In-Demand Jobs That Pay Well

By Robyn Tellefsen, ClassesUSA

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) has identified a number of exciting professions expected to experience above-average growth over the next decade. Most of these positions fall within the top 25 percent of earnings for workers overall, and most require a bachelor's degree or higher. Are any of these growing careers right for you?

A Career in Caring

According to the BLS, registered nurses (RNs) constitute the largest health care occupation; they were responsible for about 2.4 million jobs in 2004. RNs need at least an associate degree, while short-term or on-the-job training is generally necessary for nurse's aides.

The American Nurses Association reports that in 2006, staff nurses earned an average of $47,200. At the high end of the salary scale, advanced practice nurses averaged $69,600.

The Education Explosion

With about 1 in 4 Americans enrolled in an education institution, education services is the second largest industry in the country, accounting for about 13 million jobs. Most teaching positions require at least a bachelor's degree, and many require a master's or doctoral degree.

Secondary school teachers are expected to increase in numbers by up to 17 percent by 2014. Salaries are rising as well; the American Federation of Teachers estimates the average salary of all public elementary and secondary school teachers in the 2003-2004 school year was $46,597. Postsecondary teaching positions are expected to grow 27 percent or more by 2014; in 2004, postsecondary teachers had median annual earnings of $51,800.

Accounting for Growth

With projected growth in accountant positions between 18 and 26 percent by 2014, it's no surprise that the American Institute of CPAs cites accounting graduates are up 19 percent since 2000.

And accountants are well compensated. According to a salary survey conducted by the National Association of Colleges and Employers, bachelor's degree candidates in accounting received starting offers averaging $43,269 in 2005; master's degree candidates in accounting were initially offered $46,251.

The Rebound of Information Technology

The technology industry continues to grow, as most fields are in need of skilled information technology (IT) workers. "The New York Times cites a labor department listing of the 15 fastest-growing jobs for the decade, and a total of 10 are in IT," says Dr. Susan Merritt, dean of the School of Computer Science and Information Systems at Pace University (New York, NY). These include computer systems analysts, software engineering, application development, network design, and computer support.

Median annual earnings of computer systems analysts were $66,460 in 2004, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $99,180.

Corporate Leaders of Tomorrow

It is natural for an aspiring professional to want to be at the head of the boardroom, and not only because these positions are projected to increase up to 17 percent through 2014. Executives at the top of their field are among the highest-paid workers, according to the BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook.

An MBA can take you to the top of the corporate ladder, which involves long hours, extensive travel, and intense pressure. However, salaries are often commensurate with such hard work, experience, and education attainment.

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