The U.S. unemployment rate has been gradually declining, but good jobs are hard to come by for millions of Americans. When business setbacks occur, companies usually try to slash the payroll first, even if it means losing experienced workers. Skilled positions require higher education, but also typically pay higher wages. It’s important to establish your career path early and get the training you need. Here are some dependable careers that are in demand now.
1. Teacher
You’ve probably heard there’s a crisis in teaching. Stricter guidelines, demands for higher test scores, and under-funded facilities are only making things more difficult for those educating children. But if helping young people learn and grow is more important to you than politics, you should easily find a rewarding, life-long career with a master’s degree and a state teaching license.
2. Accountant
Establishing and keeping to a budget is never as simple as it sounds. Every business, organization, and many private individuals need an accountant to balance the books, meet legal requirements, and determine profit-and-loss returns. If you like numbers and finance, and can earn a bachelor’s in accounting, you’re automatically in demand. You can go on to be a CPA (Certified Public Account) and make a very good living, the 2016 median pay was $68,150 per year. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Accountants and Auditors jobs will increase 11% from 2014-2024 which is faster than average but Bookkeeping, Accounting and Auditing Clerks (who only earn $38,390/yr) will not fare as well. Their jobs are expected to decline by -8% over the same time period. This is probably due to automation. With the advent of high powered bookkeeping software fewer bookkeepers are required. So it pays to get a Bachelors or Master’s degree in Accounting and shoot for the higher level jobs.
3. Nursing
It’s estimated that about 700,000 nurses will leave their jobs by 2024. That creates a lot of opportunity. The BLS estimates that Nursing jobs will increase by 16% (Much faster than average) and the average salary is $68,450 for a Registered Nurse. Many nurses get started in their career with just an associate degree. With additional schooling like a master’s, you can go on to become a managing nurse. Given the importance of protecting electronic health records, you could also meet growing medical technology demands with a bachelor’s in health information management degree.
4. Electrical Engineer
We’re surrounded by technology, and that aspect of our culture is only going to increase with new innovations and improved products. All of them are designed and tested by electrical engineers, whether it’s telecommunications, TVs, computers, or kitchen gadgets. A master’s in electrical engineering, or sometimes even a bachelor’s, can qualify you for fascinating employment in a number of industries that are all looking to improve their products and services. And although the BLS predicts a fairly flat demand for Electrical Engineers they earn $96,270/ yr. on average and many will be retiring… creating some openings for new graduates.
5. Environmental Engineer
“Green” technologies and techniques are increasingly popular around the world. The modern public appreciates the need for preserving the environment in a world that’s gradually becoming more crowded and more polluted. Projects like solar farms or wastewater treatment are important issues you can be a part of with a bachelor’s degree, though a master’s will likely be required to do scientific research. Environmental engineers use the principles of engineering, soil science, biology, and chemistry to develop solutions to environmental problems. They are involved in efforts to improve recycling, waste disposal, public health, and water and air pollution control. Environmental Engineers earn an average of $84,890 per year and jobs are expected to increase faster than average i.e. by about 12% from 2014-2024.
If you’re looking for work, find out what it takes to get in on a job with real security. An entry-level position and ongoing education could provide a rewarding and profitable life-long career.
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