Source: Yahoo
One thing to look for before pursuing a hopefully rewarding and long-lasting career is how much it pays - and how many jobs are out there.
To help, we combed through the U.S. Department of Labor website to find a variety of careers that pay $30 an hour and up - and are projected to add at least 60,000 jobs over 2012 to 2022.
Keep reading to learn more.
If caring for others comes naturally to you, you might want to consider a career in nursing.
Registered nurses, according to the U.S. Department of Labor, provide patient care, educate people about various health conditions, and give advice and support to patients and their family members.
Hot Factor: Nurses are the lifeblood of any medical setting, says Rebecca Fraser-Thill, a career coach and founder of WorkingSelf.com.
The aging population is a driver of growth, too. "The health care system is being increasingly utilized, both because of the aging baby boomer generation and the Affordable Care Act," says Fraser-Thill.
Next step: Click to Find the Right Nursing Program.
How to Prepare: According to the Department of Labor, preparing to pursue a career as a registered nurse usually means earning a bachelor's of science in nursing, an associate's degree in nursing, or a diploma from an approved nursing program. One must also be licensed.
If you're good with numbers, you'll appreciate the high hourly pay you could collect as an accountant or auditor.
According to the U.S. Department of Labor, accountants and auditors are responsible for preparing financial records and taxes as well as working to help ensure companies run smoothly and efficiently.
Hot Factor: Compensation for accountants and auditors could be high because retirement rates in this sector surpass hiring rates, and high compensation serves to draw in young hires, Fraser-Thill explains.
"As accountants and auditors begin to retire, we need new young people to take their place, and that's not happening at the rate that would be ideal. Thus the pay is high," she says.
In addition, modern-day corruption might mean we need more accountants and auditors keeping us all honest. Recent corporate scandals and financial crises are at the root of increased demand for accountants and auditors, specifically because stricter standards and regulations are pushing companies to rev up their accounting services in order to prove their creditworthiness, states the Department of Labor.
Next step: Click to Find the Right Accounting Program.
How to Prepare: A bachelor's degree in accounting is required for most positions as an accountant or auditor. Some employers also prefer applicants with a master's in accounting, or in business administration with an accounting concentration, according to the Department.
If you're a whiz with computers, you may have the skills that could
help you pursue a career with an impressive mean hourly rate of pay.
The U.S. Department of Labor explains that computer systems analysts help an organization run smoothly by analyzing its computer systems, binding business and information technology together with their understanding of both.
Hot Factor: You'll be hard-pressed to find any company that doesn't use some kind of computer system to run their business these days, which is great news for computer systems analysts. "We are a society reliant on our computers in order to do our work, so they're in absolute need these days," says Fraser-Thill.
The Department of Labor adds that increased reliance on information technology (IT) as well as the growth of mobile and wireless networks will drive demand for new systems to be designed and installed across all sectors of the economy.
Next step: Click to Find the Right Computer Science Program.
How to Prepare: Most computer systems analysts have bachelor's degrees in a computer-related field, according to the Department.
If you've ever done any construction or construction-related work,
and you're ready to help run the show, you should look into this as a
career option.
Construction managers are the folks responsible for coordinating, budgeting, planning, and supervising construction projects from start to finish, according to the U.S. Department of Labor.
Hot Factor: "[A]ny time we pull out of an economic downturn, construction begins again in earnest," says Fraser-Thill.
"While our fiscal recovery may be slow this go round, construction is expected to pick up in the near future. With that increase in construction comes the need for good managers," Fraser-Thill says.
Next step: Click to Find the Right Construction Management Program.
How to Prepare: The Department of Labor tells us that for construction managers to possess a bachelor's degree in engineering, architecture, construction management, or construction science is becoming increasingly important.
If you want to be the mind behind the next computer program or
application, a career as a software developer might be ideal for you to
pursue.
The U.S. Department of Labor defines software developers as the creative folks behind computer programs, who develop both the handy applications and integrated computer systems that power networks.
Hot Factor: Is it even possible to imagine a world without computers anymore? As Fraser-Thill mentioned earlier, our society has become dependent on computers not only for our personal lives but also at work.
Computer systems therefore affect a company's overall productivity and bottom line, which could translate to high pay for the experts in charge of building these systems.
Next step: Click to Find the Right Programming & Software Program.
