The Fastest Growing Jobs in the U.S.

20 of the fastest growing jobs in the market

The importance of having a college degree cannot be over-emphasized enough, especially in today's overcrowded and competitive job market. With unemployment at record levels and companies continuing to lay off workers, the value of a college education is more appreciated than ever. The chances for advancement and promotion, and the ability to command a high salary, are still largely available only to individuals who have a college degree. The competition for quality jobs has become so intense, that many times a Bachelor's Degree is literally just a way to get your foot in the door. Employers view a degree as evidence of training and expertise, but many career paths now require additional advanced degrees for those individuals wanting to move up the corporate ladder and earn the higher salaries.

The professions listed below are considered to be the 20 fastest growing jobs in the U.S. The ones listed in bold print require a Bachelor's Degree or other post-secondary degree.

1. Home Health Aides
2. Network Systems & Data Communications Analysts
3. Medical Assistants
4. Physician Assistants
5. Computer Software Engineers, Applications
6. Physical Therapist Assistants
7. Dental Hygienists
8. Computer Software Engineers, Systems Software
9. Dental Assistants
10. Personal and Home Care Aides
11. Network and Computer Systems Administrators
12. Database Administrators
13. Physical Therapists
14. Forensic Science Technicians
15. Veterinary Technologists and Technicians
16. Diagnostic Medical Sonographers
17. Physical Therapist Aides
18. Occupational Therapist Assistants
19. Medical Scientists
20. Occupational Therapists

Each of these professions is expected to show continued growth over the next few years according to statistics from the U.S. Department of Labor. As is evident from the listing above, the jobs which do not require a college degree have the word “Assistant” or “Aid” in them. While these are all good jobs, it does indicate that if you want to pursue a career path that leads to advancement and higher salaries, a college degree will be necessary in order to have those opportunities.