High-paying jobs that offer financial and career security
By Susan Ricker
2014 is just around the corner, and so is the opportunity to score an in-demand, high-paying job in the New Year. CareerBuilder and Economic Modeling Specialists International compiled a dozen hot jobs that are not only growing, but pay well too. The list was based on occupations that grew 7 percent or more from 2010 to 2013, are projected to increase in 2014, and fall within a higher-wage category of $22 per hour or more.
Not only do these jobs offer financial and career security, but they also contribute to the economic growth of other occupations. But be ready to prove your skills if you want one of these roles.
"More high-wage jobs will be created in 2014 which will, in turn, fuel the creation of jobs at lower pay levels," says Matt Ferguson, CEO of CareerBuilder and co-author of The Talent Equation. "The challenge is many of these in-demand, skilled positions are in areas where companies are already experiencing a shortage of qualified labor. As a nation, we need to focus on reskilling workers of all ages and providing them with affordable education to catch up to labor demands in technology, health care and other key sectors."
Whether you've already got the talent it'll take to get one of these jobs, are considering a career switch or are looking ahead, consider these high-wage jobs that are the best for 2014:
1. Software developer, applications and systems software
Total employment in 2013: 1,042,402 jobs
Added 104,348 jobs from 2010-2013, up 11 percent
Median hourly earnings: $45.06
2. Market research analyst and marketing specialist
Total employment in 2013: 438,095 jobs
Added 54,979 jobs from 2010-2013, up 14 percent
Median hourly earnings: $29.10
3. Training and development specialist
Total employment in 2013: 231,898 jobs
Added 18,042 jobs from 2010-2013, up 8 percent
Median hourly earnings: $27.14
4. Financial analyst
Total employment in 2013: 257,159 jobs
Added 17,060 jobs from 2010-2013, up 7 percent
Median hourly earnings: $37.34
5. Physical therapist
Total employment in 2013: 207,132 jobs
Added 14,011 jobs from 2010-2013, up 7 percent
Median hourly earnings: $37.93
6. Web developer
Total employment in 2013: 136,921 jobs
Added 13,364 jobs from 2010-2013, up 11 percent
Median hourly earnings: $27.84
7. Logistician
Total employment in 2013: 127,892 jobs
Added 11,897 jobs from 2010-2013, up 10 percent
Median hourly earnings: $35.08
8. Database administrator
Total employment in 2013: 119,676 jobs
Added 11,241 jobs from 2010-2013, up 10 percent
Median hourly earnings: $37.39
9. Meeting, convention and event planner
Total employment in 2013: 87,082 jobs
Added 10,867 jobs from 2010-2013, up 14 percent
Median hourly earnings: $22.56
10. Interpreter and translator
Total employment in 2013: 69,887
Added 8,377 jobs from 2010-2013, up 14 percent
Median hourly earnings: $22.39
11. Petroleum engineer
Total employment in 2013: 40,733
Added 7,158 jobs from 2010-2013, up 21 percent
Median hourly earnings: $63.67
12. Information security analyst
Total employment in 2013: 75,995
Added 5,671 jobs from 2010-2013, up 8 percent
Median hourly earnings: $41.62