Just for High School Staff

In the next 10 years, many of the fastest growing jobs in the nation will require a technical education. With this in mind, let WITC serve as a resource to you and your students.

Below is a list of the 10 fastest growing occupations for 2004 to 2014 as compiled by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

1. Home health aides

Increase: 56%
Income: up to $20,184
Number in 2004: 624,000
Number in 2014: 974,000
Education required: Short term, on-the-job training

2. Network systems and data communications analysts

Increase: 54.60%
Income: $43,605 and up
Number in 2004: 231,000
Number in 2014: 357,000
Education required: Bachelor's degree

3. Medical assistants

Increase: 52.10%
Income: $20,185 to $28,589
Number in 2004: 589,000
Number in 2014: 387,000
Education required: Moderate on-the-job training

4. Physician assistants

Increase: 49.60%
Income: $43,605 and up
Number in 2004: 62,000
Number in 2014: 93,000
Education required: Bachelor's degree

5. Computer software engineers, applications

Increase: 48.40%
Income: $43,605 and up
Number in 2004: 460,000
Number in 2014: 682,000
Education required: Bachelor's degree

6. Physical therapist assistants

Increase: 44.20%
Income: $20,185 to $28,589
Number in 2004: 59,000
Number in 2014: 85,000
Education required: Associate's degree

7. Dental hygienists

Increase: 43.30%
Income: $43,605 and up
Number in 2004: 158,000
Number in 2014: 226,000
Education required: Associate's degree

8. Computer software engineers, systems software

Increase: 43%
Income: $43,605 and up
Number in 2004: 340,000
Number in 2014: 486,000
Education required: Bachelor's degree

9. Dental assistants

Increase: 42.70%
Income: $20,185 to $28,589
Number in 2004: 267,000
Number in 2014: 382,000
Education required: Moderate on-the-job training

10. Personal and home care aides

Increase: 41%
Income: up to $20,184
Number in 2004: 701,000
Number in 2014: 988,000
Education required: Short-term on-the-job training

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, a division of the U.S. Department of Labor