How to Prepare: In addition to solid skills in computer programming, software developers usually have a bachelor's degree in computer science, software engineering, or a related field, according to the Department of Labor. It's also acceptable for software developers to have a degree in mathematics.
If you enjoy helping others figure out what to do with their money,
good news: You might be able to make a pretty penny doing just that as a
financial advisor.
According to the U.S. Department of Labor these professionals give advice to people on matters ranging from taxes to investments to insurance.
Hot Factor: The growing number of potential retirees is a big factor here. "As the baby boomer generation ages, they are facing many messy financial questions: Do I have enough money to retire? How can I financially provide for my parents who are in long-term situations? And how do I prepare for my own eventual long-term care needs? The boomers are willing to pay for answers to these complex questions," says Fraser-Thill.
As Fraser-Thill explains, with such pressing financial questions come a pressing need for answers, thus "putting financial advisors in hot demand."
Next step: Click to Find the Right Finance Program.
How to Prepare: If you're hoping to pursue a career as a financial advisor, the Department of Labor says that a bachelor's degree is usually needed. It adds that degrees in finance, economics, accounting, business, mathematics, or law are all good preparation for this job.
If you don't want to go to medical school, but want to make a decent
living in health care, consider medical and health services management
as a profession.
According to the U.S. Department of Labor, medical and health services managers plan, direct, and coordinate the delivery of health care.
Hot Factor: The general need for health care is a benefit for these workers when it comes to growth. "As demand for health care rises, so does demand for medical professionals of all stripes. Effective management of health services has become particularly important in recent years as legislation and insurance has become increasingly complicated," says Fraser-Thill.
The Department of Labor says that as the baby boomer generation continues to age and yet remain active later in life, the health care industry will see an increased demand for medical services.
Next step: Click to Find the Right Health Care Administration Program.
How to Prepare: A bachelor's degree in health administration is what the Department tells us that prospective medical and health services managers should have. Master's degrees in health services, long-term care administration, public administration, public health, and even business administration are also common, adds the Department.
Think a high-growth, high-pay job is out of reach? Think again.
Finding a great career can be a terrific long-term proposition. But which careers should you be looking at?One thing to look for before pursuing a hopefully rewarding and long-lasting career is how much it pays - and how many jobs are out there.
To help, we combed through the U.S. Department of Labor website to find a variety of careers that pay $30 an hour and up - and are projected to add at least 60,000 jobs over 2012 to 2022.
Keep reading to learn more.
Career #1: Registered Nurse
Find Degree Programs
- Mean
Hourly Wage - $33.13*
- Median Annual Salary
- $66,220*
- Job Outlook Projected for 2012-2022
- 526,800 new jobs**
Registered nurses, according to the U.S. Department of Labor, provide patient care, educate people about various health conditions, and give advice and support to patients and their family members.
Hot Factor: Nurses are the lifeblood of any medical setting, says Rebecca Fraser-Thill, a career coach and founder of WorkingSelf.com.
The aging population is a driver of growth, too. "The health care system is being increasingly utilized, both because of the aging baby boomer generation and the Affordable Care Act," says Fraser-Thill.
Next step: Click to Find the Right Nursing Program.
How to Prepare: According to the Department of Labor, preparing to pursue a career as a registered nurse usually means earning a bachelor's of science in nursing, an associate's degree in nursing, or a diploma from an approved nursing program. One must also be licensed.
Career #2: Accountants and Auditors
Find Degree Programs
- Mean
Hourly Wage - $34.86*
- Median Annual Salary
- $65,080*
- Job Outlook Projected for 2012-2022
- 166,700 new jobs**
According to the U.S. Department of Labor, accountants and auditors are responsible for preparing financial records and taxes as well as working to help ensure companies run smoothly and efficiently.
Hot Factor: Compensation for accountants and auditors could be high because retirement rates in this sector surpass hiring rates, and high compensation serves to draw in young hires, Fraser-Thill explains.
"As accountants and auditors begin to retire, we need new young people to take their place, and that's not happening at the rate that would be ideal. Thus the pay is high," she says.
In addition, modern-day corruption might mean we need more accountants and auditors keeping us all honest. Recent corporate scandals and financial crises are at the root of increased demand for accountants and auditors, specifically because stricter standards and regulations are pushing companies to rev up their accounting services in order to prove their creditworthiness, states the Department of Labor.
Next step: Click to Find the Right Accounting Program.
