With a tumultuous economy and dramatic unemployment rates, millions of people are out of work.  While a complete recovery is still a lofty goal, specialized fields of employment are projected to increase by 20.5 million jobs between 2010 and 2020, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). By planning for a new career now, you can ensure success in the years to come as the jobs described below blossom.

10. Security Guard

This occupation is expected to gain 18.8% more jobs in the next eight years. The average salary for an employed guard is $24,000. Many security guard companies offer overtime and extended pay for armed certifications. To be eligible for this career, you require a high school diploma and many states also require that you complete an unarmed security guard certification course.

9.  Construction Laborer

We are a nation built on expansion, and even with an economic downturn, this is still true. Construction and labor jobs are expected to rise by 21.3%. The average yearly income is $30,000. A high school diploma is not required, however experience is generally preferred. This is considered to be an apprenticeship career, as you will learn a specialized trade under the close watch of a master before working on your own.

8. Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers

Transportation of goods is an industry that is recession proof. As our economy recovers, this career path has an assumed growth of 20.6% by 2020. The average salary for a truck driver is $38,000. You will be required to have a high school diploma, and most companies also require that you attend a school for specialized training.

7. Physicians and surgeons

The healthcare industry overall is expected to grow dramatically as the baby boomers age. They will be requiring more medical assistants and therefore putting more demand on our medical system. Physicians and surgeon jobs are expected to grow by 24.4%. The average salary for this position is $112,000. While substantial, it also requires a doctorate. This is a large investment in time and money, however it will result in a high-paying and rewarding career.

6. Medical assistants

The increase of the health care industry means an increased demand for medical assistants as well.  These careers are expected to rise a dramatic 41.3 percent by 2020. The average salary is $31,000. Medical assistants require at least a high school diploma, and most offices will require an associate’s degree or other specialized training.

5. Customer Service Representative

Every company is concerned about customer support. While not all require specific representatives, many are starting to expand their customer service departments. With an average pay of $30,000 per year, it is a lucrative career. The only requirements are a high school diploma and great communication skills.

4. Office Clerks

As companies grow, they need clerks to handle general office responsibilities. This field is expected to rise by 23.7%. The average salary is $26,000. Most offices will expect prior experience. The minimum requirements are a high school education and being proficient with modern technologies.

3. Retail Salesperson

Retail sales jobs are expected to increase by 16.6%. A high school diploma is generally not required, although is generally a plus. Experience in retail will help distinguish you from other applicants. Employers are primarily seeking excellent people skills and selling ability. The average salary for a retail career is $20,000, however certain jobs will offer commission as well.

2. Registered nurses

With the aforementioned increase in the medical industry, there will be an increase in the need for registered nurses.  An associate’s degree is required, as well as specialized training and an internship. The average salary for a registered nurse is $65,000 and for those who go as far as a Masters in nursing this can be even higher. Nurses are presently 30% understaffed nationwide, leaving massive potential for anyone interested in receiving a degree in nursing..

1. Personal Care Aides

As the baby boomers enter an age of dependence, personal care aides will help them manage their medication, doctor appointments, and other tasks to get through life. This field is expected to grow the most, by 70.5%! The average salary for a personal aide is $20,000. A high school diploma is not generally required; however it will greatly help in finding employment. Specialized training is also available to help you stand out from the crowd.
By pursuing a career in one of the above careers, you can ensure that you outlast these tough economic times. There is still plenty of growth available, and properly planning for a career will help you be successful.

Note: All statistics in this article are from a report released by the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

This article was written by Justin Davis who is pursuing an MBA degree online and taking all the necessary CFA prep classes he can to prepare himself.  He expects to have his degree by next year.

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