The 10 hottest jobs

IF you're seemingly stuck in a dead-end job, dreaming of a new career, or longing to build the one you've got--your ship has just arrived. Despite downsizing, outsourcing and a devastating post-9/11 recession, the U.S. job market is showing significant, some say dramatic, signs of recovery. The employment forecast, once a chilling reminder of America's economic injuries, is shifting in favor of the employee, and you can reap the newfound benefits.

What To Expect

Recent studies suggest that American industries, specifically those in health-related fields, computer engineering and teaching, should sustain significant levels of growth in the coming years. The day care industry, real estate and technology-driven industries are also expected to realize substantive gains over the next decade.

Part of the reason, according to a U.S. Department of Labor report, is the aging of the baby-boom generation (born between 1946 and 1964). "What we're seeing is an older population and a graying labor force," says Paul LaPorte, economist for the U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics. "Thus, we will need additional services that will cater to an older population and more jobs to replace those left by baby-boomers as they exit the labor force."

Where The Jobs Are

Nursing--Nurses and nurse educators are essential to meeting the medical needs of an older population. "African-American nurses, in particular, are in demand," says Dr. Linda Hurston, chairperson of the department of nursing at Chicago State University, whose nursing program graduates the largest percentage of African-American nurses in the State of Illinois. "African-American nurses are not well-represented at the baccalaureate, master's and doctorate levels. Because there is an increased interest in the field of nursing, we need more nurse educators to meet the needs of a growing student body."

Teachers--The need for qualified teachers, teachers' aides and substitute teachers is increasing; especially in some inner-city neighborhoods, and more college students are considering teaching directly after graduation. "There is a renewed interest among students in liberal areas of study, including teaching," says Kim R. Wells, director of career services at Howard University. "We are seeing a renewed focus on community-based careers like teaching and an interest in social capitalism."

Computer Software Engineers--In a report by the U.S. Department of Labor, computer-related occupations accounted for 5 out of the 20 fastest-growing occupations. Growth estimates are based on businesses' increasing reliance on information technology, system security and network security businesses. Predictions include a greater demand for computer programmers, network and data analysts, and system technicians.

Aides To Physical Therapists--Health care occupations comprise 10 out of 20 of the fastest-growing occupations based on a recent U.S. Labor Report. "Consistent with an older labor force, the health care industry and related professions will see a dramatic surge," says economist LaPorte. "More workers will be needed to serve more people with increasing health care needs."

Home Health Aides--According to labor experts, the fastest-growing group of citizens will be seniors. Research suggests that the number of workers 55 and older is projected to increase by 49.3 percent by 2012. This rise, and the corresponding needs of a larger and older population, will translate into an increased need for home health aides and related in-home health services.

Day Care Providers--Because there are more two-income families with young children, the demand for day care providers, both agency and in-home, will increase well into the next decade. "We recognize, as more industries are starting to acknowledge, that parents cannot perform their daily job-related tasks without care for their children," says Dr. Hurston, nursing chairperson at Chicago State University. "We are one of the only nursing programs that provide child care services."

Real Estate Appraisers--You cannot buy a home, or any other property, without the services of a real estate appraiser. "Appraisers are busiest during periods when the real estate market is hot, but they don't necessarily lack for work when it's down because appraisals are required for foreclosures," according to a recent report by CNNMoney.com. Appraisals are also used for tax assessment, government acquisitions of private land, property disputes, estate evaluation and proposed business mergers.

Retail Salespersons--Because of the high rate of turnover in retail, there will be an ongoing demand for workers. "With the increasing population and the rise of subdivisions, shopping centers and strip malls," says LaPorte, U.S. economist, "the retail industry will seek to replenish its labor force regularly."

Medical Assistants--The medical needs of an older population will require more assistants who provide administrative and procedural support to medical offices. Medical assistants are often responsible for patient in-take, record management, patient and staff scheduling, and other administrative tasks associated with the needs of the facility.