How to Prepare: A bachelor's degree in accounting is required for most positions as an accountant or auditor. Some employers also prefer applicants with a master's in accounting, or in business administration with an accounting concentration, according to the Department.
Career #3: Computer Systems Analysts
Find Degree Programs
- Mean
Hourly Wage - $41.02*
- Median Annual Salary
- $81,190*
- Job Outlook Projected for 2012-2022
- 127,700 new jobs**
The U.S. Department of Labor explains that computer systems analysts help an organization run smoothly by analyzing its computer systems, binding business and information technology together with their understanding of both.
Hot Factor: You'll be hard-pressed to find any company that doesn't use some kind of computer system to run their business these days, which is great news for computer systems analysts. "We are a society reliant on our computers in order to do our work, so they're in absolute need these days," says Fraser-Thill.
The Department of Labor adds that increased reliance on information technology (IT) as well as the growth of mobile and wireless networks will drive demand for new systems to be designed and installed across all sectors of the economy.
Next step: Click to Find the Right Computer Science Program.
How to Prepare: Most computer systems analysts have bachelor's degrees in a computer-related field, according to the Department.
Career #4: Construction Managers
Find Degree Programs
- Mean
Hourly Wage - $44.57*
- Median Annual Salary
- $84,410*
- Job Outlook Projected for 2012-2022
- 78,200 new jobs**
Construction managers are the folks responsible for coordinating, budgeting, planning, and supervising construction projects from start to finish, according to the U.S. Department of Labor.
Hot Factor: "[A]ny time we pull out of an economic downturn, construction begins again in earnest," says Fraser-Thill.
"While our fiscal recovery may be slow this go round, construction is expected to pick up in the near future. With that increase in construction comes the need for good managers," Fraser-Thill says.
Next step: Click to Find the Right Construction Management Program.
How to Prepare: The Department of Labor tells us that for construction managers to possess a bachelor's degree in engineering, architecture, construction management, or construction science is becoming increasingly important.
Career #5: Software Developer
Find Degree Programs
- Mean
Hourly Wage - Applications: $46.28* Systems Software: $50.23*
- Median Annual Salary
- Applications: $92,660* Systems Software: $101,410*
- Job Outlook Projected for 2012-2022
- 222,600 new jobs*
The U.S. Department of Labor defines software developers as the creative folks behind computer programs, who develop both the handy applications and integrated computer systems that power networks.
Hot Factor: Is it even possible to imagine a world without computers anymore? As Fraser-Thill mentioned earlier, our society has become dependent on computers not only for our personal lives but also at work.
Computer systems therefore affect a company's overall productivity and bottom line, which could translate to high pay for the experts in charge of building these systems.
Next step: Click to Find the Right Programming & Software Program.
How to Prepare: In addition to solid skills in computer programming, software developers usually have a bachelor's degree in computer science, software engineering, or a related field, according to the Department of Labor. It's also acceptable for software developers to have a degree in mathematics.
Career #6: Financial Advisors
Find Degree Programs
- Mean
Hourly Wage - $48.04*
- Median Annual Salary
- $75,320*
- Job Outlook Projected for 2012-2022
- 60,300 new jobs**
According to the U.S. Department of Labor these professionals give advice to people on matters ranging from taxes to investments to insurance.
Hot Factor: The growing number of potential retirees is a big factor here. "As the baby boomer generation ages, they are facing many messy financial questions: Do I have enough money to retire? How can I financially provide for my parents who are in long-term situations? And how do I prepare for my own eventual long-term care needs? The boomers are willing to pay for answers to these complex questions," says Fraser-Thill.
As Fraser-Thill explains, with such pressing financial questions come a pressing need for answers, thus "putting financial advisors in hot demand."
Next step: Click to Find the Right Finance Program.
How to Prepare: If you're hoping to pursue a career as a financial advisor, the Department of Labor says that a bachelor's degree is usually needed. It adds that degrees in finance, economics, accounting, business, mathematics, or law are all good preparation for this job.
Career #7: Medical and Health Services Managers
Find Degree Programs
- Mean
Hourly Wage - $48.72*
- Median Annual Salary
- $90,940*
- Job Outlook Projected for 2012-2022
- 73,300 new jobs**
According to the U.S. Department of Labor, medical and health services managers plan, direct, and coordinate the delivery of health care.
