Especially health care jobs.

As a matter of fact, out of the twenty jobs expected to see the most growth through 2020, nine of them are from the medical field and, with the exception of physical therapist, none of these occupations require a bachelor’s degree to enter. What’s more, the BLS estimates that 5.6 million health care jobs will be added by 2020, the largest projected increase of any industry. With the number of elderly in the United States expected to nearly double by 2025, according to the U.S. Census Bureau, it’s no wonder that health care workers will continue to be among the most in-demand professions.

The construction industry is also expected to see rapid growth, adding more than 1.8 million new jobs by 2020. But that figure can be a little deceiving. Even with the projected upswing in employment over this decade, the country will not have gained back the nearly 2 million construction jobs that were lost during the recession.

A final point to consider before diving into the list: While some of these fastest-growing jobs only require on-the-job training, the occupations that tend to yield better pay, such as diagnostic medical sonographer (average salary: $64,380), call for an associate’s degree or occupational certificate. So if you’re hoping to secure a job in a fast-growing industry like health care, keep in mind that low educational requirement isn’t the same as no educational requirement.

10. Occupational Therapy Assistants*

Projected growth (2010-2020): 43.3%
Average Salary in 2010: $51,010
Education Level: An associate’s degree from an accredited program. In most states, occupational therapy assistants must acquire a license.

Interested in working with patients who face physical or mental challenges to help them succeed in their daily lives? You might want to consider becoming an occupational therapy assistant, an occupation that the Bureau of Labor Statistics says will enjoy a healthy 43% jump this decade, adding 30,800 new jobs. The need for occupational therapists and those who assist them will increase as the population of elderly in the United States grows, and those seniors live longer and more independently, according to the BLS. And, for the most part, the completion of a two-year program is all that’s required to get started in this field. Also, for assistant positions, it’s on the higher end of the income scale with an annual average salary of $51,010.

9. Diagnostic Medical Sonographers

Projected growth (2010-2020): 43.5%
Average Salary in 2010: $64,380
Education Level: An associate’s degree or a postsecondary certificate, preferably from an accredited institute or hospital program. Many employers also ask for professional certification.

Diagnostic medical sonographers use high-frequency sound waves to create an image inside a patient’s body that a physician can then use to assess and diagnose medical conditions. The BLS says that the demand for sonographers will be high in the coming years due to the popularity and rapid advances in ultrasound technology. Some of the highest-paid sonographers work in outpatient care centers and live in California, according to U.S. News and World Report.

8. Helpers–Pipelayers, Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters

Projected growth (2010-2020): 45.4%
Average Salary in 2010: $26,740
Education Level: High school diploma or GED. Short-term on-the-job training.

In order to comply with more stringent water efficiency standards, homeowners and businesses will need to employ more plumbers, pipefitters and steamfitters, who in turn, will need to hire more people to help them with the retrofitting. For this reason, as well as a demand for new buildings and power plants, the bureau expects the number of helper jobs in this field to increase 45.4% from 2010 to 2020. Building equipment contractors hire more plumber/pipefitter helpers than any other industry, paying them an average hourly wage of $13.42. The top paying jobs in this field are found in hospital construction, where an assistant makes, on average, $28.61 an hour.

7. Physical Therapist Assistants

Projected growth (2010-2020): 45.7%
Average Salary in 2010: $49,960
Education Level: This position requires an associate’s degree.

Physical therapists are seeing more patients than ever before and, as a result, they are increasingly handing off some of their daily tasks to those in support roles. That’s one reason that the BLS expects employment of physical therapist assistants to experience strong growth this decade. The growing number of insurance companies that are covering physical therapy treatment, plus an aging population, are also leading to a greater demand for physical therapists, as well as those who assist them.

6. Reinforcing Iron and Rebar Workers

Projected growth (2010-2020): 48.6%
Average Salary in 2010: $38,430
Education Level: High school diploma or GED. Employer apprenticeship; on-the-job training.

Maintaining America’s aging infrastructure will require an investment of $2.75 trillion by 2020, according to a report from the American Society of Civil Engineers. This huge need to fix our schools, bridges and industrial plants translates into lots of job openings for reinforcing iron and rebar workers. Also, many veteran ironworkers are expected to either move onto a less-demanding occupation or retire this decade, further opening the door to job opportunities in this field.

