Health Job Trends

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) estimates that seven of the 20 fastest-growing occupations are in health care. The industry was expected to generate 3 million new jobs from 2006 through 2016 (a growth of 21.7 percent), the highest among all industry verticals.

Management, Business and Financial Occupations

• For some jobs, demand outpaces supply

  BLS estimates that from 2006 through 2016, management, business and financial occupations in health care will burgeon by 18.2 percent; top executives by 11.6 percent; and medical and health service managers by18.6 percent.

Professional and Related Occupations

• Trends

  Jobs in professional and related occupations were projected by the BLS to increase by 21.3 percent. Occupations in this segment that were expected to post the most growth include pharmacy technicians by 31.6 percent, physical therapists by 30.4 percent, dental hygienists also by 30.4 percent, physician assistants by 29.6 percent, counselors by 29.3 percent and occupational therapists by 28.4 percent.

Service Occupations

• The BLS projected a 27.1 percent growth in the number of service jobs. The number of personal and home-care aide jobs is expected to increase by 53 percent, home health aides by 46.9 percent, medical assistants by 36.1 percent and physical therapists assistants and aides by 29.7 percent.

Office and Administrative Support Occupations

• The BLS estimated that office and administrative support jobs would increase by 14.4 percent between 2006 and 2016. Occupations expected to see the most demand included receptionists and information clerks with job growth projected at 22.7 percent; bookkeeping, accounting and auditing clerks by 20.9 percent; and executive secretaries and administrative assistants by 20.6 percent.

Best Prospects

• In a study titled "10 Promising Jobs for 2010: Salary Guide" by global staffing firm Robert Half International (RHI), administrative and office support jobs look promising. While the starting salary was expected to decrease by 2.2 percent in 2010, job candidates who have the expertise to wear many hats and perform multiple functions under pressure will be in demand. RHI anticipated strong demand for medical records clerks with more health-care organizations shifting from paper to electronic medical records. Starting salaries for these jobs could range between $23,750 and $31,500.