The Six Fastest Growing Professions for 2014

For many, a new year signals a new start and the resolve to change or improve certain aspects of our lives. If you are one of many Americans whose New Year's resolution is to find a (more) rewarding career, now is the time to take action. Although you might have a general idea of the professional direction you want to take, it is important to consider which professions are moving forward in a positive direction in our rapidly evolving economy. To help you research these options, we have compiled a list of the six fastest growing professions for 2014 and beyond.

1. Personal Care and Home Health Aides. With our aging population of baby boomers, there will be an increasing demand for trained professionals who assist those who are chronically ill, cognitively impaired or disabled. Though this profession pays an average of just over $20,000 a year, the fact that the United States Department of Labor expects the field to create 70% more jobs between 2010 and 2020 promises job security.
2. Biomedical Engineers.  Continuing with the trend of increasing demand for healthcare jobs, biomedical engineers are next on the list, with a 60% increase in available jobs expected to be added to this field before 2020. A biomedical engineer is required to earn a bachelor's degree in biomedical engineering. Work includes analyzing biomedical problems and design solutions to improve the effectiveness of patient care. The annual salary of a biomedical engineer is around $81,500.
3. Brickmasons, Blockmasons, Stonemasons, Tile and Marble Setters and Carpenters. In a very different field than healthcare, brickmasons, blockmasons, stonemasons, tile and marble setters and carpenters have a positive employment projection and earn between $25,750 and $28,000 a year. The number of jobs expected to be added before 2020 ranges from 55.7% to 60.1%. These jobs typically appeal to visual and creative people, especially those who enjoy working with their hands and using various mediums.
4. Veterinary Technologists and Technicians. A passion for animals can lead to a successful career as a veterinary technologist or technician. This profession concentrates on performing medical tests to help diagnose or treat the diseases and injuries of animals. With a projected growth of almost 42% in this decade, veterinary technologists and technicians, who earn an annual salary of approximately $30,000 a year, can expect to be in high demand for the foreseeable future.
5. Reinforcing Iron and Rebar Workers. Reinforcing iron and rebar workers have the physically demanding task of installing mesh, bars or cable to reinforce concrete. In addition to working outside in all kinds of weather, these jobs are hazardous, with the risk of injuries due to falling from scaffolding or ladders, burns from equipment and deep cuts from pieces of sharp metal. However, for those who enjoy the outdoors and do not mind heavy and dangerous work, this profession can offer many opportunities and skills as well as an annual income of just under $40,000. And with a projected growth of almost 49%, jobs are expected to be plentiful.
6. Physical Therapist Assistants. Rehabilitating patients, helping them regain mobility and managing pain can be an extremely rewarding occupation. It is important to be aware, however, that the requirements of this profession require physical strength and stamina, since physical therapist assistants are on their feet most of the day and frequently assist patients. However, with a projected growth of 45% during this decade and an average annual salary of $37,700 per year, the profession offers an opportunity for a strong career trajectory.

Other rapidly growing professions are primarily in the healthcare field and include positions such as diagnostic medical sonographers, medical secretaries and dental hygienists. In addition to growing opportunities in the healthcare field, meeting planners, interpreters and market research analysts will also see an increase in demand for jobs and workload in the near future, according to the Occupational Outlook Handbook.

If you want to know more about a profession that interests you, take a look at the Bureau for Labor Statistics' Occupational Outlook Handbook. Here you can find information such as what kind of work a job entails, what education or training you need and how much you can expect to earn.

No matter what career calls you, make sure to research it properly before embarking on time-consuming and costly training. That way, you increase your chances of being fulfilled by your work, and you are well on your way to accomplishing that New Year's Resolution.