5. Veterinary Technologists and Technicians

Projected growth (2010-2020): 52%
Average Salary in 2010: $29,710
Education Level: Veterinary technicians typically need to a 2-year associate’s degree accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association. Technologists need a 4-year bachelor’s degree. Almost all states require both technicians and technologists to pass a credentialing exam.

Americans love their pets. What’s more, they are increasingly happy to shell out big bucks to make sure their furry friends are getting the advanced medical treatments that were once reserved for humans. As a result of this trend, the BLS expects a high demand for veterinary technologists and technicians, who work under the supervision of a veterinarian, and handle such daily tasks as performing medical tests, providing first aid and nursing care, assisting vets during surgery, and educating pet owners on proper animal care.

4. Helpers—Carpenters

Projected growth (2010-2020): 55.7%
Average Salary in 2010: $25,760
Education Level: High school or less required. On the job training

The bureau expects excellent job opportunities for carpenters and their helpers over the next decade in response to the demand for new homes and offices, remodeling work, and due to the need to repair and replace the country’s many deteriorating structures. The five states where you can make the most income as a carpenter’s assistant are Hawaii (annual salary: $46,710; hourly pay: $22.46), Rhode Island ($38,900; $18.70), Massachusetts ($36,850; $17.72), Missouri ($33,370; $16.04) and Alaska ($33,100; $15.91), according to the BLS.

3. Helpers — Brickmasons, Blockmasons, Stonemasons, and Tile and Marble Setters

Projected growth (2010-2020): 60.1%
Average Salary in 2010: $27,780
Education Level: High school or less required. On the job training.

While many of the fastest-growing vocational jobs come from the construction sector, they are often low paying support positions. With that said, there’s excellent opportunities for advancement in both job title and pay after a few years of hands-on experience, and individuals who work in the construction industry bring in an annual salary of nearly $40,000, which is higher than the average for all occupations.

2. Home Health Aides

Projected growth (2010-2020): 69.4%
Average Salary in 2010: $20,560
Education Level: No formal education required. Home health aides working in certified home health or hospice agencies must undergo training and pass a competency test.

So how do home health aides differ from personal care aides? As far as job duties go, not much. Both assist the elderly, ill and disabled with basic daily tasks such as housekeeping, exercise, cooking and personal hygiene, as well provide companionship. Home health aides provide more health related services like monitoring and administering medication, states the Occupational Outlook Handbook. Most aides work on call, only get paid for the time spent in the home and receive no benefits. They are usually exempt from federal minimum wage and overtime laws, although there’s been a strong push from labor groups, as well as the Obama administration, to secure these basic protections for this rapidly growing labor force.

1. Personal Care Aides

Projected growth (2010-2020): 70.5%
Average Salary in 2010: $19,640
Education level: Less than high school. Short-term on-the-job training. Some states may require formal training based on federal or state law.

By the year 2030, 1 in 5 Americans will be 65 or older. That’s a lot of aging baby boomers, a number of whom are going to require day-to-day care while living at home or a residential center. This explains why personal care aides are expected to be America’s fastest growing occupation through 2020. But with a median annual salary of just $19,640, or $9.44 an hour, the real challenge could be finding enough people willing to fill those jobs. By becoming a registered nurse, which only requires a two-year degree or certificate, you can make considerably more money (as in a median average salary of $63,850). At the same time, the BLS projects 711,900 new jobs for registered nurses by 2020, the biggest increase of any occupation. So the question isn’t whether or not the jobs will be there, but rather who’s ready to gain the skills needed to grab them?

(Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Occupational Outlook Handbook. Employment Projections, 2010-2020.)

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Air Traffic Controllers
Median Salary: $108,040*

An air traffic controller earns a median salary of $108,000, placing it at the top of our list of highest paying jobs that don’t require a bachelor’s degree. But with the great pay comes major responsibility. Millions of air travelers are counting on you to make sure the planes carrying them take off and land at their destination safely. If you think you have the right stuff to handle such a demanding job, you will likely need to complete an aviation program certified through the Federal Aviation Administration. One of the few exceptions is if you are a military veteran with prior experience. Before getting hired as an air traffic controller, you must also earn a high score on the pre-employment test, pass a physical and drug test, get federal security clearance, and generally must be age 30 or younger.

