Nine Hot Jobs that Offer Job Security
Check out the new decade’s fastest growing jobs
This recession has taken quite a toll. We're willing to bet $20 that you’ve either been laid off or know someone who has. Now you’re wondering how to find a job that won’t be yanked out from under you when you least expect it. What you need is job security.
The best way to find job security is to land a job in a rapidly growing field. The good news is that economic recovery is on the horizon, and with that recovery will come plenty of job opportunities. But not every industry will grow over the next few years; you’ve got to be picky about where you work if you want job security.
Here are the nine fastest-growing jobs for the decade to come, according to the BLS (the Bureau of Labor Statistics).
1. Registered nurse jobs
No surprises here. Nursing continues to be one of the best jobs around. Not only is there high demand for registered nurses (RNs), you’ll be helping people and making great money while you do it. Registered nurses usually take a lead role in the care and treatment of a patient, which can be a complex and intensive process. Other nurses, like licensed practical nurses (LPNs) or certified nursing assistants (CNAs) provide more routine care and are there to support the work of the RNs and doctors. On average, registered nurses make $62,000 a year. Remember, you will need at least an associate’s degree for this job.
2. Health care aide jobs
Health care aides help provide care to the disabled, the sick and the elderly. They typically work for a hospice or certified home health organization and are responsible for basic medical care, like taking a client’s temperature or pulse. You’ll likely be working directly under the supervision of a nurse, and some training may be required.
3. Customer service jobs
The BLS says that customer service jobs are safe job bets for the next decade, especially if you’re bilingual. This rapidly growing field needs flexible, friendly people and on average pays about $14 an hour.
4. Restaurant jobs
While the restaurant industry overall continues to grow, there are some areas that will grow faster than others. Your best bet is to find a restaurant job with a caterer, a hospital, an office building or a sports venue. Those areas will have the most jobs available through the next decade.
5. Home health aide jobs
Home care aides also work primarily with the disabled, the ill and the elderly in their homes. Aides help them clean, dress, go shopping and sometimes even bathe, but don’t provide any medical care. As the American population ages, there will be an increasing need for personal and home care aides.
Find a home care job
6. Retail sales jobs
No matter how bad the economy gets, people will continue to buy things, and employers will need people who are able to sell them. According to the BLS, the average pay for retail salespersons is $9.86 an hour. Land a job at a car dealership and you could be making more than $19 an hour.
Find a retail sales job
7. Office clerk jobs
Filing, typing, making photocopies and answering phones are all common office clerk duties. You won’t need much education for this position, but typing and other skills are desirable. Getting an associate’s degree could help you land a high-paying job in this growing field.
8. Accountant jobs
Got a head for numbers? Then become an accountant. You’ll be responsible for balancing financial books, doing your clients’ taxes and maybe even some auditing. The pay is great – you’ll make just under $60,000 a year, on average. Keep in mind that most places require you to have a bachelor’s degree – an online degree is a quick way to get one.
9. Nursing aide jobs
Much like personal care and home health aides, nursing aides, orderlies and attendants take care of the sick, elderly and disabled. But instead of caring for them at home, they work at hospitals, nursing homes and mental health facilities. They help patients eat, dress and bathe and assist medical staff by taking patients’ temperatures and pulses. On average, you’ll make about $11.46 an hour.
Learn more about the fastest growing jobs in the U.S.