In demand for a decade
What career paths should college students start down and why? There are many ways to judge the ideal job for a college grad: the highest-paying, the most satisfying or the most in-demand. The latter could also be called the fastest-growing — those careers whose necessity and usefulness are contributing to a boom in jobs creation. The federal Bureau of Labor Statistics compiled a list of the fastest-growing jobs for the decade leading up to 2024. In order to present a list of the top 10 jobs for university and college graduates, we've weeded out the positions that do not require at least a four-year degree.*
— By CNBC's Kenneth Kiesnoski
Posted 17 March 2016
*Bachelor's degree or higher
10. Audiologist
"Audiologists diagnose, manage and treat a patient's hearing, balance or ear problems."
2014 median pay: $73,060 per year
Degree required: Doctoral or professional degree
No. of jobs, 2014: 13,200
Job-growth outlook, 2014–24: 29 percent
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics
9. Interpreter/translator
"Interpreters and translators convert information from one language into another language. Interpreters work in spoken or sign language; translators work in written language."
2014 median pay: $43,590 per year
Degree required: Bachelor's degree
No. of jobs, 2014: 61,000
Job-growth outlook, 2014–24: 29 percent
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics
8. Genetic counselor
"Genetic counselors assess individual or family risk for a variety of inherited conditions, such as genetic disorders and birth defects. They provide information and support to other health-care providers, or to individuals and families concerned with the risk of inherited conditions."
2014 median pay: $67,500 per year
Degree required: Master's degree
No. of jobs, 2014: 2,400
Job-growth outlook, 2014–24: 29 percent
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics
7. Cartographer/photogrammetrist
"Cartographers and photogrammetrists collect, measure and interpret geographic information in order to create and update maps and charts for regional planning, education, emergency response and other purposes."
2014 median pay: $60,930 per year
Degree required: Bachelor's degree
No. of jobs, 2014: 12,300
Job-growth outlook, 2014–24: 29 percent
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics
6. Personal financial advisor
"Personal financial advisors provide advice on investments, insurance, mortgages, college savings, estate planning, taxes and retirement to help individuals manage their finances."
2014 median pay: $81,060 per year
Degree required: Bachelor's degree
No. of jobs, 2014: 249,400
Job-growth outlook, 2014–24: 30 percent
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics
5. Operations research analyst
"Operations research analysts use advanced mathematical and analytical methods to help organizations investigate complex issues, identify and solve problems, and make better decisions."
2014 median pay: $76,660 per year
Degree required: Bachelor's degree
No. of jobs, 2014: 91,300
Job-growth outlook, 2014–24: 30 percent
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics
4. Physician assistant
"Physician assistants, also known as 'PAs,' practice medicine on teams with physicians, surgeons, and other healthcare workers. They examine, diagnose and treat patients."
2014 median pay: $95,820 per year
Degree required: Master's degree
No. of jobs, 2014: 94,400
Job-growth outlook, 2014–24: 30 percent
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics
3. Statistician
"Statisticians use statistical methods to collect and analyze data and to help solve real-world problems in business, engineering, health care or other fields."
2014 median pay: $79,990 per year
Degree required: Master's degree
No. of jobs, 2014: 30,000
Job-growth outlook, 2014–24: 34 percent
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics
2. Physical therapist
"Physical therapists, sometimes called 'PTs,' help injured or ill people improve their movement and manage their pain. These therapists are often an important part of the rehabilitation, treatment and prevention of patients with chronic conditions, illnesses or injuries."
2014 median pay: $82,390 per year
Degree required: Doctoral or professional degree
No. of jobs, 2014: 210,900
Job growth outlook, 2014–24: 34 percent
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics
1. Nurse practitioner
"Nurse anesthetists, nurse midwives and nurse practitioners, also referred to as 'advanced practice registered nurses' (APRNs), coordinate patient care and may provide primary and specialty health care. The scope of practice varies from state to state."
2014 median pay: $95,350 per year
Degree required: Master's degree
No. of jobs, 2014: 170,400
Job growth outlook, 2014–24: 35 percent
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics
