Hot Industries: Popular Jobs Through 2016
cbjen | Jan 07, 2009 | Comments 0
As our economy continues a decades-long shift from goods-based to service-based, some employment sectors are expected to perform substantially better than others.
From 2006-16, the US Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that the U.S.civilian noninstitutional population will increase by 21.8 million.[1] Americans will age, with baby boomers representing the largest segment of the population and the pool of younger adults in the workforce shrinking due to lower birth rates in later generations.
Our economy will change to accommodate these demographic shifts. As skilled jobs take up a greater portion of the job market than ever before, most of the hottest jobs will require a minimum of an associates degree, while jobs requiring only on the job training will decline. Automation and technological changes will alter or eliminate some jobs, while creating new opportunities for technology and information workers. The greatest employment gains will be made by the educational and health services industries, with a dramatic 18.8 percent increase projected for the coming decade. In reaction to the aging population, health care alone is expected to grow by over 25%.
Hottest Industries
Educational and Health Services
Fastest growing jobs (projected):
Personal and home care aids, home health aids, veterinary technicians, medical assistants, veterinarians, substance abuse and behavioral disorder counselors, social and human service assistants, physical therapist assistants, pharmacy technicians, dental hygienists, mental health counselors, and mental health and substance abuse social workers
Professional and Business Services
Includes science and technology, as well as human resources and administration.
Fastest growing jobs (projected):
Network systems and data communications analysts and computer software engineers (applications)
Financial Activities*
Includes real estate and rental leasing, finance, insurance, securities and other investments, as well as credit intermediation and other services
Fastest growing jobs (projected):
personal financial advisors, financial analysts
*These predictions were made prior to the bank closures of October 2008. The financial services industry has cooled substantially.
Government
A very diverse industry. Gains are expected particularly in the area of public safety, while some segments such as federal employment (including the postal service) are expected to decline.
Fastest growing jobs (projected):
Forensic science technicians, financial analysts*
*our prediction
Hot Industries
Information
Includes software publishing, internet publishing and broadcasting, and wireless telecommunication carriers as well as motion picture production; broadcasting; and newspaper, periodical, book, and directory publishing.
Leisure and Hospitality
Includes arts, entertainment, and recreation, including accommodation and food services.
Trade, Transportation, and Utilities
Includes transportation and warehousing, utilities, truck and rail transportation, as well as retail and wholesale trade.
Other Services
Includes religious organizations, automotive repair and maintenance, organizations and associations (such as labor organizations and home owners associations.)
Construction
Commercial, road, bridge and tunnel construction are expected to increase as greater demand is placed on our infrastructure.
Cold Industries
Manufacturing
Expected to decline in all but a few areas, such as pharmaceutical and medicine.
Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing and Hunting
Expected to decline significantly, particularly in crop production. The sole exception is expected to be support activities for agriculture and industry, including farm labor contractors and farm management services.
Mining*
Employment in the mining industry is expected to decline slightly, as changes are made in technology and safety regulations.
*At least in the short term, this prediction is proving to be inaccurate. Throughout 2008, mining consistently added new jobs to the US workforce. With renewed talk of clean coal technology investment and increasing energy demands worldwide, the mining industry may buck government predictions and remain strong for some time.
References
Filed Under: Industries
