Growth Projections

• The U.S. Department of Labor makes 10-year projections on the fastest-growing careers, both by percentage of annual growth and by the number of jobs that will be created. The estimates are based on trends identified by experts, but there are no crystal balls. Be sure to consider your career satisfaction and lifestyle in addition to pay and job demand.
  
  In general, service-based jobs have faster-than-normal growth, while manufacturing-based jobs are in decline. Jobs that can be automated or outsourced, such as transcription or document filing, are expected to be in low demand in the U.S. Jobs that rely on personal connections and human presence, such as nursing, or that require advanced technical skills, such as computer programming, are growing fastest.
  
  

Career Specifics

• The highest-growth careers paying above-average salaries are generally in three categories: computers, health care and finance.
  
  Network systems and data communications analysts design and maintain computer networks. They usually work for software or telecommunications companies, and hold university degrees or significant technical experience. Their average salary is around $70,000.
  
  Computer software engineering is, by every measure, one of the fastest-growing, highest-demand professions. The job involves software design, with the actual programming left to others. A bachelor's degree is of significant help, though self-taught engineers are still an industry staple. The average salary is $80,000.
  
  Registered nurses treat patients in a wide variety of settings, although most work in hospitals. RNs hold at least a postsecondary diploma----an associate's or bachelor's degree----in addition to being licensed by their state. Median earnings are about $60,000.
  
  Veterinarians are animal doctors, often working in small individual practices. A Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree and state license are required. Vets can expect to make $70,000 per year.
  
  Forensic science technicians set up and maintain experiments, lab equipment and records relevant to crime scene evidence. They make about $47,000 per year, slightly higher than the national average.
  
  Personal financial advisers help people manage their finances, plan for retirement and minimize their tax burdens. Most advisers have at least a bachelor's degree as well as a certification, and must be excellent at working with people. They average $67,000 per year in salary, but bonuses may be a substantial addition to their income.