By Debra Auerbach
If you created a list of factors that would make for an ideal job, chances are that job security would be one of the top items on the list. One way to measure job security is by the growth of that occupation.
Coming out of the recession, certain industries have been struggling to recover and may never get back to where they were, while others have re-emerged even stronger than they were before. Looking ahead, industries that continue to see growth will provide more job stability for those workers currently part of or looking to enter occupations within those sectors.
Below is a list, compiled by Economic Modeling Specialists Intl., with the five industries that are expected to grow the fastest between 2013 and 2016, along with examples of the projected fastest-growing occupations within those industries. If you're looking for a career that is growing and can offer job security, one of these occupations may be the right fit for you.
Industry: Mining, quarrying and oil and gas extraction
1. Rotary drill operators, oil and gas
Projected employment change from 2013-2016: 16 percent
Education level: Moderate-term on-the-job training
Median hourly pay: $24.24
2. Industrial machinery mechanics
Projected employment change from 2013-2016: 14 percent
Education level: Long-term on-the-job training
Median hourly pay: $22.59
3. Petroleum engineers
Projected employment change from 2013-2016: 13 percent
Education level: Bachelor's degree
Median hourly pay: $63.67
Industry: Health care and social assistance
1. Personal care aides
Projected employment change from 2013-2016: 18 percent
Education level: Short-term on-the-job training
Median hourly pay: $9.77
2. Home health aides
Projected employment change from 2013-2016: 17 percent
Education level: Short-term on-the-job training
Median hourly pay: $9.97
3. Medical scientists, except epidemiologists
Projected employment change from 2013-2016: 14 percent
Education level: Doctoral degree
Median hourly pay: $36.95
Industry: Educational services (private)
1. Educational, guidance, school and vocational counselors
Projected employment change from 2013-2016: 13 percent
Education level: Master's degree
Median hourly pay: $26.16
2. Training and development specialists
Projected employment change from 2013-2016: 11 percent
Education level: Bachelor's degree
Median hourly pay: $27.14
3. Education, training and library workers (all other)
Projected employment change from 2013-2016: 11 percent
Education level: Bachelor's degree
Median hourly pay: $18.02
Industry: Professional, scientific and technical services
1. Logisticians
Projected employment change from 2013-2016: 19 percent
Education level: Bachelor's degree
Median hourly pay: $35.08
2. Software developers, systems software
Projected employment change from 2013-2016: 17 percent
Education level: Bachelor's degree
Median hourly pay: $47.64
3. Market research analysts and marketing specialists
Projected employment change from 2013-2016: 16 percent
Education level: Bachelor's degree
Median hourly pay: $29.10
Industry: Administrative and support and waste management and remediation services
1. Correctional officers and jailers
Projected employment change from 2013-2016: 12 percent
Education level: Moderate-term on-the-job training
Median hourly pay: $20.55
2. Billing and posting clerks
Projected employment change from 2013-2016: 10 percent
Education level: Short-term on-the-job training
Median hourly pay: $16.21
3. Customer service representatives
Projected employment change from 2013-2016: 9 percent
Education level: Short-term on-the-job training
Median hourly pay: $14.91
