Where the Hiring Is the Hottest
Here are some sweet spots in the job market
PREREQUISITES: A variety of degrees can be useful in software engineering, from associate to doctoral. Most engineers have at least a bachelor's degree in computer science or a related field. Advancement is determined by on-the-job performance, especially by demonstrating creativity in adapting to new advances in technology. Engineers with strong leadership skills often move into management positions.
FOLLOW THE MONEY: Earnings vary greatly depending on geography, skills, degrees, and experience, but on average, a software engineer receives about $40 per hour. Yet the range is enormous. In May 2004, the bottom 10 percent of software engineers earned less than $50,270, while the top 10 percent pulled in at least $116,340.
SERVICE
Auto Mechanic
CAREER OUTLOOK: They used to be called mechanics, but these days they're most likely called automotive technicians. The name change stems from the fact that diagnosing and repairing a modern car's integrated electronic, operational, and computerized systems is far more complicated than twisting wrenches. The job outlook for such workers with the right training is expected to be very good, according to government prognosticators. U.S. demand for foreign oil may decrease, but the number of cars on the road won't decline anytime soon.
PREREQUISITES: One can still learn the basics of car repair through on-the-job training and informal apprenticeships, but the skill sets are becoming more complicated, and employers like to see some formal training at the high school, vocational-technical, or community college level. More-specialized training programs sponsored by car makers and their dealerships involve two-year associate degree programs at a postsecondary school.
FOLLOW THE MONEY: Mechanics working at your neighborhood gas station earn an average of $28,000 per year. Down the road at the car dealership, those mechanics pull in around $38K. More-experienced mechanics often receive a commission based on the amount of work-hours they spend fixing a particular car, so their salaries vary with the amount of work completed.
AGRICULTURE
Farm Manager
CAREER OUTLOOK: Agricultural employment will decline by some 5 percent in the coming years, by the government's estimates, as crop prices fall and farms are consolidated. Support positions for the industry, however, are expected to grow by 18.2 percent, with 19,000 new jobs created through 2014, as older workers retire and the decline in agriculture pushes some workers into different industries.
PREREQUISITES: Growing up on a farm and learning on the job are the easiest ways to develop farm-management skills. But since farm operations are becoming more scientific, a two- or four-year advanced degree from an agricultural college is becoming the norm. While a degree in agricultural science with a concentration in management is a good start, workers will often spend years training under a more experienced hand.
FOLLOW THE MONEY: Income from farming is highly dependent on fluctuations in weather, crop yields, and government subsidies. Income for full-time, salaried farm managers is more stable; average weekly earnings were $621 in 2004.
ZOOLOGY
Veterinary Technologist
CAREER OUTLOOK: People love their pets and consider them part of the family. As pet owners become more affluent, they demand better care for the animals, a trend projected to fuel at least 27 percent growth in employment for veterinary technologists through 2014. And it's stable work. Even in economic downturns, the Labor Department says, people are still willing to pay for pet care, and layoffs are unlikely.
PREREQUISITES: After earning a four-year degree, technologists must pass a state certification exam, ensuring that Fido will be in good hands while on the operating table. State tests differ but usually include written, oral, and practical components.
FOLLOW THE MONEY: Earnings of veterinary technologists vary depending on education and employer. Average hourly wages were $12 in May 2004, but the top 10 percent averaged $17.
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