By Carol Tice, for 
With the economy shrinking, many job-hunters are looking for a new career that pays well – and they need to find one that's not going to disappear. Here are the careers that are forecast for strong growth over the next decade, based on Bureau of Labor Statistics projections through 2016.
Robin Ryan, career coach and author of 60 Seconds and You're Hired says, "I look at where you can make good money, where employers are looking for people and saying they can't find them."
She notes that the federal growth forecasts are a couple of years old, and some fields are undergoing rapid change. Be on the lookout for emerging opportunities, especially those that involve Internet skills. With the cost of education soaring, we asked our experts to focus primarily on careers you can get started in without a four-year degree.
By Carol Tice, for
With the economy shrinking, many job-hunters are looking for a new career that pays well – and they need to find one that's not going to disappear. Here are the careers that are forecast for strong growth over the next decade, based on Bureau of Labor Statistics projections through 2016.
Robin Ryan, career coach and author of 60 Seconds and You're Hired says, "I look at where you can make good money, where employers are looking for people and saying they can't find them."
She notes that the federal growth forecasts are a couple of years old, and some fields are undergoing rapid change. Be on the lookout for emerging opportunities, especially those that involve Internet skills. With the cost of education soaring, we asked our experts to focus primarily on careers you can get started in without a four-year degree.
1. Physician's assistant
The economy may be down, but people still get sick and need to go to the doctor. As the population continues to age, healthcare fields will continue to see strong growth, says Ryan. Physician's assistants usually take a two-year course and need to pass a certification exam. Then, they assist doctors in hospitals and clinics or in rural areas they may provide care if a doctor isn't always available. 27% projected growth.
Median annual salary: $88,575
2. Database administrator
One thing's for sure in this uncertain economy – companies continue to pile up data and need experts to make sure it's properly organized and securely stored. Some database administrators get started with just a two-year degree – and if you enjoy computer programming, this is one of the best-paid areas in computer tech. 28.6% projected growth.
Median annual salary: $73,388
3. Video game designer
The gaming field is exploding, notes Ryan. There are hugely successful massive multiplayer online role-playing games, casual games to play on computers, PDAs and cell phones, as well as games for Xbox, Nintendo and other proprietary game systems. If you're a game nut, consider learning how to create games to cash in on this trend.
"These skills are often self-taught," she notes. "And programming jobs pay extremely well, for anything where you know how to write code." 35% projected growth.
Median annual salary: $66,664
4. Medical equipment repair
As medical equipment uses more complex technology, there are more parts that can malfunction – and more need for repair technicians. You may need a two-year degree, but the BLS reports most training is on the job. 9.4% projected growth.
Median annual salary: $62,115
5. Media planner/buyer
Though the official BLS data doesn't show explosive growth here, the Internet is causing rapid change in this industry that probably isn't figured into federal forecasts yet, says job-trends expert Debra Yergen, author of Creating Job Security: The 2009 All-In-One Workbook. While the traditional advertising industry may be shrinking right now, online skills are in demand, she says. Many online-media pros are learning on the job.
"This is an emerging area where talent is going to be rewarded," Yergen says. 11.7% projected growth.
Median annual salary: $47,149
6. X-ray/Imaging technician
The medical field is increasingly relying on X-rays, MRIs and other imaging technology to diagnose and treat patients, notes Yergen. As new types of scans are invented, and become covered by insurance, the demand for trained imaging technicians will continue to grow. The BLS says technicians can get started with a one-year certificate or two-year associate degree. 15% projected growth.
Median annual salary: $42,749
7. Plumber
Robin Ryan calls plumbing "A classic job most people don't want to do." Which is why it pays well. And bad economy or good, pipes burst and need replacing. If you enjoy working with your hands, look for an apprenticeship program where you can get paid while you learn on the job. 10.6% projected growth.
Median annual salary:$42,001
8. Graphic/Web designer
Like Internet advertising, anyone who can make companies' Web sites look better will be in demand, Yergen says. "This field will blossom as people find creative ways to help clients." About one-quarter of graphic designers are self-employed, the BLS reports, and may get started with a two-year degree or be self-taught. 44.6% projected growth.
