If you're stalled or burned out, these fast-growing fields (with relatively low barriers to entry) can help you earn more, get ahead and put life back into your career.
Craving a new career?
You're not alone — workers are less satisfied with their jobs than they were five years ago, and one out of three is seriously considering walking out the door, according to human resources consultancy Mercer.
Even if you're itching for better pay or a more satisfying workday, however, you may feel a dramatic switch is risky. After all, unemployment has been stuck at 9% for more than two years; the average job seeker has spent 40 weeks out of work.
But the job scene isn't as bleak as the headlines indicate, at least not for everyone. For those with college degrees, unemployment is less than half the national average. An aging population is fueling demand for health care workers, and social media are driving growth in the tech sector. Nearly half of firms plan to add employees next year, according to a July survey of hiring managers and HR pros.
With those rays of hope in mind, MONEY teamed up with compensation website PayScale.com to identify the Best Jobs in America for people seeking a fresh start. Using Bureau of Labor Statistics forecasts for 7,000 titles, we found jobs requiring a bachelor's degree that have strong growth prospects that also score well for pay, job satisfaction, stress, and flexibility. Note: Median pay is for an experienced worker (at least two to seven years in the field). Top pay represents the 90th percentile. Job growth is estimated for 2008-18. Total current employment level is estimated number of people working in each specific job.
If you're stalled or burned out, these fast-growing fields (with relatively low barriers to entry) can help you earn more, get ahead and put life back into your career.
1. Software Developer
Median pay: $82,400
Top pay: $118,000
10-year job growth: 32%
Total jobs: 380,000
The job: As technology evolves rapidly, companies continue to need developers to design, test, and debug software programs for mobile devices and apps. Since the landscape changes so often, even longtime developers frequently need to retrain and learn new programs, lowering the barriers to entry for job switchers.
How to switch: If you have a technical background, all you need are self-study courses for vendor-specific program certifications. Tech newbies should start with a programming course at a local college.
Quality of life ratings:
Personal satisfaction: B
Benefit to society: C
Low stress: C
Flexibility: A
2. Physical Therapist
Median pay: $75,900
Top pay: $97,800
10-year job growth: 30%
Total jobs: 190,000
The job: Health care is a booming field, and the demand for physical therapists is increasing apace. You'll need to go back to school to learn the techniques for increasing patient mobility and decreasing pain, but the two- to three-year graduate program is still far shorter than the time it takes to become a doctor. You can do a nursing degree in that time, but pay and satisfaction are better for PTs.
How to switch: You'll need a master's or the increasingly common three-year doctorate. Learn more at apta.org.
Quality of life ratings:
Personal satisfaction: A
Benefit to society: A
Low stress: C
Flexibility: B
3. Financial Adviser
Median pay: $93,900
Top pay: $234,000
10-year job growth: 30%
Total jobs: 70,000
The job: Boomers wrapping up their careers need guidance managing their retirement, creating demand for advisers. A financial background helps, but equally important are strong interpersonal skills.
How to switch: To become a certified financial planner, you'll probably need course work in financial topics like investing, retirement and taxes, and you must pass a 10-hour exam (go to cfp.net for more information). To be fully credentialed, you'll also need three years of relevant work experience.
Quality of life ratings:
Personal satisfaction: B
Benefit to society: B
Low stress: C
Flexibility: A
4. Civil Engineer
Median pay: $74,700
Top pay: $110,000
10-year job growth: 24%
Total jobs: 170,000
The job: The country's aging infrastructure won't be able to keep up with its growing population without the help of civil engineers. In this field you supervise and design bridges, highways, tunnels, and water and sewage systems. Though the industry has slowed along with the economy, the long-term growth potential is strong, says Kathy Caldwell, president of the American Society of Civil Engineers.
How to switch: This switch will be smoother if you've studied math or physical science. If not, coursework can take around 18 months. A two-year master's degree is recommended, but some jobs don't require it. For a license, you'll have to pass an exam and amass about four years of relevant work experience.
Quality of life ratings:
Personal satisfaction: B
Benefit to society: B
Low stress: C
Flexibility: B
5. Marketing Specialist
Median pay: $52,200
Top pay: $79,400
10-year job growth: 28%
Total jobs: 90,000
The job: According to a recent survey, chief marketing officers expect marketing budgets to increase 6% from last year. That means more work for marketing specialists, a job where you can focus on areas as narrow as social media or search engine optimization, or be responsible for all aspects of promoting a product including pricing and advertising.
