Just for High School Staff

In the next 10 years, many of the fastest growing jobs in the nation will require a technical education. With this in mind, let WITC serve as a resource to you and your students. Knowing your time is valuable, we hope this site provides links to the information that can help you assist students on their career search.

Below is a list of the 10 fastest growing occupations for 2004 to 2014 as compiled by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

1. Home health aides

Increase: 56%
Income: up to $20,184
Number in 2004: 624,000
Number in 2014: 974,000
Education required: Short term, on-the-job training

2. Network systems and data communications analysts

Increase: 54.60%
Income: $43,605 and up
Number in 2004: 231,000
Number in 2014: 357,000
Education required: Bachelor's degree

3. Medical assistants

Increase: 52.10%
Income: $20,185 to $28,589
Number in 2004: 589,000
Number in 2014: 387,000
Education required: Moderate on-the-job training

4. Physician assistants

Increase: 49.60%
Income: $43,605 and up
Number in 2004: 62,000
Number in 2014: 93,000
Education required: Bachelor's degree

5. Computer software engineers, applications

Increase: 48.40%
Income: $43,605 and up
Number in 2004: 460,000
Number in 2014: 682,000
Education required: Bachelor's degree

6. Physical therapist assistants

Increase: 44.20%
Income: $20,185 to $28,589
Number in 2004: 59,000
Number in 2014: 85,000
Education required: Associate's degree

7. Dental hygienists

Increase: 43.30%
Income: $43,605 and up
Number in 2004: 158,000
Number in 2014: 226,000
Education required: Associate's degree

8. Computer software engineers, systems software

Increase: 43%
Income: $43,605 and up
Number in 2004: 340,000
Number in 2014: 486,000
Education required: Bachelor's degree

9. Dental assistants

Increase: 42.70%
Income: $20,185 to $28,589
Number in 2004: 267,000
Number in 2014: 382,000
Education required: Moderate on-the-job training

10. Personal and home care aides

Increase: 41%
Income: up to $20,184
Number in 2004: 701,000
Number in 2014: 988,000
Education required: Short-term on-the-job training

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, a division of the U.S. Department of Labor