1. Actuary
This is your job if you’re strong with numbers. For businesses such as insurance firms, actuaries undertake statistical research, analyze risk, and predict probabilities and economic costs of alternative events. For this job, you’ll need a college diploma and certification. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, pay in 2010 averaged $87,650, with job growth projected at 27% through 2020.
2. Human Resource Specialist
Human resource experts, who earned an average of $52,690 in 2010, will be employed as long as companies have employees. They hire, screen, and interview candidates, provide new employee orientation, administer payroll, benefits, and training, and keep track of employee records. Human resource professionals are expected to expand by 21% by 2020, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
3. Market Research Analyst
Many sectors use market research analysts. They assess market circumstances by conducting surveys and research, analyzing data, and calculating sales probabilities. According to the BLS, salaries are solid, averaging $60,570 in 2010, with an industry growth potential of 41% through 2020.
4. Epidemiologist
Epidemiologists study illness causes and administer public health programs. You’ll need a master’s degree – a Ph.D. is preferable – but the pay is decent, with an average salary of $64,220 in 2010 and demand expected to climb by 35% by 2020, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Over half of all epidemiologists work for the government, either at the federal, state, or local level.
5. Occupational Therapist
Occupational therapists treat patients with injuries or disabilities in private practice or in hospitals and nursing homes, assisting them in returning to normal life. This area requires a master’s degree, but the compensation is good – $72,320 on average in 2010 – and the BLS projects that job growth will continue at a healthy 33 percent.
6. Software Developer
There are two types of software developers: application developers and systems software developers. In 2010, the average salary was $90,530, and the Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts a 30% increase in job growth. Software developers assess client requirements before designing, developing, and testing new software.
7. Diagnostic Medical Sonographer
In 2010, the typical salary for a lab technician who supervises imaging equipment and conducts assessments for patients utilizing ultrasound, sonograms, and electrocardiograms was $65,210, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Only an associate’s degree is required to work in this area.
8. Interpreters and Translators
According to the BLS, demand for interpreters who speak several languages and translators who write multiple languages would increase by 42 percent by 2020 as more enterprises engage in international trade. Interpreters and translators made an average of $43,300 in 2010 with a college degree and language ability.
9. Pharmacist
The demand for prescription medicine will rise as the population ages, as will the demand for pharmacists. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, growth will be 25% by 2020. In 2010, the average salary was $111,570. To work as a pharmacist, you must have a doctor of pharmacy degree and be licensed in your state.
10. Computer Systems Analyst
According to the BLS, demand for computer systems analysts will expand at a healthy 23 percent through 2020. In 2010, the average compensation for computer systems analysts was $77,740. These analysts assess their employers’ IT requirements, conduct research into new technologies, configure systems, and supervise equipment installation.