How to switch: Little formal training is required. You'll have an easier time getting your foot in the door if you have experience with audience engagement or creative thinking. Plus, better to stay in an industry you know. The Business Marketing Association also offers professional development courses.
Quality of life ratings:
Personal satisfaction: B
Benefit to society: C
Low stress: C
Flexibility: B
6. Management Consultant
Median pay: $111,000
Top pay: $200,000
10-year job growth: 24%
Total jobs: 120,000
The job: What every business needs, particularly in the wake of the recession, is someone who can come up with ways to improve work flow and profits. That's where management consultants come in. But those interested in trying out this field need to be disciplined enough to work independently and under the pressure of strict deadlines. A willingness to travel is also important since many consultants work on site. Long hours and a little jet lag just go with the territory.
How to switch: It's strongly advised to get a few years of experience under your belt before giving management consulting a try, but there is no specific licensing required. Those with some experience in the field can get certified, which may give job seekers a competitive edge. The Institute of Management Consultants USA offers both professional development courses and a management consultant certification (go to imcusa.org for more information).
Quality of life ratings:
Personal satisfaction: B
Benefit to society: C
Low stress: C
Flexibility: B
7. Information Technology Consultant
Median pay: $96,500
Top pay: $154,000
10-year job growth: 20%
Total jobs: 70,000
The job: After hoarding cash during the recession, many firms are beginning to invest in technology again, much of it focused on mobile devices and applications. To master these complex areas, many firms are enlisting the help of IT consultants, who can recommend and implement improvements to IT systems, resolve system problems and manage the installation of new software and system upgrades.
How to switch: Most IT consultants have bachelor's degrees in computer science, engineering or other related fields, but many consulting firms require an MBA.
Quality of life ratings:
Personal satisfaction: B
Benefit to society: C
Low stress: C
Flexibility: A
8. Database Administrator
Median pay: $86,600
Top pay: $121,000
10-year job growth: 20%
Total jobs: 120,000
The job: Demand for database administrators has been fueled recently by the growth in cloud computing. Many businesses are storing their data and applications on networks via the Internet instead of investing in servers and other infrastructure, and they are turning to database administrators to help manage their assets and keep them secure. As a database administrator, you identify the most effective ways to store a company's data, keep it safe and troubleshoot when problems crop up.
How to switch: Most database administrators have a bachelor's degree in a computer-related field. If you don't have extensive undergraduate training in technology and computers, a professional credential — such as getting Microsoft certification or an MBA with a concentration in information systems — is a good avenue into this career.
Quality of life ratings:
Personal satisfaction: B
Benefit to society: C
Low stress: C
Flexibility: B
9. Financial Analyst
Median pay: $62,600
Top pay: $91,700
10-year job growth: 20%
Total jobs: 250,000
The job: As a financial analyst, you study financial information to produce forecasts of business, industry and economic conditions and recommend investments and investment timing to companies, investment firms, or the investing public. Given fast-changing economic conditions and the use of complex securities, such as derivatives, demand is high for talented financial analysts. Banks, mutual funds and hedge funds are major employers.
How to switch: Most financial analysts have at least a bachelor's degree in a related field, such as finance, economics, statistics, accounting or business. A valued credential is the chartered financial analyst (CFA) designation. If you're entering the sector from another industry, an MBA or a master's degree in finance or economics can pave the way.
Quality of life ratings:
Personal satisfaction: B
Benefit to society: C
Low stress: C
Flexibility: B
10. Environmental Engineer
Median pay: $81,200
Top pay: $113,000
10-year job growth: 31%
Total jobs: 50,000
The job: Want to save the earth and earn good money? As an environmental engineer, you get to apply your knowledge of biology, chemistry and other natural sciences to tackle problems such as pollution, waste management and recycling. These skills are quickly becoming sought after as businesses adjust to new water and air regulations, especially in the industrial and manufacturing sectors. Green initiatives are also beginning to catch on in several industries, including automotive (hybrid vehicles) and energy (like Shell Oil's move into wind energy).
How to switch: If you have experience in a related engineering field — such as mechanical, civil or industrial — a master's degree in a natural science like geology may be a good stepping stone. Almost all environmental engineers have bachelor's degrees in an engineering discipline.
Quality of life ratings:
Personal satisfaction: B
Benefit to society: B
Low stress: C
Flexibility: A
Craving a new career?
