According to the U.S. Labor Dept., this field is projected to grow in demand as baby boomers age and people of all generations recognize the physical and mental health benefits associated with massage therapy.
2. ATHLETIC TRAINER - Median Salary - $44,020
Athletic trainer jobs are expected to grow in 2011, as employers such as universities, corporations, and pro and amateur sports teams add to their training staff, according to the Labor Dept. These jobs require an understanding of physiology (don't skip biology classes, students) and strong listening and communication skills. Before investing in a certificate or degree program, buy a couple of personal training sessions at your gym and use the time to quiz your trainer about what the job entails.
3. INTERPRETOR / TRANSLATOR - Median Salary - $45,700
It's a global economy, and vital connections and business deals can't happen without sophisticated interpretation and translation. Multilingual people who understand business and the nuances of language are in demand for interpreting presentations in real time and translating documents. Many translators can work from home and service clients around the world.
4. COMPUTER SUPPORT SPECIALIST Median Salary - $47,360
As teams go virtual and technology continues to morph, computer support specialists are already in short supply in many organizations. The Bureau of Labor Statistics expects this job category to grow by 78,000 jobs between now and 2018, good news for parents of kids looking for hands-on roles with technology or midcareer types seeking a new hill to climb. Opportunities exist for both W-2 and self-employed workers.
5. MEETING PLANNER - Median Salary - $48,060
If you're already the social air-traffic controller for your friends and find yourself saying, "Let's make a plan and a time line," you'll likely fit into the meeting-planning arena. These professionals put together educational, business, and leisure events and bring big convention and tourism dollars to needy cities and resort areas. The field is expected to grow faster than the economy overall, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
6. COURT REPORTER - Median Salary - $52,460
Surprisingly, more than 70 percent of those in the profession work outside the courtroom, according to the National Court Reporters Assn. Many court reporters are self-employed. The profession requires great listening skills, fast fingers, and (we're conjecturing here) an ability to keep one's face immobile while people are saying outlandish and sordid things.
7.PUBLIC RELATIONS SPECIALIST - Median Salary - $59,370
Wanted to work in media? With print publications struggling, journalism isn't the hot job field it once was, but public relations is booming, according to U.S. Labor Dept. figures. All types of organizations understand that a savvy PR pro's ability to grab media attention can make or break them. If you're an established or budding writer with a research bent and fearless about reaching out to reporters and bloggers, PR might make a great career.
8. MEDIATOR - Median Salary - $63,250
Mediators are specialists in Alternative Dispute Resolution. They listen to both sides and help parties in business disputes, real estate wrangles, and other battles find common ground—and avoid court costs. Some mediators earn more than $100K per year. The Bureau of Labor Statistics expects employment in the mediation field to grow faster than the average for all occupations through 2018.
9. FILM AND VIDEO EDITOR - Median Salry - $63,680
With YouTube now hosting more searches per day than any site save Google (GOOG), the need for film and video editors is clear. The California Labor Dept. expects the field to grow in 2011, as agencies, media firms, corporations, and institutions look to spread their messages via video—so don't limit your search to one sector. This field requires specialized training, of course. It makes a great choice for creative types who want to expand their horizons or for photographers and filmmakers looking to boost their earning potential.
10. FINANCIAL ANALYST - Median Salry - $85,240
All organizations—government agencies, for-profit businesses, and nonprofits alike—need smart financial analysis to guide their leadership decision-making. People who love numbers and analysis, and can speak Human when dealing with numerically unsavvy types, are already in hot demand. If you're in school now, add a course or two in financial analysis to your program.
