top jobs for2011
Top Jobs for 2014
The list of the best jobs in 2014 springs many surprises. Previously top-rated jobs in the fields of engineering, business management, and healthcare are no longer witnessing the growth they enjoyed. So, which jobs are hot in 2014? Let's find out.
Quick Tip
Constant uprgrading of skills through additional training and certifications will enable you to rise higher in your job.Petroleum Engineers
Total employment in 2013: 40,733 jobs
Total jobs added from 2010-2013: 7,158
Job growth from 2010 to 2013: 21%
Median hourly earnings: USD 63.67
As the job of a petroleum engineer is complex, and needs specific skills and education, it fetches excellent median hourly earnings which are above USD 60. Also, as the demand for energy has increased the world-over, petroleum engineer jobs have exhibited maximum growth over the last 3 years. The industries which hire petroleum engineers are oil and gas extraction, support activities for mining, and petroleum and coal products manufacturing.
Duties
✦ Design and install equipment to extract oil and gas.
✦ Utilize computer-controlled drilling for extracting oil and gas.
✦ Research and develop breakthroughs in the oil and gas industry.
✦ Work on-site to ensure that the installed equipment is functioning properly.Market Research Analysts and Marketing Specialists
Total employment in 2013: 438,095 jobs
Total jobs added from 2010-2013: 54,979
Job growth from 2010 to 2013: 14%
Median hourly earnings: USD 29.10
Many industries today employ market research analysts and marketing specialists for conducting research, collating data, and identifying trends to understand the effectiveness of a certain product, service or marketing campaign. The job may also include conducting a competitor analysis to understand their strategy. As this job requires precise research skills for collecting, processing and analyzing data, its median hourly earnings almost touch USD 30.
Duties
✦ Help a company understand its position in the market.
✦ Conduct research and prepare reports with graphical illustrations of the findings.
✦ Undertake study of the various market trends.
✦ Monitor competitor strategies and their impact on client's product.Meeting, Convention and Event Planners
Total employment in 2013: 87,082 jobs
Total jobs added from 2010-2013: 10,867
Job growth from 2010 to 2013: 14%
Median hourly earnings: USD 22.56
With an ever growing number of corporates and individual parties hosting events, there has been a steady growth in the job opportunities for event planners. The median hourly earning is relatively on the lower side, given the fact that many have to work for more than 40 hours every week. As this job may require round the clock work, especially before an event, it will require you to put in a lot of effort and travel frequently.
Duties
✦ Meet clients to understand their requirements for the event.
✦ Plan, arrange, and coordinate all facets related to the event, which may include decoration, food, and lighting.
✦ Arrange venue, transportation, celebrity, if any, for the event.
✦ Travel and work on-site before and during the event.Interpreters and Translators
Total employment in 2013: 69,887 jobs
Total jobs added from 2010-2013: 8,377
Job growth from 2010 to 2013: 14%
Median hourly earnings: USD 22.39
To work as an interpreter and translator, you will have to study at least two languages professionally. One will be your source language, while the other will be your target one. Interpreters and translators are usually experts for certain languages in fields like engineering, literature, legal, medical, technical, etc. As global trade is increasing by the day, the need for interpreter and translator jobs will be on a higher side.
Duties
✦ Translators must attend meetings and note down the discussions in the language of the client.
✦ Translators help convert written subject from the source language into target language for their clients.
✦ Interpreters help translate conversations between clients.
✦ Interpreters attend various conferences, business negotiations, meetings, etc., and explain the on goings to the client in his/her preferred language.Software Developers
Total employment in 2013: 1,042,402 jobs
Total jobs added from 2010-2013: 104,348
Job growth from 2010 to 2013: 11%
Median hourly earnings: USD 45.06
With the requirement for software developers spanning many fields, it sure makes for a remarkable career. Careers related to computers and software usually pay well, and job openings for software developers are expected to grow in the coming years. Added advantage is the ample opportunity to learn and grow. However, you will have to keep updating your technical knowledge from time to time, in order to survive in this highly competitive field.
Duties
✦ Understand the requirements of the user.
✦ Design and create new software programs.
✦ Write and test the code required for the program.
✦ Monitor the system and take corrective action.Web Developers
Total employment in 2013: 136,921 jobs
Total jobs added from 2010-2013: 13,364
Job growth from 2010 to 2013: 11%
Median hourly earnings: USD 27.84
Web developers design and create websites, web pages, applications, etc. At times, they also optimize the website of their client. They also help in modifying and updating web pages for them. Web developers are required to be creative as well as experts in the various software used for designing and programming a website. Since the internet is ever expanding and ever evolving,experienced web developers stand a better chance to land a lucrative job opportunity, hence, if you are a novice, try to do an internship to gain more knowledge.
Duties
✦ Meet with the client to get a briefing for the website.
✦ Design the layout of the website and write code for the web pages.
✦ Test the website before it goes live on various devices to rule out any kind of problems.
