Did You Pick the Right Job Field?

By Gino Diguilio

Ever wonder if you’re pursuing the right career? Never really know if you will make enough money after graduation to live the life you want to live? Are you clueless as to the amount of jobs available in your field? Lucky for you, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) publishes a list of the top 10 careers that will have the highest percentage of growth through the next decade, every 10 years.

Now before you go switching your major, note that not all of these are bachelor degree programs. Some include graduate schooling after the first four years.

Without further adieu, here are the BLS’ top 10 fastest growing jobs through the year 2020:

1. Biomedical Engineers: Employment in this field is expected to grow by 62 percent through 2020.

Requirements: Bachelor’s degree in biomedical engineering from a program that is accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology.

Mean annual salary: $84,670

2. Event Planners: Employment in this field is expected to grow by 44 percent through 2020.

Requirements: Bachelor’s degree in hospitality management and a focused minor.

Mean annual salary: $46,020

3. Translator/Interpreter: Employment in this field is expected to grow by 42 percent through 2020.

Requirements: Bachelor’s degree (not specific to language), training on translating, fluently speak two languages including your native tongue.

Mean annual salary: $44,160

4. Market Research Analyst: Hope to see a 41 percent growth in employment through 2020.

Requirements: Bachelor’s degree in marketing, math or statistics. Master’s degree may be needed.

Mean annual salary: $60,250

5. Health Educator: A 37 percent growth in employment is expected through 2020.

Requirements: Bachelor’s degree in health promotion. Master’s degree is needed for government work.

Mean annual salary: $49,210

6. Cost Estimators: Employment in this field is expected to grow by 31 percent by 2020.

Requirements: No degree is required, but can increase probability of hiring.

Mean annual salary: $58,460

7. Geographer: Employment in this field is expected to grow by 35 percent through 2020.

Requirements: Master’s degree in geography is needed, especially for government work.

Mean annual salary: $74,760

8. Systems Software Developer: There is expected to be a 32 percent growth in employment of systems software developers through 2020.

Requirements: Bachelor’s degree in computer science is wanted, but not needed.

Mean annual salary: $96,600

9. Personal Financial Advisors: A 32 percent increase in growth is expected through 2020.

Requirements: Bachelor’s degree in finance for entry-level jobs; master’s degree for higher positions.

Mean annual salary: $66,580

10. Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Worker: Employment in this field is expected to grow by 31 percent by 2020.

Requirements: Bachelor’s degree in social work or psychology is needed.

 

How does your intended future career stack up to the top 10 growing occupations in this decade?