Best Jobs In The Usa

Most Secure Jobs For 2010

Thinking of embarking on a new career in 2010, but not sure where to begin? How about with a job that not only pays well but offers considerable stability? After all, a handsome paycheck isn't worth much if it's in a field that's expected to become the next recession casualty. Following are eight of our top picks for gigs expected to be both prosperous and abundant in the coming decade.

Cardiovascular technologist - Between the ongoing need for hospital workers and the aging baby boomer population, this is one career that isn't going anywhere. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), this job is expected to grow by 24 percent through the year 2018. As the BLS reports, most cardiovascular technologists in training earn at least a two-year technical degree. In addition, some get on-the-job training in the necessary equipment (for example, EKGs). Median annual salary: $60,400

Database administrator - Like health care, information technology remains a hot field with ample opportunity. Everyone needs these people. Whether you've acquired the necessary tech skills in the workplace or studied information technology or management information systems in college, a solid foundation in computing is essential, reports the BLS, adding that certifications can only make you more attractive to employers. Median annual salary: $72,600

Gas/electric/utilities strategic planning analyst - Working in the utilities sector remains a wise bet, no matter what the economy's doing. "They're just not downsizing at the rate that some other industries are right now. People still have to heat their homes." As a bonus, the BLS predicts turnover for utilities positions will be high in the coming decade as older workers retire (in 2008, 53 percent of the utilities workforce was age 45 or older). According to the BLS, of all utilities sector support staff, technology workers and analysts will find themselves best equipped to capitalize on job openings. Median annual salary: $68,700

Accountant - Do you enjoy crunching numbers but worry that the bulk of corporate accounting jobs were eliminated in the wake of the 2008 banking crisis? There's no need. In fact, the BLS estimates that accounting jobs will grow by 22 percent in the next decade. Plus, accountants make a good living, especially those who work with organizations that have been required to meet certain federal mandates. Median annual salary: $49,100

Marketing manager - With a product branding and business management background, you -- and your bank account -- can go far. Organizations from all walks of corporate America need creative folks who can write and analyze a marketing survey, position a product to consumers and the media, and collaborate with market researchers, product managers, and profit-minded accountants. What's more, the BLS predicts that opportunities for marketing managers will increase by 13 percent through 2018. Median annual salary: $60,200

Dental hygienist - Of all the jobs that require a two-year technical degree, this one promises the most opportunity in the new decade, boasting a whopping 36 percent growth rate. Why? Because dentists try to shrug off more work to dental hygienists so they can see more patients. As a bonus, many of these positions are part-time with flexible hours, making them ideal for parents with young children. Median annual salary: $57,100

Interior designer - Are you a design blog junkie? The friend everyone calls when they need help sprucing up their living room? Then why not put your artistic flair to work? Although you'll need to invest in a design degree and acquire the necessary budgeting and software skills, the payoff is worth it. Job opportunities are expected to grow by 19 percent through 2018. Median annual salary: $46,100

Occupational therapist - Thanks to the country's aging population, occupational therapy remains a high-growth field, with 26 percent more jobs predicted in the new decade. If you're the patient, nurturing sort who thrives on helping people, this could be the career for you. Occupational therapists help people who've been sick, injured, or otherwise impaired gain the necessary life skills. A master's degree and state license are usually required. Median annual salary: $69,400

The Hottest Jobs For The Future

Wouldn't it be great to know which jobs will see growing demand in the future? It sure would help with planning a career change, or even with picking a college major. Turns out, you don't need a crystal ball to find out. Every two years, researchers at the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics create a new 10-year forecast detailing the specific occupations the government expects will grow and shrink over the coming decade. The 2008-2018 projections came out in December.

The new data is especially valuable because it includes the first year of the current economic downturn (2008). The new Occupational Outlook Handbook, which went up on the BLS Web site in mid-December, provides a first look at how specific jobs may recover -- or not -- over the next eight years. Job-seekers may find the new report comforting, as BLS economists generally do expect us to pull out of our current job slump.

Some broad job categories see big job growth over the next decade because they're projected from the recession-era low in 2008. An example is construction laborers, projected to add 256,000 new jobs by 2018 as the sector recovers from its current slowdown, says the assistant commissioner of occupational statistics and employment projections.

One particularly heartening piece of news involves wages: the previous fastest-growing jobs forecast showed just four of the 10 jobs had high wages. The 2018 forecast, by contrast, lists six jobs that pay more than $70,000 per year. If you're interested in health care, there's lots of opportunity for you ahead -- eight of the top 10 occupy some niche in the field.

Only three occupations appear on both the '06 and '08 top-10 fastest-growing lists -- networks systems and data communications analysts, home health aides, and personal-care aides. The other seven of the top 10 are new for '08. See these jobs listed below. Some are fairly small employment niches, but all are seeing exploding growth:

Biomedical engineer - This field's expected growth through '18 -- a whopping 72 percent -- far outstrips any other occupation. As health-care technology becomes ever more complex, demand will explode for more engineers who can combine medical knowledge with engineering principles to develop needed new medical devices and equipment. The BLS reports most have a background in another engineering specialty and additional medical training.

Financial examiner - Part of a broader trend of growth in supervisory positions, BLS foresees a 41 percent increase in demand for financial professionals who can analyze and enforce laws governing the financial and securities industries. The field is expected to add 38,000 jobs in the next decade. Most have a bachelor's degree.

Medical scientist - As technology makes it possible to delve deeply into the causes of diseases, demand for medical scientists is expected to rise 40 percent. Most have a Ph.D. in a biological science.

Physician assistant - Physician assistants work under a doctor's supervision in big cities, or may be primary care providers in rural areas where doctors are in short supply. Apparently, more shortages are forecast as demand is set to increase 39 percent by 2018. Most physician assistants have a two-year degree on top of a bachelor's degree.

Biochemist/biophysicist - Biochemists study living things and their chemical composition, while biophysicists study how electrical and mechanical energy impact living things. Growth is expected to exceed 37 percent. Some in this field start with a bachelor's degree, while a Ph.D. may be needed for independent research work.

Skin-care specialist - Also known as aestheticians, skin-care specialists were No. 11 last year and made it to the top 10 at No. 8 in the 2018 projections. With expected 38 percent growth, this field is one of the quickest to get into in the top 10 -- a high-school diploma or G.E.D. and a cosmetology-school certificate are all that's required.

Athletic trainer - America's love affair with sports is forecast to grow in the future, spurring a projected 37 percent increase in the need for athletic trainers to keep our athletes fit and help them recover from injuries. Trainers usually work under a doctor's supervision or in cooperation with other healthcare providers. Most have a bachelor's degree, and more than half have an advanced degree, the National Athletic Trainers Association reports.