Technology on Top as Greatest Industry Potential for New Jobs and Income Growth

Technology on Top as Greatest Industry Potential for New Jobs and Income Growth
Many clients, especially young professionals just starting
out, often ask about future trends for employment and
opportunity. My answer is always the same it depends on
current supply and demand. Population and population trends
are the biggest contributors to determining supply and
demand of employment opportunities for the future.

With automation and advancing technology the some
industries have slowed while others have exploded and new
ones are developing daily. Any new industries and the
ancillary careers that emerge from them are a good place to
start. The industry shift tends to be toward more skilled
positions so an education or formal training is a must for
today's young adults.

As our younger generation grows up we will need more
educators to teach the children, and as baby-boomers move
into their retirement years, the need for more healthcare
jobs becomes necessary. These population shifts alter the
demands that will determine future trends in employment.
Although projections show increases of 14% from 2002 to
2012 in the American workforce, the demographics change
considerably.

According to Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) in the next
half dozen years the fastest growing industries will be
Technology at 35.8%, Healthcare at 34.5%, Nursing industry
increasing 27.3%, Human Resources at 26.2%, and Criminal
Justice and Education/Teaching both at 24.7% rounding the
top five growth industries. So, when looking into
industries with largest potential for available jobs the
above industries are the top contenders.

Now if my clients are looking strictly at the income
opportunity then I would suggest looking at a different
index also released by the Bureau of Labor Statistics which
shows the largest salary and wage changes for the next
decade. Occupations listed below are expected to provide
the largest earnings potential increase, starting with
Software Publishing leading with a whopping 68% increase
followed by Computer System Design and Related services,
and Management, Scientific and Technology Consulting
services both increasing earnings by 55%, Employment
service come close at 54% and Social Assistance (except
child day care) at 47% and finally Motion Pictures and
Video increasing by 31%.

While many of the advancing growth industries are
dissimilar from the highest income candidates, the computer
related industries and health care still look most
promising in terms of both opportunity and income
potential. But before my clients run to change their career
goals I try to remind them that it's although income and
opportunity are important if this is their planned career
field for the next 20, 30 or 50 years they should make sure
it is one that will offer them appeal, interest and
enjoyment for many years.

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Kris Plantrich is the owner of ResumeWonders Writing and
Career Coaching Services. She is certified in Resume
Writing and Interview Coaching, experienced and affordable
and is nationally published. Reuse of this article is
encouraged but must include a link to
http://www.resumewonders.com .