You're not alone — workers are less satisfied with their jobs than they were five years ago, and one out of three is seriously considering walking out the door, according to human resources consultancy Mercer.
Even if you're itching for better pay or a more satisfying workday, however, you may feel a dramatic switch is risky. After all, unemployment has been stuck at 9% for more than two years; the average job seeker has spent 40 weeks out of work.
But the job scene isn't as bleak as the headlines indicate, at least not for everyone. For those with college degrees, unemployment is less than half the national average. An aging population is fueling demand for health care workers, and social media are driving growth in the tech sector. Nearly half of firms plan to add employees next year, according to a July survey of hiring managers and HR pros.
With those rays of hope in mind, MONEY teamed up with compensation website PayScale.com to identify the Best Jobs in America for people seeking a fresh start. Using Bureau of Labor Statistics forecasts for 7,000 titles, we found jobs requiring a bachelor's degree that have strong growth prospects that also score well for pay, job satisfaction, stress, and flexibility. Note: Median pay is for an experienced worker (at least two to seven years in the field). Top pay represents the 90th percentile. Job growth is estimated for 2008-18. Total current employment level is estimated number of people working in each specific job.
If you're stalled or burned out, these fast-growing fields (with relatively low barriers to entry) can help you earn more, get ahead and put life back into your career.
1. Software Developer
Median pay: $82,400
Top pay: $118,000
10-year job growth: 32%
Total jobs: 380,000
The job: As technology evolves rapidly, companies continue to need developers to design, test, and debug software programs for mobile devices and apps. Since the landscape changes so often, even longtime developers frequently need to retrain and learn new programs, lowering the barriers to entry for job switchers.
How to switch: If you have a technical background, all you need are self-study courses for vendor-specific program certifications. Tech newbies should start with a programming course at a local college.
Quality of life ratings:
Personal satisfaction: B
Benefit to society: C
Low stress: C
Flexibility: A
2. Physical Therapist
Median pay: $75,900
Top pay: $97,800
10-year job growth: 30%
Total jobs: 190,000
The job: Health care is a booming field, and the demand for physical therapists is increasing apace. You'll need to go back to school to learn the techniques for increasing patient mobility and decreasing pain, but the two- to three-year graduate program is still far shorter than the time it takes to become a doctor. You can do a nursing degree in that time, but pay and satisfaction are better for PTs.
How to switch: You'll need a master's or the increasingly common three-year doctorate. Learn more at apta.org.
Quality of life ratings:
Personal satisfaction: A
Benefit to society: A
Low stress: C
Flexibility: B
3. Financial Adviser
Median pay: $93,900
Top pay: $234,000
10-year job growth: 30%
Total jobs: 70,000
The job: Boomers wrapping up their careers need guidance managing their retirement, creating demand for advisers. A financial background helps, but equally important are strong interpersonal skills.
How to switch: To become a certified financial planner, you'll probably need course work in financial topics like investing, retirement and taxes, and you must pass a 10-hour exam (go to cfp.net for more information). To be fully credentialed, you'll also need three years of relevant work experience.
Quality of life ratings:
Personal satisfaction: B
Benefit to society: B
Low stress: C
Flexibility: A
4. Civil Engineer
 Thinkstock |
Median pay: $74,700
Top pay: $110,000
10-year job growth: 24%
Total jobs: 170,000
The job: The country's aging infrastructure won't be able to keep up with its growing population without the help of civil engineers. In this field you supervise and design bridges, highways, tunnels, and water and sewage systems. Though the industry has slowed along with the economy, the long-term growth potential is strong, says Kathy Caldwell, president of the American Society of Civil Engineers.
How to switch: This switch will be smoother if you've studied math or physical science. If not, coursework can take around 18 months. A two-year master's degree is recommended, but some jobs don't require it. For a license, you'll have to pass an exam and amass about four years of relevant work experience.
Quality of life ratings:
Personal satisfaction: B
Benefit to society: B
Low stress: C
Flexibility: B
5. Marketing Specialist
 Thinkstock |
Median pay: $52,200
Top pay: $79,400
10-year job growth: 28%
Total jobs: 90,000
The job: According to a recent survey, chief marketing officers expect marketing budgets to increase 6% from last year. That means more work for marketing specialists, a job where you can focus on areas as narrow as social media or search engine optimization, or be responsible for all aspects of promoting a product including pricing and advertising.
