For young people who are just starting out or for long-time professionals looking for a career change, the American job market can be a promising, but intimidating place. There are millions of positions open in countless fields and industries, but there is also a large population of highly talented individuals competing for those positions. If you are deciding upon a major, graduating from school or looking for a new challenge in a new field, you may be uncertain about which options have the most and best opportunities available.
Healthcare and technology are obviously two of the fastest growing sectors of the economy, and both options provide countless possibilities for those who are skilled, trained and interested in these industries. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics , these fields are likely to provide the largest career growth in the next ten years.
This guide collects three of the most promising career options, with the highest growth potential and most opportunity over the next few years, specifically in those fields. Whether you are looking for something new or just starting out in the job market, one of these options should offer the right kind of potential for a talented professional.
Registered Nurse
One of the most challenging and taxing careers, nursing can also be one of the most rewarding fields in the world. Registered nurses help assess patient health needs and care for patients in hospitals, doctor's offices, schools and countless other settings. For anyone looking for a job where they can have a direct, meaningful impact on the lives of many people, the world will always be in need of dedicated, skilled nurses.
Currently with a projected median income of just under $67,000, statistics indicate that number could jump all the way to over $400,000 in the next seven years . With a large portion of the population growing older, medical technology improving and a constant need of people to care for the sick, registered nursing may offer the best growth potential of any career in the coming years.
Sticking with the theme of healthcare and medical treatment, phlebotomy is a growing field that is expected to offer exponentially more opportunity in the immediate future. The number of phlebotomy jobs are expected to grow by as much as 25 percent over the next seven years, and phlebotomy salaries are on the rise.
Phlebotomists draw blood from patients for tests, donations, transfusions or research. In addition to the obvious technical skills and attention to detail, good phlebotomists also have great communication skills and the ability to explain complex issues to patients.
Software Application Developer
Everyone is constantly on the lookout for the best and hottest new idea for an app, and software application developers help make the idea a reality. They develop front-end, user-oriented computer applications and programs for computers, smartphones and other systems. In the next seven years, the median income for these positions is expected to grow from around $95,000 to over $135,000.
Software development requires a high level of technical expertise in the fields of computer programing, coding, user interface and similar disciplines. To be truly successful, developers should also be creative and flexible.
There are countless options out there for new professionals with any number of skills, interests and specialities, and you should look to find where yours match the job. Happiness and job satisfaction are crucial to a successful career, so even if these options do not work for you, you are sure to find something that does in the booming U.S. job market.
