During the decade from 2006-16, healthcare occupations are expected to make up seven of the 20 fastest growing occupations, the largest proportion of any occupational group, according to the U.S. Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
These seven healthcare occupations, in addition to exhibiting high growth rates, will add nearly 750,000 new jobs between 2006 and 2016, BLS notes. Other occupational groups that have more than one occupation in the 20 fastest growing occupations are computer occupations, personal care and service occupations, community and social services occupations, and business and financial operations occupations.
BLS adds that high growth rates among occupations in the top 20 fastest growing occupations reflect projected rapid growth in the health care and social assistance industries and the professional, scientific, and technical services industries.
Following are the 20 fastest growing occupations covered in the 2008-09 Occupational Outlook Handbook (numbers in thousands):
| Occupation |
Employment change: 2006-16 |
| Number |
Percent |
Network systems and data communications
|
140
|
53.4
|
Personal and home care aides
|
389
|
50.6
|
Home health aides
|
384
|
48.7
|
Computer software engineers, applications
|
226
|
44.6
|
Veterinary technologists and technicians
|
29
|
41.0
|
Personal financial advisors
|
72
|
41.0
|
Makeup artists, theatrical and performance
|
1
|
39.8
|
Medical assistants
|
148
|
35.4
|
Veterinarians
|
22
|
35.0
|
Substance abuse and behavioral disorder counselors
|
29
|
34.3
|
Skin care specialists
|
13
|
34.3
|
Financial analysts
|
75
|
33.8
|
Social and human service assistants
|
114
|
33.6
|
Gaming surveillance officers and gaming investigators
|
3
|
33.6
|
Physical therapist assistants
|
20
|
32.4
|
Pharmacy technicians
|
91
|
32.0
|
Forensic science technicians
|
4
|
30.7
|
Dental hygienists
|
50
|
30.1
|
Mental health counselors
|
30
|
30.0
|
Mental health and substance abuse social workers
|
37
|
29.9
|
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Occupational Outlook Handbook.