Fastest Growing Careers

2010-2020 Report Card:  Projections for fastest-growing job markets

How does your career measure up? While some job markets have flunked, others are earning high grades. Below are fast facts about 3 careers that are projected to grow the most quickly between 2010-2020, according to the Bureau of Labor and Statistics (BLS).

 

Biomedical engineer

Pay

Average salary in 2010 was $81,540 or $39.20 per hour.[i]

Education

You typically need a bachelor’s degree in biomedical engineering from an accredited program. A  Bachelor’s degree in other fields of engineering with a Master’s degree in biomedical engineering or job experience in biomedical engineering may be acceptable, too.[ii]

Job Description

Come up with solutions to challenges in medicine and biology, along with making patient care better.[iii]

Valued Skills

Advanced math skills

Ability to communicate clearly

Strong problem-solving abilities

Source:  http://www.bls.gov/ooh/architecture-and-engineering/biomedical-engineers.htm#tab-4

Job Growth

62% anticipated job growth from 2010 to 2020 which is faster than average for most careers.[iv]

 

Veterinary Technician

Pay

According to the BLS, the average salary for veterinary technicians in 2010 was $29,710 per year or $14.28 per hour.[v]

Education

Usually a 2-year Associate’s degree for veterinary technicians is needed. Additional licenses, certifications, and/or registrations may be required, depending on the state you reside in.[vi]

Job Description

Work under a licensed veterinarian and conduct medical tests to help treat injured animals.[vii]

Valued Skills

Detail oriented

Compassionate

Manual dexterity

Source:  http://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/veterinary-technologists-and-technicians.htm#tab-4

Job Growth

The BLS anticipates a job growth of 52% between the years 2010-2020, and this rise is faster than average for all jobs.[viii]

 

Physical Therapy Assistants

Pay

$37,710 per year or $18.13 per hour was the average pay in 2010 for physical therapy assistants, according to the BLS.[ix]

Education

The majority of U.S. states require physical therapy assistants to have an associate’s degree from an accredited physical therapy program.[x]

Job Description

Physical therapy assistants assist physical therapists in helping patients recover from surgery, accidents, or illnesses and perform tasks that are often indirectly related to patient care like cleaning treatment areas or setting up therapy areas.[xi]

Valued Skills

Physical stamina and mobility

Dexterity

Interpersonal abilities

Source:  http://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/physical-therapist-assistants-and-aide...

Job Growth

Expected job growth from 2010-2020 is 46%, according to the BLS, and this rise is faster than average for careers.[xii]

 

[i]     http://www.bls.gov/ooh/architecture-and-engineering/biomedical-engineers.htm

[ii]    http://www.bls.gov/ooh/architecture-and-engineering/biomedical-engineers.htm#tab-4

[iii]   http://www.bls.gov/ooh/architecture-and-engineering/biomedical-engineers.htm#tab-2

[iv]   http://www.bls.gov/ooh/architecture-and-engineering/biomedical-engineers.htm#tab-1

[v]    http://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/veterinary-technologists-and-technicians.htm

[vi]   http://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/veterinary-technologists-and-technicians.htm#tab-4

[vii]  http://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/veterinary-technologists-and-technicians.htm#tab-2

[viii] http://www.bls.gov/ooh/fastest-growing.htm

[ix]   http://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/physical-therapist-assistants-and-aides.htm

[x]    http://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/physical-therapist-assistants-and-aides.htm#tab-4

[xi]   http://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/physical-therapist-assistants-and-aides.htm#tab-2

[xii]  http://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/physical-therapist-assistants-and-aides.htm#tab-6

Additional Source:   http://www.bls.gov/ooh/fastest-growing.htm