The New Year is just around the corner, and maybe 2012 will be the year you finally pursue that career change you’ve been considering for a long time. Still unsure which career field to pursue? According to Laurence Shatkin, Ph.D., career expert and author of numerous career guides, these are the top 10 best jobs for 21st century, ranked by the best combination of pay, growth and openings:
1. Software Developers, Applications
Annual earnings: $87,790
Percent growth: 34
Annual openings: 21,840
2. Physicians and Surgeons
Annual earnings: $165,279
Percent growth: 21.8
Annual openings: 26,050
3. Software Developers, Systems Software
Annual earnings: $94,180
Percent growth: 30.4
Annual openings: 15,340
4. Management Analysts
Annual earnings: $78,160
Percent growth: 23.9
Annual openings: 30,650
5. Computer Systems Analysts
Annual earnings: $77,740
Percent growth: 20.3
Annual openings: 22,280
6. Registered Nurses
Annual earnings: $64,690
Percent growth: 22.2
Annual openings: 103,900
7. Civil Engineers
Annual earnings: $77,560
Percent growth: 24.3
Annual openings: 11,460
8. Medical Scientists (except Epidemiologists)
Annual earnings: $76,700
Percent growth: 40.4
Annual openings: 6,620
9. Physical Therapists
Annual earnings: $76,310
Percent growth: 30.3
Annual openings: 7,860
10. Dental Hygienists
Annual earnings: $68,250
Percent growth: 36.1
Annual openings: 9,840
These jobs are the top 10 of a 400-job list, “Best Jobs Overall,” which appears in Shatkin’s new book, Best Jobs for the 21st Century. If none of the 10 above fit your skills or interests, the book includes 68 other lists of jobs lists divided by demographic, experience, salary and more.
Best wishes finding the best job for you in 2012.
