AGAIN The 10 Fastest Growing Jobs


When it comes to the workforce, the only constant is change. New technology, an aging population and global commerce all contribute to which jobs are becoming obsolete and which are booming.

Every few years, the Bureau of Labor Statistics projects the growth rate for occupations during the next decade; the current projections are for 2012 to 2022. We’ve pulled the top 10 jobs with the fastest growth. (Keep in mind the average growth for all occupations is about 11 percent.)

Note that just because these jobs are growing rapidly doesn’t necessarily mean they pay well. But if one of the lower paying jobs interests you, be sure to explore other related jobs in the same field – sometimes a similar occupation may pay more. All of the median salary data below is from May 2013.

So what are the fastest growing jobs? Here’s a countdown:

10. Physical therapist assistants

What do they do? Help patients regain movement and manage pain.
Median annual salary: $53,360
Projected growth: 41% or 49,400 new jobs

What training do I need? Typically, you would need an associate degree in this field and be licensed or certified in your state.

9. Genetic counselors

What do they do? Assess people’s risk for genetic disorders and birth defects.
Median annual salary: $63,590
Projected growth: 41% or 900 new jobs
What training do I need? A master’s degree in genetics or genetic counseling is probably needed.

8. Occupational therapy assistants

What do they do? Help patients stretch and exercise, and other therapeutic activities.
Median annual salary: $55,270
Projected growth: 43% or 12,900 new jobs
What training do I need? As with physical therapist assistants, an associate degree and licensing or registration in your state is usually required.

7. Helpers of brickmasons, blockmasons, stonemasons, and tile and marble setters

What do they do? Assist craft workers with basic tasks like cleaning or setting up equipment.
Median annual salary: $28,260
Projected growth: 43% or 10,500 jobs
What training do I need? No formal education is required. Most people learn through on-the-job training.

6. Diagnostic medical sonographers

What do they do? Operate special equipment to create images of areas within the body or to conduct tests.
Median annual salary: $66,410
Projected growth: 46% or 27,000 new jobs
What training do I need? Typically, an associate’s degree or postsecondary certificate is needed. Many employers also require professional certification.

5. Interpreters and translators

What do they do? Convert information in one language to another language. Interpreters work in spoken or sign language, and translators work in written language.
Median annual salary: $42,420
Projected growth: 46% or 29,300 new jobs
What training do I need? Must be fluent in more than one language, and a bachelor’s degree is often required.

4. Mechanical insulation workers

What do they do? Apply insulation to pipes or ductwork.
Median annual salary: $40,500
Projected growth: 47% or 13,500 new jobs
What training do I need? Usually, a high school diploma. Most people learn this trade through an apprenticeship.

3. Home health aides

What do they do? Help people who are sick or infirm. Can administer medicine and assist with basic health care tasks.
Median annual salary: $21,020
Projected growth: 48% or 424,200 new jobs
What training do I need? No formal education requirements, but most people have a high school diploma. Some formal training and a standardized test may be necessary.

2. Personal care aides

What do they do? Provide assistance and companionship to people who are sick or infirm. They do not provide medical services.
Median annual salary: $20,100
Projected growth: 49% or 580,800 new jobs
What training do I need? Most have a high school diploma and are trained on the job.

1. Industrial-organizational psychologists

What do they do? Apply psychology to the workplace to solve problems and improve the quality of people’s work lives.
Median annual salary: $80,330
Projected growth: 53% or 900
What training do I need? Typically, at least a master’s degree. A professional license also may be required.

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