Top 10 Jobs by 2018

by Robyn Tellefsen

When you're looking for work, you've got to go where the jobs are. And why not start with the fastest-growing occupations - fields with thousands of new job openings? If you're willing to go back to school for some training, you might just find yourself in a position to score one of these sweet jobs.

1. Biomedical Engineer
Technological advances are sending this relatively new specialty through the roof - the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects employment of biomedical engineers to grow 72 percent, which translates into 12,000 new jobs by 2018. You'll need at least a bachelor's degree, preferably a master's degree, to get into this exciting career, which combines knowledge of biology and medicine with engineering principles and practices to solve health-related problems.
Mean salary: $84,780

2. Network Systems and Data Communications Analyst
The rise of "cloud computing" and the mobile data trend is keeping employment of these IT gurus, well, in the clouds. Employment growth of 53 percent - or 156,000 new jobs by 2018 - makes it an opportune time to go back to school for a bachelor's degree in computer science or a related field. At school, you'll learn all about database and Web design, Internet architecture, mobile technology, and networking so you'll have the skills to design, build, test, and maintain information systems.
Mean salary: $76,560

3. Home Health Aide
The aging population is creating an enormous demand for home health aides, who assist the infirm by cooking, cleaning, and administering medications. The work isn't easy, but those in the field are seeing a growth rate of 50 percent - a whopping 461,000 new jobs by 2018. Look for a 75- or 120-hour training program at community colleges, hospitals, and home health care agencies, depending on your state's requirements for licensure.
Mean salary: $21,760

4. Personal and Home Care Aide
Unlike home health aides, who perform medically oriented tasks like taking vital signs and operating medical equipment, personal and home care aides function more like companions or personal attendants. But the aging population is still creating a huge need for workers in this occupation, which is experiencing a 46 percent growth rate, or 376,000 new jobs by 2018. You don't need a license to get into this career, but earning a vocational school certificate can enhance job opportunities.
Mean salary: $20,420

5. Financial Examiner
Scandals lead to scrutiny, which is one major reason why 11,000 new financial examiner jobs will be opening up by 2018 - someone's got to help these companies stay out of trouble. You'll need a bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, or business in order to perform audits and ensure legal compliance. You might even pursue voluntary certification by the Society of Financial Examiners or the Institute of Internal Auditors.
Mean salary: $71,000

6. Medical Scientist
We are always in need of new medicines and cures, and even more so as a result of overpopulation and increased international travel. The BLS projects 44,000 new jobs by 2018 - a 40 percent growth rate for medical scientists, who are charged with studying human disease and conditions and searching for practical applications for research that can move quickly to the marketplace. Obviously, a doctoral degree is a must.
Mean salary: $86,710

7. Physician Assistant
The ongoing concern of access to affordable health care is helping drive demand for physician assistants (PAs), who are critical members of medical teams. The BLS projects 39 percent growth in the field, or 29,000 new jobs by 2018. Though PAs treat patients under the supervision of doctors, they may also be principal care providers. You need a master's degree in health sciences and a license to work as a PA.
Mean salary: $87,140

8. Skin Care Specialist
Our population may be aging, but we don't want our skin to show it. Enter the esthetician, who not only helps enhance the appearance of our skin, but also improves its health. The field is seeing a 38 percent growth rate, or 15,000 new jobs by 2018. You'll need at least 600 hours of formal training at a cosmetology school or community college in order to become a licensed esthetician in your state.
Mean salary: $32,030

9. Biochemist and Biophysicist
The same diseases that are spurring the need for medical scientists are driving the demand for biochemists and biophysicists, with job growth of 37 percent - 9,000 new jobs by 2018. These particular doctoral-degree holders study living organisms at the molecular level. Biochemists may focus on DNA and how it can be manipulated to treat disease and genetic disorders, while biophysicists work to determine how mechanical and electrical energy affect organisms. Mean salary: $86,580

10. Athletic Trainer
The cost of health care plays a significant role in the increased demand for athletic trainers, who are expected to see 6,000 new jobs by 2018. Athletic trainers work with athletes to prevent and treat muscular and skeletal injuries. You'll need a bachelor's degree and a license to get the job, though more and more athletic trainers are going back to school to get a master's degree.
Mean salary: $44,030