Median annual salary: $41,215
Next: 8 In-Demand Associate Degrees >>
Source: All salary data is from PayScale.com. The salaries listed are median, annual salaries for full-time workers with 5-8 years of experience and include any bonuses, commissions or profit sharing.
Jul 4th 2009 @ 6:31AM Jon
While the economy struggles and millions of Americans lose their jobs, the Home Business Industry is thriving. I joined a company called LGN (highly reputable ... look it up) that is making me thousands in a down economy. Check it out ... http://www.EasyHomeEarning.com
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Aug 5th 2009 @ 3:47PM Gudrun
I manage a Coldwell Banker Real Estate office and even during these tough times homes are selling. If you are good at sales and are willing to work there still is money to be made in real Estate.You decide the hours and how much money you want to make and we supply the training. I am always looking for new recruits.It does not cost much to get started and usuallly your first commission check pays you the money that you invested in yourself.
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Jul 29th 2009 @ 3:52PM Terryn Hemken
How much does it cost? Do you have to have any college training?
Jul 29th 2009 @ 6:17PM Bobby N.
Coldwell Banker you say? I worked in real estate and developers offices years ago as a customer service and filing clerk. I was always interested in becoming an agent but never really had the opportunity. Could you tell me more about what my options may be to work in the industry? Keep in mind I have to make money every month for mine and childrens bills.
Jul 29th 2009 @ 9:11PM Jesusa A. Butler
Manager,
I have a dual citizenship, I have a house in Kapolei Hawaii and live there for less than 10 years. I live in the Philippines for 3 years now. I always wanted to be in the field of Real Estate either here or there in the US. Can you give me some information about online study, I'll be going back to Hawaii next year to take the exam. My dream is to have my own company in Real Estate in the near future hopefully before the market goes up. Thank you and more power to Coldwell Banker.
Jul 29th 2009 @ 2:39PM FRANK HUBLER
physicians assistant...my dr has one working with him but when I use her my bill remans the same...this is another classic example of how the health care inductry is screwing all of us!!!!!
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Aug 21st 2009 @ 12:27PM Jack Tunnell
Hi Frank,
I couldn't agree more. I had 2 Heart Attacks and I now
am in Debt about $140,000 Dollars. I have No Insurance
and I Can't believe what it cost. Don't get me wrong, I
am glad I am still here and I Thank The Doctors Who Put
In My Stents and Probably Saved My Life. What I am Saying
is, Charging me $42,000 dollars for a Hellicopter Ride
from Crescent City Ca. To Medford Oregon is Plain Out
Rediculous!!. On my second heart Attack they charged me
$38,000 for a Airplane Ride from Ukiah Ca. To SantaRosa
Ca. This is why Millions of people Don't Have Credit and
can't afford to go to the Doctor. You loose all of your
Savings and any money yuou have Because Medical Treatment
Costs ARE OUTRAGEOUS!!! AMERICAN POOR PEOPLE NEED HELP
AND A AFFORDABLE MEDICAL PLAN!! WE ARE ALL POOR AFTER
GOING TO THE DOCTOR IN A EMERGENCY!! THE GOVENOR DOESN'T
CARE ABOUT THE PEOPLE!! ARNOLD IS A JOKE AND CRUEL MAN!!
IT'S GOING TO GET WORSE!! POOR BOY JACK
Jul 29th 2009 @ 4:08PM WDM
Obamacare will screw you even more if he has his way
Jul 29th 2009 @ 7:29PM Crose
Physician Assistants (PA) are trained medical providers that are certified to provide care in a variety of settings under the supervision of Doctors. Seeing a PA is much like seeing a MD, hence the reason for being charged the same.
