Most jobs require at least a bachelor's degree in accounting or a related field.
Job opportunities should be favorable; those who have earned professional recognition through certification or licensure, especially a CPA, should enjoy the best prospects.
Much faster than average employment growth will result from an increase in the number of businesses, changing financial laws and regulations, and greater scrutiny of company finances.
Actors endure long periods of unemployment, intense competition for roles, and frequent rejections in auditions.
Formal training through a university or acting conservatory is typical; however, many actors find work on the basis of their experience and talent alone.
Because earnings may be erratic, many actors supplement their incomes by holding jobs in other fields.
Applicants for the limited number of higher-level management jobs will face keen competition; less severe competition is expected for lower-level management jobs.
Administrative services managers work throughout private industry and government and have a wide range of responsibilities, experience, earnings, and education.
Like other managers, administrative services managers should be analytical, detail-oriented, flexible, decisive, and have good leadership and communication skills.
Keen competition is expected for these highly coveted jobs.
College graduates with related experience, a high level of creativity, and strong communication and computer skills should have the best job opportunities.
High earnings, substantial travel, and long hours, including evenings and weekends, are common.
Because of the importance and high visibility of their jobs, these managers often are prime candidates for advancement to the highest ranks.
Applicants who have sales experience and a college degree should have the best opportunities, but keen competition for jobs is expected during downturns in spending on advertising.
Educational requirements vary; the ability to communicate effectively and persuasively is important for entry-level candidates.
Performance-based pay, including bonuses and commissions, can make up a large portion of an advertising sales agent’s earnings.
Pressure to meet monthly sales quotas can be stressful.
Employment is projected to grow about as fast as the average, with new technologies for commercial and military aircraft and spacecraft expected to increase aerospace engineering job opportunities.
A bachelor's degree in engineering is required for most entry-level jobs, but some research positions may require a graduate degree.
Starting salaries are among the highest of all college graduates.
Continuing education is critical for engineers in order to keep up with improvements in technology.
Employment is projected to grow about as fast as the average, due to demand for greater innovation in food production techniques and increasing concerns for conservation of natural resources.
A bachelor's degree in engineering is required for most entry-level jobs, but some research positions may require a graduate degree.
Starting salaries are among the highest of all college graduates.
Continuing education is critical for engineers in order to keep up with improvements in technology.
Faster than average growth is expected as agricultural and food scientists develop new products using biotechnology and work to limit the negative environmental impact of agriculture.
A bachelor's degree in agricultural science is sufficient for most jobs in product development; a master's or Ph.D. degree is generally required for research positions.
The vast majority of air traffic controllers are employed by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), an agency of the Federal Government.
Applicants without prior air traffic control experience must be 30 years of age or younger.
Replacement needs will continue to account for most job openings, reflecting the large number of air traffic controllers who will be eligible to retire over the next decade.
Animal lovers get satisfaction in this occupation, but the work can be unpleasant, physically and emotionally demanding, and sometimes dangerous.
Most workers are trained on the job, but employers generally prefer to hire people who have experience with animals; some jobs require formal education.
Most positions will present excellent employment opportunities; however, keen competition is expected for jobs as zookeepers and marine mammal trainers.
Competition for announcer jobs will continue to be keen.
Jobs at small stations usually have low pay, but offer the best opportunities for inexperienced announcers.
Applicants who have completed internships or have related work experience, and those with more advanced computer skills, may have an advantage in the job market.
About 21 percent of architects are self-employed—almost 3 times the proportion for all occupations.
Licensing requirements include a professional degree in architecture, at least 3 years of practical work, training, and passing all divisions of the Architect Registration Examination.
Architecture graduates may face competition, especially for jobs in the most prestigious firms.
About 60 percent of art directors are self-employed.
Keen competition is expected for both salaried jobs and freelance work because the arts attract many talented people with creative ability.
Artists usually develop their skills through a bachelor's degree program or other postsecondary training in art or design.
Earnings for self-employed artists vary widely; some well-established artists earn more than salaried artists, while others find it difficult to rely solely on income earned from selling their services.
These jobs require immense overall knowledge of the game, usually acquired through years of experience at lower levels.
