The Most In Demand Careers in 2016

Everyone knows that engineers and doctors make a good living and those types of careers are usually in high demand. However, there are many industries out there begging for new talent despite the recession and unemployment rate.

"Industries and occupations related to health care, personal care and social assistance, and construction are projected to have the fastest job growth between 2010 and 2020," according to a report by the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Many of the projected 20.5 million jobs to arise by 2020 are not evenly distributed across industries due to developments in technology, our population's needs and job supply. Many of the in-demand jobs that will have the most opportunities don’t require expensive degrees to obtain a high-paying, rewarding career. There are plenty of jobs out there that only require a Certificate Program, Associate's Degree or Bachelor's Degree.


Find out which jobs could work for you and what type of education you'll need to earn a career in these top, fast-growing careers in-demand.


In-Demand Healthcare and Social Assistance Careers

Careers in healthcare are pretty much always in demand, but the Bureau of Labor estimates there will be 5.7 million new jobs by 2020. The need for more healthcare professionals is especially true now that the Baby Boomer generation is coming into retirement and in need of assistance, nursing and medical care, "This industry—which includes public and private hospitals, nursing and residential care facilities, and individual and family services—is expected to grow by 33 percent," says the BLS summary.

If you want a career in healthcare, but don't want to attend medical school, you can enroll in associate's or bachelor's programs in medical/clinical assisting or nursing. Or, if you are interested in technology, consider a certificate in ultrasound technology, medical insurance/billing, electrocardiograph technology, or radiologic technology.

Jobs for registered nurses will have the highest numeric growth over the next decade with 711,000 new positions. The median salary for registered nurses is $64,690 for those with an associate's degree.



In-Demand Careers in Personal Care

The personal care industry includes beauty, fitness and other personal care positions which include child care workers and personal care aides. "As consumers become more concerned with health, beauty, and fitness, the number of cosmetic and health spas will rise, causing an increase in demand for workers in this group." The Bureau of Labor expects a growth in jobs by 27 percent, adding more than 1.3 million jobs within the next decade.

Jobs in early childhood education like childcare workers and preschool teachers will be particularly in demand as employment rates increase for people with children and as the government increases early childhood programs across the U.S.


Jobs to Increase in Construction

"Employment in construction is expected to rise 33 percent by 2020, adding about 1.8 million jobs," states the BLS. Many of these positions require little, to no higher education, however, if you'd like to own your own construction business you may want to earn a degree in small business management. Working in construction while you're in school could be a way to finance your education if you seek a degree in business or another field.


In-Demand Technology Careers

Imagine what would happen if all the computers in an office crashed. Mayhem and mass confusion would break loose. The office would cease to function, which is why IT professionals are essential in the job market.

Technology support is essential for almost all businesses today. Whether the office has an in-house information technology (IT) department, or uses a freelance company, the need for someone to manage, regulate and troubleshoot the computer systems is abundant.

Although many of these majors can be pursued with a certificate or associate's degree, administrative IT jobs typically require a bachelor's degree in:

• Software engineering
• Mathematics,
• Computer science
• Information technology
• Management information systems

If you’re looking for a quicker route to a job in technology, enroll in a career college or community college to earn a certificate in desktop support.


Most Popular Creative Jobs

Today, the gap between creative and technical jobs is closing. Helping to bridge this gap are graphic designers and desktop publishers who work with many mediums including websites and other information technologies.

There are some companies that hire in-house graphic designers. However, this career also has an abundance of freelance positions. Freelance work provides flexibility that many people need to keep up with the fast-pace of society. You work independently, from home and usually on your own schedule. If this sounds like your dream job, apply to a community college or four-year college or university for graphic design, intermedia/multimedia or another form of visual arts.


Top Careers in Sales

Do you have a knack for persuasion, a perky voice and a friendly demeanor? Then a career in sales might be a great choice for you.

In 2016, sales job seekers should expect an increase of employment opportunities. In fact, according to a survey conducted by CareerBuilder, 27% of hiring managers said they plan to hire for sales positions.

To break into a sales job without any previous work experience, earn a certificate or associate's degree in:

• Selling skills and sales operations
• General merchandising
• Sales and related marketing operations
• Retailing and retail operations
• Sales, distribution and marketing operations

Other In-Demand Careers

Whether you are running an office in a medical facility, private organization or at a government level, you are one of the most important behind-the-scenes workers. As an administrative assistant, it is up to you to keep your office running smoothly and efficiently.

How can you become an administrative assistant? Think carefully about the type of office you would like to work in and the role you could play. Without professional work experience, you’re probably going to want to earn a certificate or associates degree in business administration, receptionist, general office occupations and clerical services, medical/clinical assistant, administrative/executive assistant and medical secretary.



Credit: Christa Fletcher/Campus Explorer