How to switch: Little formal training is required. You'll have an easier time getting your foot in the door if you have experience with audience engagement or creative thinking. Plus, better to stay in an industry you know. The Business Marketing Association also offers professional development courses.
Quality of life ratings:
Personal satisfaction: B
Benefit to society: C
Low stress: C
Flexibility: B
6. Management Consultant
 Thinkstock |
Median pay: $111,000
Top pay: $200,000
10-year job growth: 24%
Total jobs: 120,000
The job: What every business needs, particularly in the wake of the recession, is someone who can come up with ways to improve work flow and profits. That's where management consultants come in. But those interested in trying out this field need to be disciplined enough to work independently and under the pressure of strict deadlines. A willingness to travel is also important since many consultants work on site. Long hours and a little jet lag just go with the territory.
How to switch: It's strongly advised to get a few years of experience under your belt before giving management consulting a try, but there is no specific licensing required. Those with some experience in the field can get certified, which may give job seekers a competitive edge. The Institute of Management Consultants USA offers both professional development courses and a management consultant certification (go to imcusa.org for more information).
Quality of life ratings:
Personal satisfaction: B
Benefit to society: C
Low stress: C
Flexibility: B
7. Information Technology Consultant
 Thinkstock |
Median pay: $96,500
Top pay: $154,000
10-year job growth: 20%
Total jobs: 70,000
The job: After hoarding cash during the recession, many firms are beginning to invest in technology again, much of it focused on mobile devices and applications. To master these complex areas, many firms are enlisting the help of IT consultants, who can recommend and implement improvements to IT systems, resolve system problems and manage the installation of new software and system upgrades.
How to switch: Most IT consultants have bachelor's degrees in computer science, engineering or other related fields, but many consulting firms require an MBA.
Quality of life ratings:
Personal satisfaction: B
Benefit to society: C
Low stress: C
Flexibility: A
8. Database Administrator
 Thinkstock |
Median pay: $86,600
Top pay: $121,000
10-year job growth: 20%
Total jobs: 120,000
The job: Demand for database administrators has been fueled recently by the growth in cloud computing. Many businesses are storing their data and applications on networks via the Internet instead of investing in servers and other infrastructure, and they are turning to database administrators to help manage their assets and keep them secure. As a database administrator, you identify the most effective ways to store a company's data, keep it safe and troubleshoot when problems crop up.
How to switch: Most database administrators have a bachelor's degree in a computer-related field. If you don't have extensive undergraduate training in technology and computers, a professional credential — such as getting Microsoft certification or an MBA with a concentration in information systems — is a good avenue into this career.
Quality of life ratings:
Personal satisfaction: B
Benefit to society: C
Low stress: C
Flexibility: B
9. Financial Analyst
 Thinkstock |
Median pay: $62,600
Top pay: $91,700
10-year job growth: 20%
Total jobs: 250,000
The job: As a financial analyst, you study financial information to produce forecasts of business, industry and economic conditions and recommend investments and investment timing to companies, investment firms, or the investing public. Given fast-changing economic conditions and the use of complex securities, such as derivatives, demand is high for talented financial analysts. Banks, mutual funds and hedge funds are major employers.
How to switch: Most financial analysts have at least a bachelor's degree in a related field, such as finance, economics, statistics, accounting or business. A valued credential is the chartered financial analyst (CFA) designation. If you're entering the sector from another industry, an MBA or a master's degree in finance or economics can pave the way.
Quality of life ratings:
Personal satisfaction: B
Benefit to society: C
Low stress: C
Flexibility: B
10. Environmental Engineer
 Thinkstock |
Median pay: $81,200
Top pay: $113,000
10-year job growth: 31%
Total jobs: 50,000
The job: Want to save the earth and earn good money? As an environmental engineer, you get to apply your knowledge of biology, chemistry and other natural sciences to tackle problems such as pollution, waste management and recycling. These skills are quickly becoming sought after as businesses adjust to new water and air regulations, especially in the industrial and manufacturing sectors. Green initiatives are also beginning to catch on in several industries, including automotive (hybrid vehicles) and energy (like Shell Oil's move into wind energy).
How to switch: If you have experience in a related engineering field — such as mechanical, civil or industrial — a master's degree in a natural science like geology may be a good stepping stone. Almost all environmental engineers have bachelor's degrees in an engineering discipline.
Quality of life ratings:
Personal satisfaction: B
Benefit to society: B
Low stress: C
Flexibility: A
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