Career-ending injuries are always a risk for athletes.
Job opportunities will be best for part-time coaches, sports instructors, umpires, referees, and sports officials in high schools, sports clubs, and other settings.
Aspiring professional athletes will continue to face extremely keen competition.
A bachelor's degree is usually the minimum requirement, but many athletic trainers hold a master's or doctoral degree.
Long hours, sometimes including nights and weekends, are common.
Job prospects should be good in the healthcare industry and in high schools, but competition is expected for positions with professional and college sports teams.
About 34 percent of atmospheric scientists are employed by the Federal Government; most of these work in the National Weather Service.
A bachelor's degree in meteorology, or in a closely related field with courses in meteorology, is the minimum educational requirement; a master's degree is necessary for some positions, and a Ph.D. degree is required for most basic research positions.
Keen competition is expected for jobs; those with graduate degrees should enjoy better prospects than those with only a bachelor’s degree.
About 26 percent of lawyers are self-employed, either as partners in law firms or in solo practices.
Formal requirements to become a lawyer usually include a 4-year college degree, 3 years of law school, and passing a written bar examination; however, some requirements may vary by State.
Competition for admission to most law schools is intense.
Competition for job openings should be keen because of the large number of students graduating from law school each year.
About 64 percent worked in healthcare facilities; many others were employed by educational services.
All States regulate licensure of audiologists; requirements vary by State.
A master's degree in audiology (hearing) is the standard level of education required; however, a doctoral degree is becoming more common for new entrants.
Job prospects will be favorable for those possessing the doctoral (Au.D.) degree.
Automotive service technicians and mechanics must continually adapt to changing technology and repair techniques.
Formal automotive technician training is the best preparation.
Opportunities should be very good for those who complete postsecondary automotive training programs; those without formal automotive training are likely to face competition for entry-level jobs.
Employment of bill and account collectors is projected to grow by about 19 percent over the 2008-18 decade, which is faster than average for all occupations.
Most jobs in this occupation require only a high school diploma, though many employers prefer workers with some customer service experience.
Job prospects should be favorable, especially for those with related work experience.
Biotechnological research and development should continue to drive much faster than average employment growth.
A Ph.D. is usually required for independent research, but a bachelor's degree is sufficient for some jobs in applied research or product development; temporary postdoctoral research positions are common.
Competition for independent research positions in academia is expected.
Employment is projected to grow much faster than average, due to demand for more sophisticated medical equipment and procedures and an increased concern for cost-effectiveness.
A bachelor's degree in engineering is required for most entry-level jobs, but some research positions may require a graduate degree.
Starting salaries are among the highest of all college graduates.
Continuing education is critical for engineers in order to keep up with improvements in technology.
Most boilermakers learn their job through a formal apprenticeship; people with a welding certification or other welding training get priority in selection to boilermaker apprenticeship programs.
Boilermakers use potentially dangerous equipment and the work is physically demanding.
Employment is expected to decline rapidly, reflecting the use of more productive machinery and the growth of electronic media.
Opportunities for hand bookbinders are limited because of the declining demand for this highly specialized work and the resulting decline in the number of establishments that do this work.
Most bookbinders and bindery workers train on the job.
About 44 percent of inspectors worked for local governments, primarily municipal or county building departments.
Many home inspectors are self-employed.
Training requirements vary widely; some States require a license or certificate.
Opportunities should be best for those with construction-related work experience; training in engineering, architecture, construction technology, or related fields; or certification as a construction inspector.
About 32 percent of all carpenters are self-employed.
Job opportunities should be best for those with the most training and skills.
Carpenters can learn their craft through on-the-job training, vocational schools or technical colleges, or formal apprenticeship programs, which often takes 3 to 4 years.
Cashiers need little or no work experience; they are trained on the job.
Opportunities for full-time and part-time jobs are expected to be good because of the need to replace the large number of workers who leave cashier jobs.
Most workers in these occupations have prior experience in the food service or hospitality industries.
While most workers have some postsecondary training, many experienced workers with less education can still be promoted into these positions.
Job opportunities are expected to be good, largely because of high turnover; however, keen competition is expected for jobs at upscale restaurants that generally pay more.
