploma from an approved nursing program, or a bachelor's of science degree in nursing. Registered nurses must also be licensed.
Median Annual Salary: $60,800
Projected Job Growth Rate From 2012-2022: 32 percent
Have you always been inquisitive? Or perhaps you love shopping. If you'd like to apply your curiosity to the business world, a career as a market research analyst could be right for you.
As a market research analyst, you might gather and analyze data on consumers, competitors, and market conditions to help determine potential sales of a product or service, says the U.S. Department of Labor.
Why the Hiring Boom: "Given the exponential growth in the availability of micro-level data, marketing research analysts are needed, more than ever, to understand the new data, identify what data is most important, and translate the data into information that can be used by a business to drive effective marketing strategies," says Beth Walker, a professor and chair of the marketing department at the W. P. Carey School of Business at Arizona State University.
Next step: Click to Find the Right Communications Program.
For example, a marketing research analyst might use their research to determine the best markets in which to launch a new product and the best price, says Walker.
How to Prepare: Does this sound up your alley? To pursue this career, you usually must have a bachelor's degree in market research or a related field, according to the Department of Labor. Many analysts have degrees in fields such as computer science, statistics, and math. Others have backgrounds in business administration, the social sciences, or communications, adds the Department.
Median Annual Salary: $51,580
Projected Job Growth Rate From 2012-2022: 17 percent
Can you get people excited about a worthy cause? Well, you might want to try a career as a fundraiser on for size.
As a fundraiser, it could be your responsibility to raise money and other donations for an organization, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. You might also typically identify potential donors, create a strong fundraising message for potential donors, and planning campaigns and events.
Why the Hiring Boom: Non-profits and other groups are in need of a good fundraiser who can generate donations at a time when organizations are receiving less financial support than in the past, says Gilcher.
Next step: Click to Find the Right Business Program.
"Many projects and research are either being delayed or cancelled due to a lack of funding. Non-profits and the groups they support are in dire need of finding individuals that are driven to bring in resources essential to moving those projects or research forward," says Gilcher.
How to Prepare: Ready to prep for this growing career? You will typically need a bachelor's degree as well as strong communication and organizational skills, says the Department of Labor. While fundraisers come from a variety of academic backgrounds, some employers prefer applicants with degrees in business or communications, but other subjects are generally accepted, too.
Having a tough time finding a job? Check out these great-paying jobs that employers are looking to fill now.
Do you find yourself asking where all the good job opportunities have gone?Good news. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the economy added a whopping 288,000 jobs in June 2014.
Yes, far from a shabby number, but it is important to note that certain sectors contributed to the job growth more than others. The following industries fell into the high-growth category:
- Professional and business services: 67,000 added jobs (the highest gain)
- Health care employment: 21,000 added jobs
- Financial activities: 17,000 added jobs
To help you get a sense for which jobs fall in both the high-demand and high-pay potential buckets, we looked through the U.S. Department of Labor's job growth projections for 2012 to 2022 and 2013 median annual salary figures.
Keep reading to find out how you can prep for one of these potentially lucrative, booming careers.
Career #1: Human Resources Manager
Find Degree Programs
Median Annual Salary:* $100,800Projected Job Growth Rate From 2012-2022:** 13 percent
Are you good with people, proactive, and organized? Then you may want to hone your natural talents by pursuing work as a human resources manager.
As a human resources manager, your duties might include hiring employees and advising managers on organizational policies, says the U.S. Department of Labor.
Why the Hiring Boom: Human resources managers are valuable to companies right now, because they can support employee retention at a time when talent is competitive across many professional areas, says Stephanie Schmit, director of Randstad Human Resources, an executive search and project staffing firm. These professionals can also help control costs and maximize operational efficiency through workplace strategy, she explains.
Next step: Click to Find the Right Business Administration Program.
"Consequently, the need for strategic, business-minded HR managers will continue to grow," she says.
How to Prepare: Considering this in-demand career? You'll generally need a bachelor's degree in human resources or business administration, says the Department of Labor. You could also pursue a bachelor's degree in a different subject and take courses in human resources.
Career #2: Applications Software Developer
Find Degree Programs
Median Annual Salary: $92,660 Projected Job Growth Rate From 2012-2022: 23 percent
Are you constantly glued to your smartphone or computer? If you'd like to create apps yourself, then you may want to consider a career as a software developer.
Your responsibilities in this position could include designing computer applications for consumers, such as games or word processors, says the U.S. Department of Labor.
Why the Hiring Boom: The immediate future of technology lies in these devices and the professionals who make the applications come to life, says Chris Mader, vice president of growth strategy and development at Randstad Technologies, a nationwide staffing firm specializing in technology solutions.
Next step: Click to Find the Right Computer Science Program.
"Companies are investing in mobile-enabled websites and applications because they will be left behind if they don't," Mader explains. And due to the shortage of skilled talent for this type of work, demand is high, he says.
How to Prepare: Interested in this hot career? You'll typically need a bachelor's degree in computer science, software engineering, or a similar field to pursue it, says the Department of Labor.
Career #3: Information Security Analyst
Find Degree Programs
Median Annual Salary: $88,590Projected Job Growth Rate From 2012-2022: 37 percent
Would you like to use your computer savvy to ward off cyber threats? A career as an information security analyst might be the right choice for you.