Construction Manager
Median Salary: $83,860*

If you’re looking to find a high-paying career without racking up serious college debt, construction manager might be up your alley. The median salary for this position is $83,860 and yet it requires no formal education. However, it’s common for people interested in entering this career to complete a two-year junior college program or accredited training certification program, both to gain practical skills and impress potential employers. While this job doesn’t require endless hours in the library, it will most likely call for years of on-the-job training through which a broad array of skills, including plumbing, electrical installation and blueprint reading, can be mastered. In the end, overseeing all facets of a construction project, from supervising workers to monitoring compliance with building and safety codes, is hard work but the financial rewards speak for themselves.

Radiation Therapist
Median Salary: $74,980*

Radiation therapists are in charge of administering prescribed radiation treatments to patients, often those battling cancer. While you are responsible for operating the medical equipment and monitoring radiation dose levels, providing daily patient care, both physical and emotional, is also a main component of the job. Radiation therapists make an average salary of $74,980 and an associate’s degree or certificate in radiation therapy is all the formal education you will need. With that said, most states will require that you pass a license exam before you are able to practice. Mirroring the strength of the health-care industry, radiation therapist is an occupation on the rise, growing at a faster-than-average rate of 20% between 2010 and 2020, according to the BLS.

Nuclear Medicine Technologist
Median Salary: $68,560*

Did you know that radioactive drugs can be used to diagnose and treat disease? They can. Nuclear medicine technologists are the individuals who give patients these drugs, known as radiopharmaceuticals, and then use high-tech imaging machines to observe the behavior of the radioactivity inside the patient’s body. This process can identify an abnormality such as a tumor. For this position, it’s expected you earn an associate’s degree in nuclear medicine technology, which is offered at community colleges and vocational schools around the country. The majority of states also require special certification, licensing, or both. While healthcare will remain a high demand industry for years to come, there are only about 20,000 nuclear medicine technologists in the United States, so expect the competition for new jobs each year to be intense.

Fire Fighter’s Supervisor
Median Salary: $68,240*

Many individuals who’ve achieved a high rank within the fire department – fire chiefs, fire lieutenants and fire marshals – started their careers without the benefit of a four-year diploma. But, in all likelihood, they spent at least one to five years working as a firefighter before landing a supervisory position. Anybody interested in this career will also need to complete a fire certification program. They are offered by local fire academies, as well as community colleges and trade schools. It’s worth stating the obvious: a fire fighting supervisor faces stressful situations, works long hours and contends with unpredictable shifts. What’s more, firefighters have a higher rate of injury on the job than those in most other professions. That being said, there can be no better feeling than to know you’re helping protect the public from harm.

* Median annual salary as of May 2010 from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

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Many Americans have opted for higher education due to the the wavering economy, but as unemployment decreases at a steady rate, the Bureau of Labor Statistics projects there will be 20.5 million jobs by 2020. While the healthcare and social assistance sector is expected to have the most growth, education, manufacturing and financial industries will also contribute to the expanding job market.

Within the next eight years, the majority of jobs will require a post-secondary education such as nursing, engineering and computer science. Additionally, graduates who go on to pursue a career in these high-demand industries will receive more pay than those who only have a high school diploma. In a Payscale Salary Survey, degree holders in the petroleum engineering field earn 50 percent more than those at an entry-level position. Additionally, physics majors earn twice the amount as those without specialized knowledge.

“There is more work to be done, but today’s employment report provides further evidence that the economy is continuing to recover from the worst economic downturn since the Great Depression,” said Chairman of the Council of Economic Advisers Alan B. Krueger.

More than 200,000 individuals were hired in February of this year, not surprisingly led by those in healthcare and business services. In March, 121,000 jobs were added to employers’ payrolls and virtually all of them required additional training and education outside of high school. By 2020, the amount of jobs looking for master’s degree holders is expected to increase by 21.7 percent – the highest among all education certifications.

Individuals who earn at least an associate’s degree will not only have a promising career and more annual income, but they will also contribute to the full recovery of the American economy.

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The job market is expected to see a substantial growth by 2018, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, and more than 60 percent of those jobs will require a college degree. There are currently only 3.4 million job openings in America, which is expected to reach 46.8 million in a few years as the baby boomer generation retires and new technological industries create unique professions.

