Posted August 29th, 2018
By Kris Powers
When choosing a career path, it’s important to not only follow your interests, but to consider the education or training needed, potential pay, benefits, room for advancement, and the anticipated future growth of jobs in that field.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics has a wealth of information available to all who seek it. The following fields are expected to have strong growth rates to the year 2026. Where possible, we’ve listed what those jobs pay and how much education they require.
Health care:
If you are passionate about helping people and making a difference in their lives, working in health care may be for you! Flexible scheduling, job satisfaction, competitive pay and plenty of opportunities for advancement are among the perks you will find in this field.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, jobs in health care are projected to grow 18 percent from 2016 to 2026, much faster than the average for all occupations. Here are the expected growth rates for a few of the fastest-growing health care professions:
Home health aide – 41 percent
The median annual wage for home health aides was $23,210 in May 2017. Home health aides typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, although some positions do not require it. Those working in certified home health or hospice agencies must complete formal training and pass a standardized test.
Physical Therapy aide – 30 percent
The median annual wage for physical therapist aides was $25,730 in May 2017. Physical therapist aides usually have a high school diploma and receive on-the-job training.
Medical Office Administrative Professional – 29 percent
The median annual wage for medical assistants was $32,480 in May 2017. Most medical assistants have postsecondary education such as a certificate. Others enter the occupation with a high school diploma and learn through on-the-job training.
Information technology:
Employment of computer and information technology occupations is projected to grow 13 percent by 2026. Cloud computing, data collection and storage as well as information security all play into the demand for workers trained in these fields. Below are just a few of the IT specialties that will experience growth:
The median annual wage for network and computer systems administrators was $81,100 in May 2017. Most employers require network and computer systems administrators to have a bachelor’s degree in a field related to computer or information science. Others may require only a postsecondary certificate or an Associate’s degree.
The median annual wage for computer and information technology occupations (including specialties such as CCNA and CompTIA) was $84,580 in May 2017.
Paralegal:
According to the BLS, paralegals are in high demand and growth is projected at 15 percent by 2026. These professionals often support lawyers by conducting legal research, drafting court documents, and maintaining important files.
The median annual wage for paralegals and legal assistants was $50,410 in May 2017. Many paralegals have an Associate’s degree or certificate; but some employers offer on-the-job training. Paralegals with strong computer and database management skills should have the best job prospects.
Ed4Career offers career training in all the above specialties. Our courses offer the opportunity to acquire the skills and knowledge necessary to be successful and prepare the student to sit for certification exams. Obtaining career training and certification greatly improves your chances of getting hired and sets you on the path for professional advancement. Sign up for Ed4Career’s training courses today and get started in a field that offers tremendous growth opportunity!
