The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts these occupations, which require post-secondary training or an associate degree, will grow faster, through 2018, than all other occupations with similar requirements. The median wage is shown here to give you an idea of what you might earn if you worked in these fields. Earnings vary by employer and depend on factors including level of experience and training, and location. Use the Salary Wizard at Salary.com to learn about salaries and wages where you live and work.
Sources:
CareerOneStop, Fastest-Growing Occupations
Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2010-2011
O*NET OnLine
Skin care specialists treat their clients' skin by giving facials, full body treatments and head and neck massages. Employment of skin care specialists is projected to grow by 38% through 2018. Skin care specialists earned a median annual salary of $28,730 and a median hourly wage of $13.81 in 2008.
Dental hygienists provide preventative dental care and teach patients how to maintain good oral health. We can expect to see a 36% increase in the employment of dental hygienists through 2018. Dental hygienists earned a median annual salary of $66,570 and median hourly wages of $32.00 in 2008.
Veterinary technologists and technicians assist veterinarians by conducting clinical and laboratory procedures in private clinics and animal hospitals. Some veterinary technicians and technologists work in research facilities. Employment of veterinary technologists and technicians is expected to increase by 36% through 2018. Veterinary technologists and technicians earned a median annual salary of $28,900 and median hourly wages of $13.89.
Physical therapist assistants (PTAs) perform a variety of tasks under the direction and supervision of
physical therapists. These tasks include helping patients perform exercises, giving massages and administering electric stimulation. There is expected to be a 33% growth in employment of physical therapist assistants through 2018. Physical therapist assistants earned a median hourly wage of $22.18 and a median annual salary of $46,140 in 2008.
Environmental engineering technicians assist
environmental engineers in solving environmental problems including pollution. Employment in this field is expected to grow by 30% through 2018. Environmental engineering technicians earned median hourly wages of $19.76 and a median annual salary of $41,100 in 2008.
Occupational therapist assistants help clients with activities and exercises specified in a treatment plan developed with
occupational therapists. Employment in this field is expected to grow by 30% through 2018. Occupational therapist assistants earned median hourly wages of $23.19 and a median annual salary of $48,230 in 2008.
Fitness trainers lead, motivate and instruct people in exercise activities. There is expected to be a 29% increase in the employment of fitness trainers through 2018. Fitness trainers earned median hourly wages of $14.04 and a median annual salary of $29,210 in 2008.
Environmental science and protection technicians, working under the direction of
environmental scientists, monitor the environment and investigate sources of pollution by performing laboratory and field tests. Employment in this field is expected to grow by 29% through 2018. Environmental science and protection technicians' median annual earnings were $40,230 and their median hourly wages were $19.34 in 2008.
Heating, air conditioning and refrigeration mechanics and installers, commonly called HVAC technicians, install, maintain and repair heating, air conditioning and refrigeration systems. We can expect to see a 28% growth in employment in this field through 2018. HVAC technicians earned median hourly wages of $19.08 and a median annual salary of $39,680 in 2008.
Paralegals, sometimes called legal assistants, help lawyers with a variety of tasks, including preparing for trials, hearings and closings; doing research; and drafting legal documents. Employment in this field is expected to grow by 28% through 2018. Paralegals earned median hourly wages of $22.18 and a median annual salary of $46,120 in 2008.
