Staying Power: 5 Careers with Bright Futures
Economists and pundits use the phrase "uncertain times" to talk about the health of the economy without getting too specific. But at the individual level, "uncertain times" means insecurity about your job and its future.
So, is everything "uncertain" right now? Fortunately, no. Below are five career types that project strong growth -- and hence high job security -- in the coming years. Along with the national-average salaries for each position (courtesy of Indeed.com/salary) are characteristics that make each a line of work rewarding as well as secure.
Engineer ($72,000 salary) -- from Electrical Engineer ($67,000) to VP of Engineering ($123,000)
In the coming decade, engineers will have a corner on one of the hottest, most steadily-growing careers in the United States (according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, or BLS). As their careers progress, engineers often advance into Management, or into lucrative consultant positions. The job outlook for engineers is very positive -- but the good news begins earlier: starting salaries for college graduates with engineering degrees are significantly higher than those with degrees in other fields.
Financial Analyst ($67,000 salary) -- from Financial Operations Analyst ($54,000) to Principal Financial Analyst ($93,000)
The future holds opportunities. According to BLS, the job market for financial advisers and analysts is projected to increase sharply -- by 37 percent during the 2006-16 decade -- well above the national average for all careers, and personal financial advisors are anticipated to be one of the 10 fastest growing jobs during this period. Despite the growth, strong competition is expected for these new positions, which are well-paid. Candidates who have an MBA or other business degree will have the best opportunity for success.
Nurse ($66,000 salary) -- from Charge Nurse ($44,000) to Nurse Emergency RN ($144,000)
Calling projected employment opportunities for nurses "excellent," BLS details that Nursing already makes up the largest healthcare occupation, at 2.5 million jobs, and that roughly 587,000 new Nursing positions will be added through 2016. A registered nurse (RN) has the ability to specialize in multiple areas of patient care -- for instance, as a pediatric nurse, you'd work with children, while as a pediatric oncology nurse your specialty would be young people with cancer. There are many specialty options for nurses, varying by employment setting. Educational options take three main forms: a bachelor's of science degree in Nursing (BSN), an associate degree in Nursing (ADN), and a diploma (administered within hospitals).
Internet Marketer ($53,000) -- from Internet Marketing Specialist ($43,000) to Internet Marketing Life Coach -- $203,000
Online marketers, also called eMarketers or Internet advertisers, work in a lively business sector that changes every day. One of those changes, according to the BLS 2008-09 Occupational Outlook Handbook, is continued growth. "Advertising, marketing, promotions, public relations, and sales manager jobs are highly coveted and will be sought. ... In particular, employers will seek those who have the computer skills to conduct advertising, marketing, promotions, public relations, and sales activities on the Internet."
High school teacher ($46,000 salary) -- from Math teacher ($42,000) to Spanish teacher ($52,000)
Over the next ten years, according to BLS, 1.3 million new teachers will be needed for public schools. Within that favorable outlook, job opportunities will vary by subject taught and, naturally, geographic area. For public school teachers, one big advantage is job security, given that the teachers' union is strong, and many states have tenure laws keeping teachers from being fired without due process. Public school teachers must be licensed, which typically requires a bachelor's degree and completion of an approved teacher education program. Given the competition for good teachers in the coming years, highly qualified teachers are likely to bring in larger bonuses and increased salaries.
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