✦ Incorporate changes if any, and upload the website on the server.Database Administrators
Total employment in 2013: 119,676 jobs
Total jobs added from 2010-2013: 11,241
Job growth from 2010 to 2013: 10%
Median hourly earnings: USD 37.39
Database administrators (DBAs) try to identify the needs of the user or the company before creating the database. They analyze, plan and design the database accordingly. As this job is a critical technical job, it fetches a median hourly earnings of around USD 37. An average 10 percent growth in the last three years has been attributed to many companies hiring DBAs to cater to their increased data needs. Also, this job profile is applicable in various industries. As a DBA, you will be expected to use various software tools for generating data in a filtered and productive manner.
Duties
✦ Collate, organize, update and maintain various databases.
✦ Make modifications in the database for the ease of interpretation by analysts.
✦ Create a data backup and have a mechanism in place to avoid data loss.
✦ Undertake security measures to protect classified data.Logisticians
Total employment in 2013: 127,892 jobs
Total jobs added from 2010-2013: 11,897
Job growth from 2010 to 2013: 10%
Median hourly earnings: USD 35.08
Logisticians help co-ordinate the process of supply chain management in an organization. Their work starts right from sourcing the raw materials from the vendor and ends with delivering the finished product to the customers. As this job involves motivating people to deliver the goods faster against a deadline, it fetches an handsome median hourly earnings of USD 35. As logisticians are required in almost every industry, their job is in high demand. However, this job can be very demanding, and one that requires you to be on your toes 24X7.
Duties
✦ Co-ordinate the sourcing of raw materials, their processing, and the supply of end product.
✦ Implement strategies that will help reduce the time, cost, and effort involved in logistical functions
✦ Network and build a rapport with vendors, transport companies, operation managers, and customers.
✦ Use software aids to keep track of material and goods throughout the supply chain.Training and Development Specialists
Total employment in 2013: 231,898 jobs
Total jobs added from 2010-2013: 18,042
Job growth from 2010 to 2013: 8%
Median hourly earnings: USD 27.14
Many companies today, have realized the importance of training their employees for incorporating innovation. Training and development specialists understand the requirement of the organization, create programs and reference materials, and train the employees. As an organization requires staff to train new employees as well, this is one secure job that will always be in demand.
Duties
✦ Conduct surveys, interviews, and studies to assess the company's training and development needs.
✦ Design learning modules, draft a schedule, and create reference manuals for the same.
✦ Invite expert trainers to address the employees.
✦ Conduct a 'training effectiveness' survey after the sessions.Information Security Analysts
Total employment in 2013: 75,995 jobs
Total jobs added from 2010-2013: 5,671
Job growth from 2010 to 2013: 8%
Median hourly earnings: USD 41.62
An information security analyst job is a critical as he understands and plans strategies for the security of data, computers, and network. This job has gained more importance today as security breaches, data hacking, spamming, theft of classified information, etc., are on the rise and have adversely affected many companies. While information security analysts are required in various sectors, they are mainly found in industries which require stringent data security measures, for example, banks, government agencies, investment companies, IT companies, pharmaceutical companies, etc. The median hourly earnings for this job exceeds USD 40 an hour because of the expertise required to shoulder the responsibilities.
Duties
✦ Assess the information security requirement for the company.
✦ Undertake various security measures like installing firewalls, arranging data back-up, and encryption.
✦ Stay updated about the latest information security intelligence in the market.
✦ Test and incorporate security enhancements from time to time. Financial Analysts
Total employment in 2013: 257,159 jobs
Total jobs added from 2010-2013: 17,060
Job growth from 2010 to 2013: 7%
Median hourly earnings: USD 37.34
Financial analysts study the market and help individuals or companies invest in the right type of investment, at the right time. They plan smart investment strategies which can prove profitable to their clients. They often work for all business sectors including banks, insurance companies, mutual funds, hedge funds, private equity groups, etc. Owing to the increased number of financial products available in the market, seeking help of a financial analyst has become the need of the hour to make sound investment decisions. Hence, this job has exhibited a 7% growth over the past three years.
Duties✦ Inform people about buying or selling investments for a stronger portfolio.
✦ Study the trends depicted by various global markets, businesses, sectors, and economies.
✦ Generate a 'report of recommendation' for the clients based on study.
✦ Select the right bonds, shares, funds, etc., for the clients to invest in.Physical Therapists
Total employment in 2013: 207,132 jobs
Total jobs added from 2010-2013: 14,011
Job growth from 2010 to 2013: 7%
Median hourly earnings: USD 37.93
Physical therapists are those medical professionals who provide care and rehabilitation to the ill or injured individuals in consultation with their doctors. They implement various modalities and equipment to improve their patient's mobility and management of pain. As the specialization of a physical therapist varies based on the type and severity of injury or ailment, it has become one of the most coveted jobs that offers a median hourly pay of around USD 37. Some physical therapist also suggest fitness programs for their patients so that they can return to a healthier lifestyle asap.
Duties
✦ Study the notes from the doctor, patient's history and ailment before planning a treatment.
✦ Diagnose the problem by interacting with the patient, and draft a plan of treatment.
✦ Implement various methods to ease the pain of the patient and prevent any further injury.
✦ Monitor the progress of the patient, and inform his/her family about the various methods of taking good care of him/her.