Employment is projected to decline, although chemical companies will continue to seek chemical engineers to research and develop new chemicals and more efficient processes.
A bachelor's degree in engineering is required for most entry-level jobs, but some research positions may require a graduate degree.
Starting salaries are among the highest of all college graduates.
Continuing education is critical for engineers in order to keep up with improvements in technology.
A bachelor's degree in chemistry or a related discipline is the minimum educational requirement; however, many research jobs require a master's degree or a Ph.D.
Job growth will occur in professional, scientific, and technical services firms as manufacturing companies continue to outsource their research and development and testing operations to these smaller, specialized firms.
New chemists at all levels may experience competition for jobs, particularly in declining chemical manufacturing industries; graduates with a master's degree, and particularly those with a Ph.D., will enjoy better opportunities at larger pharmaceutical and biotechnology firms.
Employment is projected to grow about as fast as the average for all occupations.
About 42 percent of jobs were in federal, state, and local governments; 38 percent in healthcare and social assistance industries; and 16 percent in educational services industries.
While a bachelor's degree is necessary for entry-level positions, a master's degree in social work or a related field is necessary for some positions.
Job prospects are expected to be favorable, particularly for social workers who work in rural areas.
Chiropractors must be licensed, requiring 2 to 4 years of undergraduate education, the completion of a 4-year chiropractic college course, and passing scores on national and State examinations.
About 44 percent of chiropractors are self-employed.
Earnings typically are relatively low in the beginning but increase as the practice grows.
Employment is projected to grow much faster than average, as population growth drives the need for continued improvement of the Nation's infrastructure.
A bachelor's degree in engineering is required for most entry-level jobs, but some research positions may require a graduate degree.
Starting salaries are among the highest of all college graduates.
Continuing education is critical for engineers in order to keep up with improvements in technology.
Employment is concentrated in insurance-related industries.
Training and entry requirements vary widely.
College graduates and those with related experience should have the best opportunities for most types of jobs; competition will be keen for jobs as investigators.
Job opportunities should be best in health insurance companies, and in regions susceptible to natural disasters.
Clinical laboratory technologists usually have a bachelor's degree with a major in medical technology or in one of the life sciences; clinical laboratory technicians generally need either an associate degree or a certificate.
Most jobs will continue to be in hospitals, but employment will grow rapidly in other settings, as well.
Commercial and industrial designers usually work closely with a range of specialists including engineers, materials scientists, marketing and corporate strategy staff, cost estimators, and accountants.
A bachelor's degree is usually required for entry.
Employment is expected to grow faster than the average for all occupations.
A bachelor's degree in a computer-related field usually is required for management positions, although employers often prefer a graduate degree, especially an MBA with technology as a core component.
Many managers possess advanced technical knowledge gained from working in a computer occupation.
Job prospects will be best for applicants with knowledge of electronics, certification, formal training, and repair experience.
Workers qualify for these jobs by receiving training in electronics from associate degree programs, the military, vocational schools, equipment manufacturers, or employers.
Computer software engineers are among the occupations projected to grow the fastest and add the most new jobs over the 2008-18 decade, resulting in excellent job prospects.
Demand for computer software engineers will increase as computer networking continues to grow.
Job prospects will be best for applicants with a bachelor's or higher degree and relevant experience.
About 60 percent of craft artists are self-employed.
Keen competition is expected for both salaried jobs and freelance work because the arts attract many talented people with creative ability.
Artists usually develop their skills through a bachelor's degree program or other postsecondary training in art or design.
Earnings for self-employed artists vary widely; some well-established artists earn more than salaried artists, while others find it difficult to rely solely on income earned from selling art.
Many dancers stop performing by their late thirties, but some remain in the field as choreographers, dance teachers, or artistic directors.
Most dancers begin formal training at an early age—between 5 and 15—and many have their first professional audition by age 17 or 18; becoming a choreographer usually requires years of experience.
Dancers and choreographers face intense competition; only the most talented find regular work.
Earnings from dancing are usually low because employment is irregular; dancers often supplement their income.
Dentists are expected to hire more assistants to perform routine tasks so dentists may devote their time to more complex procedures.
