Fastest Growing Occupations for Recent College Graduates

By Chase Pattison on July 7, 2011

With the unemployment rate at 9% at the end of April 2011, it’s a tough job market right now for college graduates. But this doesn’t mean there aren’t jobs out there. In recent months, the U.S. unemployment rate has seen a gradual drop and people are getting hired. So where are these jobs? Here is a list of fastest growing occupations for college graduates:

by Jenn Pedde University of Southern California

1. Teachers
As K — 12 enrollment increases and older teachers retire, the need for more new teachers grows. By 2018 there will be an increase of 15% in elementary school teachers, who lay the foundation for young students’ educational career. The average income for an elementary teacher ranges from $29-39K for the first year, but advancing ones education with a Masters in Teaching will increase estimated earning.

2. Nurses
Both licensed practical or vocational nurse jobs will see significant growth within the next seven years. A two-year Associates degree will bring an estimated wage of up to $36K per year, but with a Bachelors degree, the estimated entry-level income of a registered nurse is $52K per year. Earn even more by earning a Masters in Nursing conveniently through online programs at great schools, such as Georgetown University.

3. Software Engineers
With nearly everything we do in society being online or digitized, it’s no secret that computer-based careers are among the fastest growing. This field will see an increase in jobs of up to 35% within the next seven to ten years. Software engineers can enjoy an income of up to $78K upon graduation.


4. Social Workers
As society grows and evolves, so do our problems, hence the need for an increase in social work positions. These jobs will see significant increase in the next several years, particularly in rural areas where substance abuse and mental health issues are often overlooked. Mental health and social workers earned an average of $41K in 2009. Highly qualified social workers, such as those who possess an advanced degree in social work, will be in particular demand.

5. Pharmacists
Don’t think you’ll be stuck behind the counter at your local drugstore, that’s only small part of the job description. Pharmacists work not only in drug stores, but also in hospitals, clinics and in labs doing large-scale medical and medicinal research. With an increase in research and medication monitoring, pharmacists will easily earn up to $100K shortly after graduation.

6. Management and Business Analysts
Business will grow and will require a smart thinker to keep up with the trends. Possessing the ability to dissect data and spot business inclinations will be invaluable to growing companies. Analyst incomes range from $43K to $54K in salary just out of college. Income will increase with an MBA and it’s easier now than ever to earn one from universities offering online MBA programs, such as the Kenan-Flagler Business School at the University of North Carolina.

7. Physicians & Surgeons
It’s smart to plan early in your educational career for one of these highly demanded jobs. As the baby-boomer generation ages, the need for qualified doctors and surgeons will increase, with the number of doctors in 2018 being estimated at over 800,000 from only 650,000 in 2008. Regardless of specialty, the need for doctors will continue to grow. Out of medical school, a young doctor can expect to earn between $48K and $150K, depending on specialty.

8. Educational, Vocational, and School Counselors
More people will go to college within the next ten years than ever before. More people will be also be looking for jobs. It makes sense that these people will need help navigating their way through educational plans and career development. The need for educational and vocational counselors will also increase twofold, as schools will emphasize students’ mental health and also due to people changing jobs frequently in an evolving market. Educational and Career Counselors earned an average income of $55,030 in 2009.

Jenn Pedde is the community manager for the Masters in Social Work Online degree program at the University of Southern California.  She’s an avid traveler, and enjoys photography.

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