| The hottest careers in the United States today draw | | | | • Systems analysts rank second in the BLS Top |
| on a broad spectrum of skills and interests. Whether | | | | 30 Fastest-Growing jobs, with 54.6% job growth |
| you're into numbers, people, nature, sports, or | | | | expected through 2014. |
| computers, there's a way to parlay your natural | | | | • A technical career for creative types. |
| abilities into a lucrative career. | | | | Database Administrator--$61,950 |
| Do what you love, and the money will follow. This | | | | Database administrators perform a crucial function in |
| may be true, but it helps if what you love coincides | | | | the information age--they set up computer |
| with a high-demand career path. | | | | databases and ensure efficient and reliable access to |
| The hottest careers in the United States today draw | | | | data. They maintain and upgrade a company's |
| on a broad spectrum of skills and interests. Whether | | | | computer systems, identifying user requirements and |
| you're into numbers, people, nature, sports, or | | | | adding new users. |
| computers, there's a way to parlay your natural | | | | Educational requirements vary, but most entry-level |
| abilities into a lucrative career. | | | | jobs require at least a bachelor's degree in a technical |
| 10 Pathways to a Better Salary | | | | field. |
| The following ten careers are in demand--and they | | | | • Database Administration jobs are expected to |
| have big paychecks to prove it. They are among the | | | | increase 40% through 2014. |
| highest-paying jobs on the Bureau of Labor Statistics' | | | | • A rewarding career for detail-oriented and |
| list of the fastest-growing careers through 2014. With | | | | computer savvy people. |
| the right training, you could upgrade into these jobs | | | | If you're interested in SCIENCE & NATURE: |
| and start earning what you're worth. | | | | Hydrologist--$60,880 |
| If you're interested in HEALTH: | | | | Hydrologists study water. They recording the |
| Physician Assistant--$69,250 | | | | quantity, distribution, and circulation above ground and |
| Physician assistants perform many of the same | | | | below, providing key data for public works and |
| functions as a doctor: They examine patients, | | | | environmental preservation. Hydrologists are involved |
| diagnose illness, and even prescribe medication. | | | | in flood control, anti-erosion, construction, and other |
| Although doctors must supervise treatment, physician | | | | projects. |
| assistants enjoy a good deal of autonomy and more | | | | Hydrologists need at least a bachelor's degree in |
| face time with patients. | | | | Hydrology or a related field. Many employers prefer |
| Your career as a physician assistant begins with a | | | | to hire master's degree holders, even for entry-level |
| bachelor's degree and a 2-year physician assistant | | | | positions. |
| training program. | | | | • More than half of work hours are spent |
| • Ranks fourth in the BLS Top 30 | | | | outdoors, in the field. |
| Fastest-Growing jobs, with 49.6% job growth | | | | Biomedical Engineer--$70,520 |
| expected through 2014. | | | | Biomedical engineers apply engineering and biological |
| Physical Therapist--$61,560 | | | | research techniques to medical care. They make |
| Physical therapists guide patients on the road to | | | | profound contributions to the scientific community |
| recovery from illness or injury. They have a profound | | | | and to patients' wellbeing, developing medical devices, |
| effect on the people they work with, helping them | | | | diagnostic equipment, artificial organs, prostheses, and |
| improve mobility, relieve pain, and even overcome | | | | more. |
| disabilities. | | | | Biomedical engineering is a challenging and rewarding |
| Physical therapists must complete a master's-level | | | | career. Even entry-level jobs require a master's |
| Physical Therapy program and pass a licensure exam. | | | | degree in biomedical engineering, biotechnology, or a |
| • Helps injured and ill patients improve their | | | | related field, and many biomedical engineers go on to |
| independence and quality of life. | | | | Ph.D.s. |
| • An active and interactive job. | | | | • Challenging and meaningful work that helps |
| Registered Nurse--$63,170 | | | | people. |
| The shortage of registered nurses means | | | | Environmental Engineer--$67,620 |
| unprecedented opportunities and rising salaries. | | | | Environmental engineers research and develop |
| Registered nurses are on the frontlines of medical | | | | solutions to some of our most pressing environmental |
| care, examining and treating patients. | | | | problems: pollution control, ozone depletion, and |
| Prospective nurses have several options: a two-year | | | | wildlife protection. |
| associate's degree, a three-year applied nursing | | | | Environmental engineers hold at least a bachelor's |
| diploma, or the four-year Bachelor of Science in | | | | degree in the field--many go on to a master's in |
| Nursing (BSN). All culminate in a national licensing | | | | Environmental Engineering. |
| exam. | | | | • Help prevent environmental damage. |
| • People skills and compassion are crucial for this | | | | • Plenty of time outdoors, collecting field data. |
| rewarding career. | | | | If you're interested in ART: |
| • This job ranks second for projected job growth | | | | Video Game Design--$65,000 |
| through 2014. | | | | Video game designers are responsible for creating |
| If you're interested in TECHNOLOGY: | | | | the animation, storyboarding, and programming that |
| Computer Software Engineer--$76,310 | | | | go into producing video games. Video game design |
| Computer software engineers design and test | | | | combines artistic vision and technical skill. It is a |
| applications software and operating systems for | | | | software development career that requires |
| computers. They write programs using coding | | | | imagination. |
| languages such as C++ and Java. | | | | Video game designers can start out with a certificate |
| You can become a computer software engineer with | | | | or associate's degree, but they can progress more |
| a four-year bachelor's degree in computer science. | | | | quickly with a bachelor's degree in game design and |
| • Ranks fifth in the BLS Top 30 Fastest-Growing | | | | development. Top designers enjoy more creative |
| jobs, with 48% job growth expected through 2014. | | | | control and command higher salaries. |
| • An exciting, fast-paced industry that rewards | | | | • Software publishing will be the third-fastest |
| innovation and creativity. | | | | growing industry through 2014. |
| Network Systems Analyst--$61,250 | | | | • Video game industry jobs expected to double |
| Network Systems Analysts are responsible for | | | | between 2004 and 2009. |
| keeping a company's network--its file-sharing, | | | | • Video games produce more revenue than movie |
| voicemail, and email systems--in optimum condition. | | | | theater box office receipts--worldwide revenue is |
| They evaluate new technology, implement changes | | | | expected to hit $66 billion by 2011. |
| to the system, and maintain the company's local area | | | | No matter what your innate talents and interests are, |
| network (LAN), wide area network (WLAN), and | | | | chances are there's a need for them somewhere in |
| intranet. | | | | the marketplace. With the right training, you can |
| You can become a network systems analyst in as | | | | develop your natural abilities into valuable job skills. If |
| little as two years: the minimum requirement is an | | | | you identify hot industries and high demand careers |
| associate's degree. Some positions may require a | | | | that draw on those skills, you'll be well on your way |
| bachelor's in computer science. Liberal arts degree | | | | to earning what you're worth. Remember, it's just as |
| holders also perform well in this position, because | | | | easy to fall in love with a high-paying job as an |
| systems analysis relies on out-of-the-box thinking. | | | | underpaid one. |