Many assistants learn their skills on the job, although an increasing number are trained in dental-assisting programs; most programs take 1 year or less to complete.
More than one-third of dental assistants worked part time in 2008.
Dentists must graduate from an accredited dental school and pass written and practical examinations; competition for admission to dental school is keen.
Faster than average employment growth is projected.
Job prospects should be good, reflecting the need to replace the large number of dentists expected to retire.
About 38 percent work for newspaper, periodical, book, and directory publishers; another 21 percent work in the printing industry.
Employment is expected to decline rapidly.
Most employers prefer to hire experienced desktop publishers; among persons without experience, opportunities should be best for those with certificates or degrees in desktop publishing or graphic design.
Most jobs are in hospitals, nursing care facilities, outpatient care centers, and offices of physicians or other health practitioners.
Dietitians and nutritionists need at least a bachelor's degree; licensure, certification, or registration requirements vary by State.
Applicants with specialized training, an advanced degree, or certifications beyond the particular State's minimum requirement should enjoy the best job opportunities.
Slower than average job growth is expected, as the vast majority of bachelor’s degree holders in economics find employment in closely related fields, such as business, finance, or insurance.
Candidates who hold a master's or Ph.D. degree in economics will have the best employment prospects and advancement opportunities; some entry-level positions are available to those with a bachelor's degree.
Quantitative skills are important in all economics specialties.
Job opportunities should be good, especially for those with the broadest range of skills.
Most electricians acquire their skills by completing an apprenticeship program usually lasting 4 years.
About 79 percent of electricians work in the construction industry or are self-employed, but there also will be opportunities for electricians in other industries.
Electrical and electronic engineering technicians make up 33 percent of all engineering technicians.
Employment of engineering technicians is influenced by economic conditions similar to those which affect engineers; as a result, job outlook varies by specialty.
Opportunities will be best for individuals with an associate degree or other postsecondary training in engineering technology.
Federal, State, and local governments employ 44 percent of all environmental scientists and specialists.
A bachelor’s degree in any life or physical science is generally sufficient for most entry-level positions, although many employers prefer a master’s degree.
Job prospects are expected to be favorable, particularly for environmental health workers in State and local government.
About 60 percent of fine artists are self-employed.
Keen competition is expected for both salaried jobs and freelance work because the arts attract many talented people with creative ability.
Artists usually develop their skills through a bachelor's degree program or other postsecondary training in art or design.
Earnings for self-employed artists vary widely; some well-established artists earn more than salaried artists, while others find it difficult to rely solely on income earned from selling art.
Fire fighting involves hazardous conditions and long, irregular hours.
About 9 out of 10 fire fighters were employed by local governments.
Applicants generally must pass written, physical, and medical examinations, and candidates with some postsecondary education are increasingly preferred.
Keen competition for jobs is expected because this occupation attracts many qualified candidates.
Competition for positions is expected to remain keen because the opportunity for travel attracts more applicants than there are jobs.
Job duties are learned through formal on-the-job training at a flight training center.
A high school diploma is the minimum educational requirement, but airlines prefer applicants with a college degree and with experience in dealing with the public.
About 35 percent of carpet, floor, and tile installers and finishers are self-employed.
Projected job growth varies by specialty; for example, tile and marble setters are expected to grow by 14 percent, while carpet installers is projected to decline by 1 percent.
Employment of carpet, floor, and tile installers and finishers is less sensitive to fluctuations in construction activity than is employment of workers in other construction trades.
Despite the projected decline in employment, job opportunities should be good as many people leave this occupation, due to relatively low wages and limited advancement opportunities.
Floral design is the only design specialty that does not require formal postsecondary training.
Many floral designers work long hours on weekends and holidays, filling orders and setting up decorations for weddings and other events.
About 68 percent of conservation scientists and foresters work for Federal, State, or local governments.
Most jobs require a bachelor's degree; research and teaching positions usually require a graduate degree.
Foresters and conservation scientists should enjoy working outdoors, be able to tolerate extensive walking and other types of physical exertion, and be willing to relocate to find work.
In addition to job openings from growth, many openings are expected as today's conservation scientists and foresters retire.