Hot Factor: The general need for health care is a benefit for these workers when it comes to growth. "As demand for health care rises, so does demand for medical professionals of all stripes. Effective management of health services has become particularly important in recent years as legislation and insurance has become increasingly complicated," says Fraser-Thill.
The Department of Labor says that as the baby boomer generation continues to age and yet remain active later in life, the health care industry will see an increased demand for medical services.
Next step: Click to Find the Right Health Care Administration Program.
How to Prepare: A bachelor's degree in health administration is what the Department tells us that prospective medical and health services managers should have. Master's degrees in health services, long-term care administration, public administration, public health, and even business administration are also common, adds the Department.
Want to enter the field of business? Don't let your lack of academic
credentials stop you. Consider earning a bachelor's degree in business
administration online. 
Is budgeting one of your favorite hobbies? Then an online bachelor's
in accounting might be just the ticket to help you prepare to pursue
potentially lucrative job opportunities in the field of accounting.
Have you always wondered why people buy the products that they do? If
you haven't figured it out on your own, you may want to try to find out
the answer firsthand by earning a bachelor's in marketing.
Do you already have a bachelor's degree but feel stuck in a rut? If
you have an interest in the way humans think, you might want to earn
your master's degree in psychology online.
Are you interested in advancing your education and increasing your
earning power? Have your work and family obligations made that difficult
to accomplish? Then look into earning an MBA online, which could help
you flexibly reach both of those goals.
If you've done some mid-life soul searching, you may have realized
that you don't want to spend another day toiling away in a meaningless
job. In that case, you may want to consider a career in social work,
where you can put that big heart of yours to good use.
Do you feel like your career is flat lining? Well, it may be time to
shock some life back into it by pursuing a booming career as a medical
and health services manager.
Sure, the last time you wrote something substantial may have been a
decade or two ago in college. But you've probably written reports and
presentations at work since then. Heck, even writing a perfectly worded
email takes skill. So if you'd like to make writing your sole
professional focus, a career as a technical writer may be right up your
alley.
Not shy about digging for answers? Or perhaps you've proven that
you're a results-driven worker in your current career. You might want to
apply your curiosity and work ethic in a new career as a survey
researcher.
Are you looking to return to the workforce after taking a break to
raise a family? Or are you just ready for a change of pace? If the idea
of working with children seems fulfilling, you might want to consider
pursuing a career as a preschool teacher.
Choosing to earn a bachelor's in nursing can be rewarding in more
ways than one. In addition to preparing to pursue a career helping
others, the outlook appears bright. The unemployment rate for recent
nursing graduates was 4.8 percent, reports the Georgetown study.
Hoping to make your mark as the next Frank Lloyd Wright? Not so fast -
a bachelor's degree in architecture might mean facing a higher
unemployment rate than you're expecting. According to the Georgetown
study, the unemployment rate for recent college graduates who majored in
architecture was 12.8 percent.
Have you always enjoyed learning? Perhaps you'd like to be on the
other side of the teacher's desk one day. Then, a bachelor's degree in
elementary education might be right for you. Plus, recent college grads
who majored in elementary education saw a low unemployment rate of just 5
percent, according to the Georgetown study.
Fascinated by world cultures? Before you spend the time, energy - and
money - on a bachelor's in anthropology, take a look at its
unemployment rate: 12.6 percent, notes the Georgetown study.
Money talks, and this bachelor's degree could help you join the
conversation. According to the Georgetown study, the unemployment rate
for recent finance graduates was 5.9 percent.
Think a bachelor's degree in film, video, or photography will mean a
life of creative fulfillment and satisfaction? It's a beautiful dream,
but the reality might make you reconsider. According to the Georgetown
study, the unemployment rate for recent film, video, and photography
arts graduates was 11.4 percent.
Do you like to keep your finger on the pulse of social media? If you
want to translate that interest into a career, consider pursuing a
bachelor's degree in marketing or market research. The unemployment rate
for marketing and marketing research recent graduates was 6.6 percent,
according to the Georgetown study.
"House Of Cards" fan? Don't assume earning your bachelor's in
political science will land you a job working for a White House staffer.
Political science had a high unemployment rate of 11.1 percent for
recent college graduates, notes the Georgetown study. Wondering why?
Looking for a versatile degree with good prospects? Consider business
management and administration. Aside from the professional doors this
degree could open, the Georgetown study lists the unemployment rate for
business management and administration majors at 7.8 percent.