by Ted Sherman

Created on: August 24, 2010   Last Updated: August 25, 2010

According to the U.S. Department of Labor statistics and many other resources, the fastest growing career in 2010 is the field of professional nursing. Nursing jobs are not affected by seasons nor the state of the economy. At almost any time of the year, there are more than 100,000 openings throughout the U.S. and Canada.

The typical nursing career opportunities are in hospitals, clinics, doctors’ offices, retirement communities and industry. For registered nurses, those with bachelor’s degrees and state certification, the annual salary can range from $50,000 to $75,000. For senior and charge nurses, the salary can be as high as $100,000. For department heads and nurses who've earned doctorate, the salary can go higher.

For practical nurses and doctors’ assistants who’ve completed two-year courses of study and are certified, the salary ranges from $20,000 to $40,000, depending on experience and special medical skills, such as home health aides, X-ray and MRI technicians.   

In another popular career field, computer-related jobs are still growing annually, despite the poor employment situation in the nation’s down economy. Continuing improvements and sophistication of the products create needs for those who aspire to careers in computer networks, systems expansion, and database creation and upgrading.

According to latest statistics, there are more than 45,000 new computer-related job openings each year, with salaries ranging from $60,000 upward, depending on skills, education and management qualifications.

For most of the choice jobs, a minimum of a bachelor’s degree is required. Those with master’s degrees in computer-related specialties and practical experience can expect the higher starting salaries and more favorable career paths.
 
In the huge industry of hospitality, it can provide a good career start for new high school graduates, older workers seeking career changes and those whose Armed Services obligations are completed. For example, a front-desk job in a large hotel requires a good appearance and friendly attitude more than a college education. If that person wants to move up, there are college-level courses in hospitality and hotel management that can increase the opportunities.

A similar career path may be offered in catering companies, cruise ships, restaurants and hotel food preparation, waiter/waitress, chauffeur, parking attendant and other hospitality jobs. Those types of work have considerable potential for promotion, especially if the employee pursues higher education and acquires upgraded skills.

While salaries are entry-level and not much higher in many hospitality jobs, income may be increased through tips, free meals, free lodging and other add-ons. Additionally, those jobs may be available for evening and late night shifts, allowing ambitious employees to enroll in daytime schools and colleges.

Despite a sluggish economy, there are still good career opportunities in the job market. All a job seeker needs to do is find out the fastest growing career of this year and go for it.

Learn more about this author, Ted Sherman.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.