The first thing that comes to mind when you hear unemployment rates like 2.6%, 2.8%, and 3.8% must be memories of the good-old-days – pre-2007 recession. Well think again.
While we continue to hear a lot of depressing stories these days about the loss of jobs and slow job creation, demand for executive and management level talent remains high. According to the latest figures from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the unemployment rate for chief executives, including chief financial officers, is 2.6 percent, followed by HR managers at 2.8 percent, accountants and auditors at 3.5 percent, and financial analysts at 3.8 percent. In fact, the unemployment rate for adults 25 years and over with a bachelor’s degree and higher remains constant at 4.4%, below the baseline of full employment.
That’s not to say we don’t have a problem. Actually we have a colossal crisis. Other segments of the population are undeniably in trouble. For adults over 25 with less than a high school education, the unemployment rate is 14.3; with only a high school diploma, the rate is 10% with not much light at the end of the tunnel. For teenagers between 16 and 19 years old, the rate nears 25%.
But while net new job growth will undoubtedly remain slow for quite some time, the job creation engine has not stopped – new job creation just gets lost in all the bad news.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) still projects that the U.S. will add 15.3 million new jobs between 2008 and 2018. What’s more, a whopping 15 out of 30 jobs with the most openings and vacancies will pay wages that are above the national median wage for all workers in the United States.
Here's a list of 10 in-demand careers in arm’s length of many unemployed or underemployed workers that will offer plenty of growth and pay well by 2018. That doesn’t mean the jobs will be offered in return for completing a few years of schooling or just completing an application. The bar has been raised: what qualified an individual to fill these positions just a few years might not meet the minimum requirements today. But with a little motivation, a positive attitude, and the right skills, there are employers ready to hire, especially in these areas.
Carpenters
Population growth, the retirement of older carpenters and the demand for new energy-efficient buildings will stimulate a great need for carpenters in the future. But those with the most training and ability to do more than just the simple tasks will have the steadiest workload. Projected New Job Openings by 2018: 165,400
Computer Software Engineer, Applications
Computer software engineers will be in high demand as computer networking among businesses continues to grow. Projected New Job Openings by 2018: 175,100
Management Analysts
Management Analysts, sometimes called "management consultants" are specialized masterminds who help organizations rearrange corporate structure or improve operations to increase efficiency and profits. Projected New Job Openings by 2018: 178,300
Executive Secretaries and Administrative Assistants
As highly skilled and communicatively tactful executive secretaries and administrative assistants are promoted or move on to even more professional jobs, there will be a significant demand for those who can fill their roles. Projected New Job Openings by 2018: 204,400
Bookkeeping, Accounting and Auditing Clerks
Because many of the current bookkeepers, accountants and auditing clerks are likely to retire or be promoted to higher levels of financial management, the amount of vacancies in this job in the next few years will be immense. Projected New Job Openings by 2018: 212,400
Truck Drivers (Heavy and Tractor-Trailer)
Truck drivers who drive the big rigs will be in high demand to ship everyday products to businesses and keep a stocked inventory. Projected New Job Openings by 2018: 232,900
Elementary School Teachers (Non-Special Education)
If you enjoy science, math, or foreign languages and think you have a knack for teaching kids, you are likely to find good opportunities upon your certification. Projected New Job Openings by 2018: 244,200
Postsecondary Teachers
Postsecondary education enrollment is expected to grow exponentially. Many of the professors hired in the 1960s and 1970s that taught baby-boomers are expected to retire soon, leaving those with Ph.Ds a great opportunity for employment. Projected New Job Openings by 2018: 256,900
Accountants and Auditors
Plenty of accountants and auditors will be needed to fill positions in new businesses, keep up with ever changing financial laws and protecting an organization's shareholders through increased transparency in financial reporting. Projected New Job Openings by 2018: 279,400
Registered Nurses
With nearly twice as many projected job vacancies in the next seven years as accountants, registered nurses will be in very high demand as the immense baby boomer population ages and as experienced nurses retire. Projected New Job Openings by 2018: 581,500
Because these middle-class jobs will be in such high demand, they will be lucrative and secure for years to come. You may have to go back to school and get a certification once you've decided on a job that you're interested in, but it may be worth it if these projections are correct.
Source of in-demand job info: Investinganswers.com
Great report. I stopped schooling after one year of college and off to start own businesses. No denying that accounting is in demand so I request my transcripts from my former college to finish up my accounting degree.
Accounting will not be a fall-back. I fully expect to outsource up to 80% of my business and practice accounting for a company as my 9 to 5.
This article further influences my decision. The time is going to go by anyway, it is what I do with my time–DURING that time.