Jul 29th 2009 @ 2:42PM MartyS
Obviously the author hasn't researched the fact that when the economy starts to tank, graphic designers are one of the first careers to get the axe. Most companies then tighten their belts by trying to morph the secretary into a graphic designer... which turns out quite horribly. I have been unemployed as a graphic designer for the past year and a half and I know several other designers that have been unemployed for this long also. I noticed that anyone who writes about careers and career changes uses the "graphic designer" position as a headline grabber. Folks, not everybody is an artist... and there really IS a reason behind the term "starving artist". The field doesn't pay as well as the author would like to imply. This comes from someone that has 20+ years of steady employment in this field. Please stop misleading people and do your research.
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Jul 29th 2009 @ 3:37PM dlemmens
I agree. Graphics Designers average about 30 grand a year if they are lucky. My son has a 4 year degree in Graphic Design, and 10 years of experience, some very high end work. He does web design, Dream Weaver, Advanced Photo Shop, Flash, and many others. He has been doing temp work and free lance work for a year with no prospect in sight. A lot of clients think they can get a good designer from a self taught or tech school. That would be a bare minimum skill level. Hire a good designer and he will out produce by a factor of 2 at a lower training and experience level, with higher quality work. There are very few jobs out there right now, and they are going to people who will work for nothing. You get what you pay for.
Jul 29th 2009 @ 3:46PM Robert Denis Design
Marty, I agree with you 100% as a fellow designer with 35 years experience and having been 'let go' from the past few jobs because of the 'graphic designers are gypsies' attitude in corporate america. I am also unemployed.
Good luck in finding a company to work for that appreciates the talents and skills required to create good graphic design.
Jul 29th 2009 @ 5:58PM iCreate
Marty and Dennis, I'm sad for you both... what marketplace are you in.... Historically, in lean times, Advertising and printing have the largest profits... Have either one of you though about pounding the pavement? I too have 30 years exp. I have been busy, designing a restaurant, media kits for small biz, Branding etc. I hand out cards, network, chat up folks at the local chambers of commerce. The only businesses that fail during rough economic times are durable goods (cars, big box items etc.),... perishables (food, tobacco, alcohol) and goods and services post higher profits... the trick is they advertise... the only companies that survived the great depression were those that advertised. With MS Pub. and every one thinking it equal to Pro.Pub. programs makes it hard sell. But we know best! As for web design, it is not that difficult, 6 weeks at a Com. College and WahLah!
Be creative and make your way... BTW, If you don't want to program a site hire a programmer and just design it... Also, try LinkedIn.com for a good network.
Aug 4th 2009 @ 5:07PM Anna
Same thing with Media Buyers/Planners. When money is tight, marketing directors cut the ad budget. Then they think they know how to place media...but forget that the strategic planning and negotiation, knowing the trends, understanding ratings, CPM and the market, are ways to save money. Nearsighted and it ends up costing them more.
As a planner/buyer You can't gain skills on the job in digital, new media, if you don't have a a job.
Advertising is hurting. No two ways about it.
Jul 29th 2009 @ 2:55PM Becky
Most physician assistants (without the 's on physician) have a bachelor's degree and then continue on with a master's degree of physician assistant studies. It is a very rewarding career and I'm happy to see it noted as a growing career.
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Jul 29th 2009 @ 7:39PM Yvonne
I would add Family Nurse Practitioner to the list of very rewarding jobs snd lucrative jobs! I have been a Family Nurse Practitioner for 12 years and would not change it for anything else!! A Family Nurse Practitioner can also command at least $88,000 a yr and much more depending on specialty.
Jul 30th 2009 @ 5:02AM mey
Hi Becky,
I'm going into Physician Assistant. But not sure what bachelor to go for is best suited for the job. Do you know or can recommend one? Thanx
Jul 29th 2009 @ 3:06PM Patty
Hi, Melissa!
I was just wondering how you got involved with Google & what do you do. I am just looking for some extra money,,maybe $300.00 to 400.oo a month. We love to have some more info. Thank you for your time. Have a good day.
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Jul 29th 2009 @ 3:08PM hillsamurai
This website drops viruses, and I am reporting you to the Federal Trade Commission for fraud
Reply
Jul 29th 2009 @ 3:10PM hillsamurai
I am reporting you to AOL for Terms of Service violation, and to the Federal Trade Commission for fraud
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