The Ten Hottest Careers

Top Ten Hottest Careers as Predicted by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics

The US Bureau of Labor Statistics publishes estimates of which occupations should grow the fastest between 2002 and 2012, and which occupations should have the most new jobs.

Quick Jump:

The Ten Fastest Growing Occupations for College Graduates

The numbers below are in thousands of jobs:

Occupation 2002 2012 % Change
Network systems and data communications analysts 186 292 57
Physician assistants 63 94 49
Medical records and health information technicians 147 216 47
Computer software engineers, applications 394 573 46
Computer software engineers, systems software 281 409 46
Physical therapist assistants 50 73 46
Fitness trainers and aerobics instructors 183 264 45
Database administrators 110 159 44
Veterinary technologists and technicians 53 76 44
Dental hygienists 148 212 43

Source: United States Bureau of Labor Statistics

Occupations with the Most New Jobs: Associate's Degrees or Postsecondary Vocational Awards

The numbers below are in thousands of jobs:

Occupation 2002 2012 % Change
Registered nurses 2,284 2,908 623
Computer support specialists 507 660 153
Preschool teachers, except special education 424 577 153
Licensed practical and licensed vocational nurses 702 844 142
Automotive service technicians and mechanics 818 919 101
Hairdressers, hairstylists, and cosmetologists 585 671 86
Fitness trainers and aerobics instructors 183 264 81
Medical records and health information technicians 147 216 69
Dental hygienists 148 212 64
Emergency medical technicians and paramedics 179 238 59

Source: United States Bureau of Labor Statistics

Occupations with the Most New Jobs: Bachelor's Degrees

The numbers below are in thousands of jobs:

Occupation 2002 2012 % Change
Elementary school teachers, except special education 1,467 1,690 223
Accountants and auditors 1,055 1,261 205
Computer systems analysts 468 653 184
Secondary school teachers, except special and vocational education 988 1,167 180
Computer software engineers, applications 394 573 179
Special education teachers 433 563 130
Computer software engineers, systems software 281 409 128
Network systems and data communications analysts 186 292 106
Network and computer systems administrators 251 345 94
Computer programmers 499 571 73

Source: United States Bureau of Labor Statistics