 |
10 Careers That are in Demand and Have Big Paychecks
Author: Kelli Smith  | Posted: 15-03-2008 | Comments: 0 | Views: 251 | Rating: (309)  (?) 
Do what you love, and the money will follow. This may be true, but it helps if what you love coincides with a high-demand career path.
The hottest careers in the United States today draw on a broad spectrum of skills and interests. Whether you're into numbers, people, nature, sports, or computers, there's a way to parlay your natural abilities into a lucrative career.
10 Pathways to a Better Salary
The following ten careers are in demand--and they have big paychecks to prove it. They are among the highest-paying jobs on the Bureau of Labor Statistics' list of the fastest-growing careers through 2014. With the right training, you could upgrade into these jobs and start earning what you're worth.
If you're interested in HEALTH:
Physician Assistant--$69,250
Physician assistants perform many of the same functions as a doctor: They examine patients, diagnose illness, and even prescribe medication. Although doctors must supervise treatment, physician assistants enjoy a good deal of autonomy and more face time with patients.
Your career as a physician assistant begins with a bachelor's degree and a 2-year physician assistant training program.
• Ranks fourth in the BLS Top 30 Fastest-Growing jobs, with 49.6% job growth expected through 2014.
Physical Therapist--$61,560
Physical therapists guide patients on the road to recovery from illness or injury. They have a profound effect on the people they work with, helping them improve mobility, relieve pain, and even overcome disabilities.
Physical therapists must complete a master's-level Physical Therapy program and pass a licensure exam.
• Helps injured and ill patients improve their independence and quality of life.
• An active and interactive job.
Registered Nurse--$63,170
The shortage of registered nurses means unprecedented opportunities and rising salaries. Registered nurses are on the frontlines of medical care, examining and treating patients.
Prospective nurses have several options: a two-year associate's degree, a three-year applied nursing diploma, or the four-year Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). All culminate in a national licensing exam.
• People skills and compassion are crucial for this rewarding career.
• This job ranks second for projected job growth through 2014.
If you're interested in TECHNOLOGY:
Computer Software Engineer--$76,310
Computer software engineers design and test applications software and operating systems for computers. They write programs using coding languages such as C++ and Java.
You can become a computer software engineer with a four-year bachelor's degree in computer science.
• Ranks fifth in the BLS Top 30 Fastest-Growing jobs, with 48% job growth expected through 2014.
• An exciting, fast-paced industry that rewards innovation and creativity.
Network Systems Analyst--$61,250
Network Systems Analysts are responsible for keeping a company's network--its file-sharing, voicemail, and email systems--in optimum condition. They evaluate new technology, implement changes to the system, and maintain the company's local area network (LAN), wide area network (WLAN), and intranet.
You can become a network systems analyst in as little as two years: the minimum requirement is an associate's degree. Some positions may require a bachelor's in computer science. Liberal arts degree holders also perform well in this position, because systems analysis relies on out-of-the-box thinking.
• Systems analysts rank second in the BLS Top 30 Fastest-Growing jobs, with 54.6% job growth expected through 2014.
• A technical career for creative types.
Database Administrator--$61,950
Database administrators perform a crucial function in the information age--they set up computer databases and ensure efficient and reliable access to data. They maintain and upgrade a company's computer systems, identifying user requirements and adding new users.
Educational requirements vary, but most entry-level jobs require at least a bachelor's degree in a technical field.
• Database Administration jobs are expected to increase 40% through 2014.
• A rewarding career for detail-oriented and computer savvy people.
If you're interested in SCIENCE & NATURE:
Hydrologist--$60,880
Hydrologists study water. They recording the quantity, distribution, and circulation above ground and below, providing key data for public works and environmental preservation. Hydrologists are involved in flood control, anti-erosion, construction, and other projects.
Hydrologists need at least a bachelor's degree in Hydrology or a related field. Many employers prefer to hire master's degree holders, even for entry-level positions.
• More than half of work hours are spent outdoors, in the field.
Biomedical Engineer--$70,520
Biomedical engineers apply engineering and biological research techniques to medical care. They make profound contributions to the scientific community and to patients' wellbeing, developing medical devices, diagnostic equipment, artificial organs, prostheses, and more.
