If high-pay and high-growth potential are on your list of must-haves for your next job, keep reading...
By Lia Sestric
Who likes the idea of job uncertainty or substandard pay? No one. So
why not go after a career with some longevity and where you won't feel
short changed?
To help, we've gone through the U.S. Department of Labor site and
compiled a list of $70K careers - from a variety of industries - that
are projected to grow in the coming years.
Keep reading to learn more.
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If your noggin spins with ideas and curiosity every time you fiddle
with your computer or smart device, you might find a career in software
development interesting.
The U.S. Department of Labor breaks down this role into applications
developers, who may design applications such as games and word
processors; and systems software developers, who create the systems that
control computers and their interfaces. Either could be a rewarding and
well-paying career under the right circumstances.
Median Annual Salary: $90,060 for applications developers, $99,000 for systems developers*
Projected Job Growth from 2012-2022: 23 percent for applications developers, 20 percent for systems developers **
Projected New Jobs from 2012-2022: 139,000 for applications developers, 82,000 for systems developers **
Why Is This Job on the Rise?
Most businesses are aggressively expanding their web businesses and
upgrading to newer platforms, says Jeff Sheehan, a career mentor in
Atlanta, Georgia. "With this expansion comes a need for software
development experts who can efficiently facilitate the expansion with
the fewest number of problems," he adds.
Next step: Click to Find the Right Computer Science Program.
What Are the Requirements?
According to the Department of Labor, software developers typically
have a bachelor's degree in computer science, software engineering, or a
related field, as well as strong computer-programming skills. A math
degree is also acceptable. The Department also stresses that developers
need a working knowledge of the industry in which they are employed.
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Undoubtedly, the health industry is a booming profession…but it is
also a business. And what does every successful business need? Good
management. If you have strong leadership skills and would like to help
health care run smoothly, consider a career as a medical and health
services manager.
What could you be doing as a medical and health services manager? The
U.S. Department of Labor says these individuals, who are also known as
health care administrators, may create schedules, make sure a facility
is in compliance with new laws and regulations, and improve the quality
of health care services.
Median Annual Salary: $88,580*
Projected Job Growth from 2012-2022: 23 percent**
Projected New Jobs from 2012-2022: 73,000**
Why Is This Job on the Rise?
"As the [baby] boomers continue to age, there will be a corresponding
increase in the need for medical services including preventative care,
health service facilities, nursing homes, and the like. There will be a
corresponding need for additional facilities to satisfy these needs and
personnel to staff and manage them," says Sheehan.
Next step: Click to Find the Right Health Care Administration Program.
What Are the Requirements?
The Department of Labor says prospective health care administrators
should have a bachelor's degree in health administration. Master's
degrees in health services, public health, public administration,
long-term care administration, or business administration are also
common.
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Can you easily find solutions to problems when they arise? Why not capitalize on your natural ability as a management analyst?
As a management analyst, you may help a company improve efficiency by
analyzing existing organizational problems and developing a plan to
reduce costs and increase profitability, says the U.S. Department of
Labor.
Median Annual Salary:$78,600*
Projected Job Growth from 2012-2022: 19 percent**
Projected New Jobs from 2012-2022: 133,800**
Why Is This Job on the Rise?
"Companies will continue to look to become more efficient and to
operate with fewer and fewer people to reduce costs," says Sheehan.
"This will require further review of all aspects of the businesses and
analyzing each and everything that is being done," he says.
Next step: Click to Find the Right Business Program.
What Are the Requirements?
The Department of Labor says most of these professionals have at
least a bachelor's degree. Management consulting is not offered at every
institution, so many majors could provide a suitable education,
according to the Department. Common fields of study may include
business, accounting, marketing, finance, psychology, computer and
information science, economics, political science and government, and
English. Some employers prefer to hire those with a master's in business
administration (MBA).
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Computers and smart devices need more protection than ever with the
proliferation of data that is stored and exchanged. This increased need
to safeguard data could translate to job security and big bucks for
information security analysts.
What do information security analysts do exactly? For one, it's their
job to stay a step ahead of cyber attackers, says the U.S. Department
of Labor. This may mean installing and using software to protect
sensitive information, making security recommendations to managers and
educating computer users about new security procedures and products.
Median Annual Salary: $86,170*
Projected Job Growth from 2012-2022: 37 percent**
Projected New Jobs from 2012-2022: 27,400**
Why Is This Job on the Rise?
According to Matt Leighton, director of recruitment for Mondo, an IT
recruiting and resourcing firm, online shopping is a big part of the
growth of this field. "As consumers turn to company websites to make
purchases it is vital that their information stays safe," says Leighton.
Next step: Click to Find the Right Programming Program.
What Are the Requirements?
A bachelor's degree in computer science, programming, or a related
major is usually needed, says the Department of Labor. Sometimes,
employers may prefer to hire those who have a master of business
administration in information systems, adds the Department.
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Do you want to pursue a growing job in dentistry that offers great
pay potential? A dental hygienist career could offer you best of both
worlds.
Dental hygienists examine teeth, administer preventative care, and
educate patients on ways they can improve their oral health, says the
U.S. Department of Labor.
Median Annual Salary: $70,210*
Projected Job Growth from 2012-2022: 33 percent**
Projected New Jobs from 2012-2022: 64,200**
Why Is this Job on the Rise?
Sheehan says Obamacare will drive demand for dental hygienists, as
these professionals play a vital role in maintaining good health, with
their work often detecting and preventing oral diseases.
Next step: Click to Find the Right Dental Hygiene Program.
What Are The Requirements?
An associate's degree in dental hygiene is usually needed, says the
Department. Licenses are also required in all states, but requirements
may vary by state.
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If you have a mind for investing and want to put it to use to help others, consider a career as a financial analyst.
What does a financial analyst's work involve? For one, the U.S.
Department of Labor says they may help guide organizations and
individuals in their investment choices. To do this, they evaluate
current and historical data as well as study business trends, and other
deciding factors.
Median Annual Salary: $76,950*
Projected Job Growth from 2012-2022: 16 percent**
Projected New Jobs from 2012-2022: 39,300**
Why Is this Job on the Rise?
Sheehan says this occupation will be in demand as companies strive
for better standards. "They were doing this before, but it is becoming
ever more important with the explosion in "big data" and the need for
people who can analyze it and offer recommendations to senior management
based on it," he says. "There is simply more that can be analyzed and
used to improve the business efficiency and finances for a company."
Next step: Click to Find the Right Finance Degree.
What Are the Requirements?
A bachelor's degree is required for most positions, says the
Department of Labor. Some of the fields of study that could provide
appropriate preparation include accounting, finance, economics,
engineering, math, or statistics. The Department does say employers
often require a master's in business administration (MBA) or a master's
degree in finance for advanced positions.