In this position, you could be responsible for carrying out security measures to protect an organization's computer networks and systems, such as monitoring networks and installing security software, says the U.S. Department of Labor.
Why the Hiring Boom: With the uptick in cybercrime, companies are taking proactive measures to secure their data, because customers need to trust the companies they work with, especially with sensitive information, says David Gilcher, lead resource manager at Kavaliro, an Orlando-based staffing agency utilizing cutting edge technology.
Next step: Click to Find the Right Programming & Software Program.
And information security analysts play a key role in handling everything from malicious data attacks to power outages. So organizations are in dire need of information security analysts who can help organizations should these issues arise, Gilcher says.
How to Prepare: Do you want to pursue this booming career? You'll typically need at least a bachelor's degree in computer science, programming, or a similar field of study, says the Department of Labor.
Career #4: Personal Financial Advisor
Find Degree Programs
Median Annual Salary: $75,320Projected Job Growth Rate From 2012-2022: 27 percent
Are you good at handling money? Maybe you feel confident you could handle someone else's, too. If so, you may want to think about pursuing a career as a personal financial advisor.
As a financial advisor, you might offer financial advice to clients to help them reach their financial goals, says the U.S. Department of Labor. This may involve researching and recommending investment opportunities and monitoring clients' accounts.
Why the Hiring Boom: "Personal financial advisors are in demand everywhere, due in large part to the aging population," says Mark Bernecker, a regional managing director for Randstad Professionals. "Baby-boomers, in particular, are in need of financial guidance and are seeking professional investment advice."
Next step: Click to Find the Right Finance Program.
Bernecker says many banks, credit unions, investment firms, and public accounting firms are investing in recruiting this type of talent to meet customer demand.
How to Prepare: How can you prep for this booming career? You will usually need a bachelor's degree for this role. Employers don't generally require a specific major, but a degree in finance, economics, business, accounting, mathematics, or law is good preparation for this job.
Career #5: Registered Nurse
Find Degree Programs
Median Annual Salary: $66,220Projected Job Growth Rate From 2012-2022: 19 percent
Do you think of yourself as a compassionate, patient person? Then you might want to consider pursuing a career as a registered nurse, which is projected to add a whopping 526,800 jobs from 2012 to 2022.
As a registered nurse, your duties could include recording patients' medical histories and symptoms, administering medicines and treatments, and educating patients on how to cope with an illness or injury, says the U.S. Department of Labor.
Why the Hiring Boom: Baby boomers are a major catalyst for the hiring spree, says Aram Svajian, vice president of recruitment for Randstad Healthcare. For one, they're contributing to the number of patients in need of care, which is growing faster than the number of nurses available, he says. Secondly, baby-boomer nurses are retiring, creating new employment opportunities.
Next step: Click to Find the Right Registered Nursing Program.
Also a key player? The Affordable Care Act, says Svajian, as there are now more insured individuals.
How to Prepare: Ready to pursue this hot career? Well, you have a few options to choose from. According to the Department of Labor, you could earn an associate's degree in nursing, a diploma from an approved nursing program, or a bachelor's of science degree in nursing. Registered nurses must also be licensed.
Career #6: Market Research Analyst
Find Degree Programs
Median Annual Salary: $60,800Projected Job Growth Rate From 2012-2022: 32 percent
Have you always been inquisitive? Or perhaps you love shopping. If you'd like to apply your curiosity to the business world, a career as a market research analyst could be right for you.
As a market research analyst, you might gather and analyze data on consumers, competitors, and market conditions to help determine potential sales of a product or service, says the U.S. Department of Labor.
Why the Hiring Boom: "Given the exponential growth in the availability of micro-level data, marketing research analysts are needed, more than ever, to understand the new data, identify what data is most important, and translate the data into information that can be used by a business to drive effective marketing strategies," says Beth Walker, a professor and chair of the marketing department at the W. P. Carey School of Business at Arizona State University.
Next step: Click to Find the Right Communications Program.
For example, a marketing research analyst might use their research to determine the best markets in which to launch a new product and the best price, says Walker.
How to Prepare: Does this sound up your alley? To pursue this career, you usually must have a bachelor's degree in market research or a related field, according to the Department of Labor. Many analysts have degrees in fields such as computer science, statistics, and math. Others have backgrounds in business administration, the social sciences, or communications, adds the Department.
Career #7: Fundraiser
Find Degree Programs
Median Annual Salary: $51,580Projected Job Growth Rate From 2012-2022: 17 percent
Can you get people excited about a worthy cause? Well, you might want to try a career as a fundraiser on for size.
As a fundraiser, it could be your responsibility to raise money and other donations for an organization, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. You might also typically identify potential donors, create a strong fundraising message for potential donors, and planning campaigns and events.
Why the Hiring Boom: Non-profits and other groups are in need of a good fundraiser who can generate donations at a time when organizations are receiving less financial support than in the past, says Gilcher.
Next step: Click to Find the Right Business Program.
"Many projects and research are either being delayed or cancelled due to a lack of funding. Non-profits and the groups they support are in dire need of finding individuals that are driven to bring in resources essential to moving those projects or research forward," says Gilcher.
How to Prepare: Ready to prep for this growing career? You will typically need a bachelor's degree as well as strong communication and organizational skills, says the Department of Labor. While fundraisers come from a variety of academic backgrounds, some employers prefer applicants with degrees in business or communications, but other subjects are generally accepted, too.