Biomedical engineering is a challenging and rewarding career. Even entry-level jobs require a master's degree in biomedical engineering, biotechnology, or a related field, and many biomedical engineers go on to Ph.D.s.
• Challenging and meaningful work that helps people.
Environmental Engineer--$67,620
Environmental engineers research and develop solutions to some of our most pressing environmental problems: pollution control, ozone depletion, and wildlife protection.
Environmental engineers hold at least a bachelor's degree in the field--many go on to a master's in Environmental Engineering.
• Help prevent environmental damage.
• Plenty of time outdoors, collecting field data.
If you're interested in ART:
Video Game Design--$65,000
Video game designers are responsible for creating the animation, storyboarding, and programming that go into producing video games. Video game design combines artistic vision and technical skill. It is a software development career that requires imagination.
Video game designers can start out with a certificate or associate's degree, but they can progress more quickly with a bachelor's degree in game design and development. Top designers enjoy more creative control and command higher salaries.
• Software publishing will be the third-fastest growing industry through 2014.
• Video game industry jobs expected to double between 2004 and 2009.
• Video games produce more revenue than movie theater box office receipts--worldwide revenue is expected to hit $66 billion by 2011.
No matter what your innate talents and interests are, chances are there's a need for them somewhere in the marketplace. With the right training, you can develop your natural abilities into valuable job skills. If you identify hot industries and high demand careers that draw on those skills, you'll be well on your way to earning what you're worth. Remember, it's just as easy to fall in love with a high-paying job as an underpaid one.
Rate this Article:
Current: 0 / 5 stars - 0 vote(s).
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/careers-articles/10-careers-that-are-in-demand-and-have-big-paychecks-360643.html
About the Author:Kelli Smith is the senior editor for www.Edu411.org. Edu411.org is a career education directory for finding colleges and universities, training schools, and technical institutes.
|
Submitting articles has become one of the most popular means of generating quality backlinks and targeted traffic to your website. Join us today - It's Free! |
|
Related Articles
Where Do I Go From Here? Getting on Track for a Career Change
By: Kelli Smith | 15/03/2008 | Careers
Are you unhappy with your current lot in your professional life? If you're less than satisfied with your job, you're not alone. According to a recent online jobsite survey, 86% of employees are not happy with their current position.
Salary History Strategies for Applicants
By: Kelli Smith | 15/03/2008 | Career Management
"Include Salary History." You see the instructions on employment ads or initial email feedback from the Human Resources department of the company to which you've applied. Sometimes the request is paired with a request to see your resume.
6 Professional Resume Tips: Know What Human Resources Really Want
By: Andrew Chin | 15/11/2007 | Resumes
Professional resume tips will definitely give you that much needed edge!
What You Should Know About An Internet Home Business
By: Steve A | 10/04/2007 | Home Business
Your business should always be something that you truly enjoy and have fun doing. The results are always better when you transfer the fun quotient into your business opportunity. Here's how...
Cities, Salaries, and the Quality of Life
By: Kelli Smith | 08/03/2008 | Careers
A new city could mean a higher salary or the career you've always dreamed of, but things like cost of living, quality of life, and your specific needs need to be taken into account.
Work, Happiness, Game of Life
By: Rocko | 25/02/2008 | Advice
A look at values of career, happiness and a novel conclusion via the findings.
The Job Application Tango
By: Kryssa Lighthall | 23/04/2006 | Careers
We do it all the time. When we're ready for a job change we go online to search for a better job. You go to your favorite job board or employer's site, find a job that fits you perfectly, and submit your resume and nothing happens.
Salary Negotiation: Don't be Emotional
By: Mary Markella | 05/01/2007 | Goal Setting
One of the most difficult situations for an employee, is when he/she wants to ask for a salary raise. However, if you are well prepared and use the right approach then you can negotiate an amount of money that both you and your boss can be happy with. There's nothing wrong when asking for a raise, if you do it professionally.
Got a Question? Ask.
