The 30 Best Jobs for the Future

For the next decade, the United States is going to be in real need of professionals in a variety of fields, from computer engineers and technicians to make up artists for the performing arts industry. But certain fields are experiencing the fastest growth.

Those students or workers planning to go into the information technology or the health care industry, for example, will have the best prospects for employment.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics just published their projeciton for the 30 fastest growing occupations for the next ten years. And before planning or changing careers, you might want to take a look at the list and see if one or more of these fields catches your eye. It might help you plan for a brighter future.

In descending order, these are the 30 fastest growing occupations:

Personal and home care aides
Home health aides
Computer software and applications engineers
Veterinary technologists and technicians
Personal financial advisors
Makeup artists - theatrical and performance
Medical assistants
Veterinarians
Substance abuse and behavioral disorder counselors
Skin care specialists
Financial analysts
Social and human service assistants
Gaming surveillance officers
Physical therapist assistants
Pharmacy technicians
Forensic science technicians
Dental hygienists
Mental health counselors
Mental health and substance abuse counselors
Marriage and family therapists
Dental assistants
Computer systems analysts
Database administrators
Computer software and systems software engineers
Gaming and sports book writers
Environmental science and protection technicians - including health
Manicurists and pedicurists
Physical therapists
Physician assistants

These projections are used by school counselors to steer students into certain fields that might match their skills and personal interests. And at this point, the job of academic advisers is perhaps more crucial than in the past decade as Baby Boomers reach their retirement age, making some industries feel a greater need than others.

Strangely enough, you might notice the absence of farm or agricultural jobs in the list. That might serve you as an indicator of which fields will experience not only growth but a decline. As you can see, most of the growth is taking place in computer related fields, health care and counseling.

Depending on the job, you will need some or none academic training. For some, you will need postsecondary studies, an Associate or a Bachelor's degree. Still, others will only require on the job training.

Use this list as a guide to further explore your personal interests before you decide what academic or work path to take and to help you plan for a better career and future.