As a result of this extensive job growth, more than 60 percent of adults are considering going back to college to further their careers, according to a consumer study conducted by Bellevue University, and many are pursuing online marketing degrees, among others, as the negative stigmas around web-based learning are lifted. A study by the Sloan Consortium shows that more than 70 percent of higher education institutions have seen an increased demand for online courses.

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Federal versus private
Federal loans include aid money provided by the U.S. government. Often, these are the most beneficial to students as they have the best borrowing terms, and the government provides several opportunities for students with a teaching degree or those entering public service to qualify for loan forgiveness. These federal loans come in a variety of types, depending on what level of education an individual is pursuing as well as their family’s expected income and contribution, so students should do their research to find out which loans they qualify for.

Private loans, on the other hand, are managed by independent banks and companies. These corporations can subject their loans to stricter rules and penalties as well as higher interest rates, so students should shop around and compare options before choosing a private loan. There are also different regulations for states or colleges who handle loans, so reading up on the terms before finalizing a plan is a must.

Subsidized versus unsubsidized
Subsidized and unsubsidized loans fall within the realm of federal loans. Any subsidized borrowing means that the government pays interest on the amount while you are enrolled at least half time in college. Interest only begins accruing once you are no longer a student.

The opposite of these are unsubsidized loans, where the interest continuously builds up even as a student is enrolled in school. While the majority of loans fall under this type, there are several routes students can take to prevent interest from building up to astronomical levels. It’s possible to pay off just the interest while you are still in school, which limits the amount of debt continuously growing as it prevents interest from accumulating.

Interest rates and repayment plans
Many of the differences between loans revolve around the interest rate, which is the percentage that the loan balance grows each year. This rate of increase will affect the loan repayment schedule, which dictates the set amount of time borrowers have to pay back the loan provider. Most federal loans follow a 10-year plan, but many of these are negotiable and can be changed based on the student’s income after leaving school, among other factors.

By Rutger Schauer

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Make yourself recession-proof by learning a new skill today…

Here are 10 of the most recession-proof jobs to consider:

1. 1. Administrative Assistant - Average Salary: $30,410

Degree Required: Business Administration

The Administrative Assistant position is always in high demand for multi-million dollar corporations to non-profit organizations. This position has a high turnover rate, as many assistants learn valuable skills on the job and then are promoted internally.

1. 2. Sales Representative/Business Development - Average Salary: $57,223

Degree Required: Business Administration, Entrepreneurship, Marketing

Sales representatives are one of the most essential components of a business. With sales being slow, there is a huge demand for talented salespeople to sell the company’s ideas or products. The sales representative is responsible for drawing people toward their product, regardless of the type of product they sell.

1. 3. Accounting Staff - Average Salary: $60,340

Degree Required: Business Administration, Accounting, Finance

Many companies are aiming to reduce costs in order to stay in business, which is why accountants are a crucial part of any industry. From budget planning to payroll, their responsibilities are directly related to whether or not the business is successful.

1. 4. Research Business Analysis - Average Salary: $60,610

Degree Required: Business Administration, Marketing, Finance

Research Business Analysts provide information and insight on marketing campaigns, competitors, and customer habits. This information allows businesses to grow and successfully reach their target markets. With consumers spending less, this job becomes more challenging and exponentially more important.

1. 5. Nursing - Average Salary:  $63,750

Degree Required: Nursing, Allied Health, Vocational or Practical Nursing

It is widely known that nursing is one of the most diverse careers because it has the widest range of specializations than any other. From pediatricians and obstetricians to neurosurgeons and psychologists, there will be a need for health care professionals as long as people become ill, injure themselves, or even have children. This industry is experiencing extreme shortages as the baby-boomer generation nears retirement.

1. 6. Networking/Systems Administration - Average Salary: $67,710

Degree Required: Information Technology, Networking Administration, Systems Administration

Network administrators are hired to oversee computer networks to ensure that they function smoothly. Since IT systems are becoming more complex, companies are finding they require more network administrators on staff.

1. Finance Staff - Average Salary: $73,670

Degree Required: Business Administration, Finance, Accounting

Social security is dwindling and millions of baby-boomers are due to retire in the next ten years.  Many retirees will turn to financial advisors for help with the allocation of their finances to allow for a happy and worry-free retirement.