Ask the community a question about this article:
Frequently Asked Questions
By: A1A | 13-07-2008
Coamerica bank information
By: steverstein | 13-07-2008
We are looking to borrow a large sum of money to reinvest into our business. Coamerica has offered us a fairly good term sheet. How does this bank rank and is it having any financial problems of its own?
How is to live in italy
By: poly | 13-07-2008
how is to live in italy
I have an abnormal vaginal discharge and ive been ...
By: BABY | 12-07-2008
I have an abnormal vaginal discharge and ive been tested for everything under the sun. All tests have come out negative. This discharge tends to go away when my period comes and comes back when it goes away and also it brings unsightly itching.Im not even sexually active. Im only 25 what can i do??
Salary & hourly over time due???
By: K | 10-07-2008
Salary and hourly-overtime due??? I worked hourly 50+ a week and more hours 2003-2004 . Never over time pay -then houly and worked salary every holiday that was monday and never paid over time?? Yet paid half my salary hourly rate for teaching most every week end-putting in 50-60 hours total a week.Can i collect any back pay-
Winn-dixie
By: Butcher219 | 09-07-2008
Does winn-dixie have a bid on the remaining albertsons in florida
Q&A Powered by: 
More from Kelli Smith
Five Recession-proof Careers for a Tight Economy
By: Kelli Smith | 10/07/2008 | Career Management
The news keeps coming in, and it's not encouraging. Declining home prices and the resulting slowdown in the American economy have put manufacturers, investment bankers, and retail employees out of work. With less to spend on luxuries--and less credit from banks and lenders to draw on for large purchases--less money is circulating through the market. Industry analysts fear that this cycle could have long ranging effects on the U.S. job market. Fortunately, there's a light at the end of the tunnel
Six Tips for Balancing School and Work
By: Kelli Smith | 10/07/2008 | College and University
Going back to college? If so, don't quit your day job just yet. More and more students are finding they can stay employed during school by using flexible education options such as evening coursework, weekend schooling, and online classes. In fact, according to a January 2008 Seattle Post-Intelligencer article, the number of students taking online courses in Washington State has leaped seventy-five percent since 2004.
Launch Your Career in Caring
By: Kelli Smith | 10/07/2008 | Career Management
Nursing assistants are a critical link in the health care chain. You can be the face that brightens a patient's day, a helping hand for basic tasks, and, for some patients, the key to maintaining dignity.
Use Your Military Education Benefits Now
By: Kelli Smith | 10/07/2008 | College and University
When veterans of World War II returned home, our government took care of them. In exchange for their service, Uncle Sam helped many of them buy a home, go to college, and get training for civilian work through the GI Bill of Rights. Although in a slightly different form, most of the educational and career benefits offered post WWII are still available today.
The Ins and Outs of Internships
By: Kelli Smith | 10/07/2008 | Resumes
If you're looking to make the transition from final exams to full-time employee, an internship with a solid company could be the perfect stepping-stone. In fact, internships are fast becoming an integral part of the college experience. According to a 2006 survey from Vault.com, 84 percent of students planned to complete an internship by the time they graduated. Fifty-three percent of students surveyed expected to complete two or more internships by the time they earned their diploma.
Top 3 Signs You Need a Career Change
By: Kelli Smith | 01/07/2008 | Career Management
Making a career change is more than just changing jobs. For instance, if you don't like your boss or the co-workers in your accounting firm, you can get another accounting job with people you like better. But if you're tired of the numbers game, you may need to find a whole new career in a different industry.
Discovering a Career in Nursing
By: Kelli Smith | 01/07/2008 | Career Management
Nurses provide care and comfort to everyone from infants to the elderly, from basic tasks like changing bed sheets and helping individuals dress themselves to treating patients, analyzing health information, operating medical machines, and providing public education about health care topics.
Follow the Paper Trail Into a Medical Billing & Coding Career
By: Kelli Smith | 01/07/2008 | Career Management
A career in medical billing and coding places you at the center of paperwork and documentation. Medical billers and coders are critical in helping to free up doctors' and nurses' time so that they can focus on patients. Medical billers and coders also help ensure that patients' documents and insurance company claims are properly processed. With experience, you can rise to administration levels and oversee the work of other staff members.
|
|
Careers 
