The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that these occupations will have the greatest number of job openings through 2014. Most require very little training but also pay very little.
Sources:
Retail salespeople assist customers. They receive most of their training on the job. The median hourly earnings of retail salespersons were $8.98 in May 2004. That figure includes commissions. The starting hourly wage for salespeople is generally the minimum wage. Nationally that wage is $5.15 an hour, but it may vary by state.
Cashiers work in supermarkets, department stores, gas stations, movie theaters, as well as in other businesses. They usually receive short-term on-the-job training. A cashier earns a median hourly wage of $7.81, but most start off earning the minimum wage. The Federal minimum wage is $5.15 per hour but it may vary by state.
Waiters and waitresses serve food and beverages to restaurant clientele. They receive short-term on-the-job training. The median hourly wage for waiters and waitresses is $6.75 (as of May 2004), which includes tips. Tips usually range from 10% to 20% of the total bill and are usually given at the customer's discretion.
Most food preparation workers receive short-term on-the-job training. Executive chefs and those who work in fine restaurants usually receive much more extensive training. Earnings vary greatly by type of job and by location. The median hourly earnings for food preparation workers were $8.03 in May 2004.
Most registered nurses providing direct patient care in hospitals . A registered nurse must have either a bachelor's of science degree in nursing, an associate degree in nursing, or a diploma issued by a hospital. Median annual earnings of registered nurses were $52,330 in May 2004. This is one of the highest paying occupations on this list, and also requires more training than all but one other occupation.
Laborers and hand material movers manually move freight, stock and other materials. They receive short-term on-the-job training. Laborers and hand material movers earned a median hourly rate of $9.67 in 2004.
General office clerks carry out various duties which may change on a daily basis. They receive short-term on-the-job training. Median annual earnings for general office clerks were $22,770 in 2004.
Postsecondary teachers include college and university faculty, postsecondary career and technical education teachers, and graduate teaching assistants. Education and training requirements for postsecondary teachers are the highest of all occupations on this list, ranging from a bachelor's degree to a doctorate degree. The median earnings for those in this occupation were also higher than for others on this list. They were $51,800 in 2004, but vary according to position and level of education.
Janitors and cleaners perform heavy cleaning duties. They receive short-term on-the-job training. Their median annual earnings were $18,790 in 2004.
Customer service representatives help customers with their questions and concerns. They receive moderate on-the-job training. Median annual earnings of customer service representatives in 2004 were $27,020.