1. 8. Accounting and Finance Executive - Average Salary:  $73,920

Degree Required: Business Administration, Accounting, Finance

With the recent banking turmoil and changing financial regulations, accountants are under a higher level of scrutiny than in the previous years. Now, more than ever, there is a demand for accounting executives to keep an eye on accountants and run bookkeeping operations for both business and personal finances.

1. 9. Software Implementation Business Analysis - Average Salary: $87,480

Degree Required: Information Technology, Computer Science, Information Sciences

A software analyst is responsible for testing the compatibility of new systems with existing databases and programs. The constant development of new software creates job security for this position. A software analyst should be on staff to ensure that the technology is running smoothly and that it is user friendly.

1. 10. Software Design/Development - Average Salary: $93,470

Degree Required: Computer Programming, Information Technology, Software Engineering

As technology advances, so does the competition for new software. Many innovative businesses are also choosing to develop proprietary systems with in-house developers. It is up to the software developer to design and debug these new applications.

(Salary Statistics provided by Bureau of Labor Statistics www.bls.gov)

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The American Institute for Economic Research (AIER) used data from the U.S. Census Bureau, Bureau of Labor Statistics and other federal agencies to compile its list of the 75 best U.S. cities and towns for college students, which is a factor that all students should take into account when applying to schools. 

“At a time when approximately half of current college graduates are unemployed or underemployed, the pros and cons of a particular college destination should be an important factor in making a college selection,” said Julie Zhu, an AIER research analyst who oversaw the creation of the Index. 

What makes a great college town? 
The AIER used a variety of factors to determine which locales should earn high rankings in the Index. Important college metrics – such as the number of students, population diversity, degree attainment and research opportunities – were all  part of the criteria, but the organization also focused on other aspects of college life. The number of venues for arts and leisure, accessibility of public transportation and cost of living were all important, as was the percentage of the current workforce taking part in creative jobs ranging from liberal arts positions to science, engineering and technology jobs. 

Students who like to think long-term will be happy to note that the unemployment rate, earning potential and the overall education level of the area were also taken into account. 

“The characteristics that make up a great college destination often make a location ideal for business, retirement and tourism,” said Steven Cunningham, AIER’s director of research and education. “A top AIER College Destinations Index ranking should be just as important to the town or city as it is to the schools located there and the families and students attending or considering them.” 

And the winner is … 
So which U.S. locale set itself apart as the best major metropolis for college students? That would be Boston, Massachusetts, which topped Washington, D.C. and New York City to earn the title of the best major city for college students. When it came to slightly smaller locales, San Jose, California, earned recognition among mid-size areas, while Ithaca, New York grabbed the top spot for smaller college towns. The University of Michigan’s home of Ann Arbor was the top-ranked small metro. 

By Mary Collins

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Law schools across the U.S. are planning to open their own law firms, which would be staffed primarily by recent graduates and would target clients that otherwise may not be able to afford these services.

“We have these two issues running in opposite directions,” James R. Silkenat, the incoming president of the American Bar Association, told The New York Times. “There are unmet legal needs because of money and geography that seem to be growing, and the question of how to make use of unemployed recent graduates.”

According to the news source, Arizona State University is one of the first schools to open up one of the nonprofit firms. The plan is for about 30 graduates from the university’s law program to work with experienced lawyers to provide low-cost services to people in the area, which would hone their skills while offering a community service at the same time.

By Rutger Schauer

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According to a report from the State Higher Education Executives Officers Association (SHEEO), net tuition revenue comprised 47 percent of educational costs at public colleges in the U.S. in 2012, which is a 6 percent increase from the year before and more than a 15 percent growth from 2001. Per-student spending is also at an all-time low, meaning that more individuals are forced to shoulder the burden to pay for their degree programs. This, in turn, could become an obstacle for students trying to complete degrees, which is problematic for individuals and institutions.

“The accessibility and quality of public higher education will largely determine the competitiveness of the U.S. workforce for the next half century …” said Marshall Hill, chair of SHEEO’s executive committee. “Other countries are rapidly improving the postsecondary education of their citizens – if the U.S. falls further behind in either quality or the number of students who enroll and graduate it will not be easy to catch up.”

By Nick Medford

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