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Job Title	Key Points
Hairdresser, Esthetician, or Cosmetologist	Employment is expected to grow much faster than the average for all occupations. A State license is required for barbers, cosmetologists, and most other personal appearance workers, although qualifications vary by State. About 44 percent of workers are self employed; many also work flexible schedules.
Hazardous Material Removal Worker	Key Points Formal education beyond high school is not required, but government standards require specific types of on-the-job training. Good job opportunities are expected, mainly due to the need to replace workers who leave the occupation. Working conditions can be hazardous.
Health and Safety Engineer	Employment growth is projected to be about as fast as the average, with favorable job prospects expected. 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.
Health Educator	51 percent of health educators work in healthcare and social assistance, and an additional 23 percent work in government. A bachelor's degree is the minimum requirement for entry-level jobs, but a master's degree may be required for certain positions or for advancement. Faster than average job growth is expected.
Health Information Technician	Key Points Employment is expected to grow much faster than the average. Job prospects should be very good, particularly for technicians with strong computer software skills. Entrants usually have an associate degree. This is one of the few health-related occupations in which there is no direct hands-on patient care.
Health Services Manager	Job opportunities will be good, especially for applicants with work experience in healthcare and strong business and management skills. A master's degree is the standard credential, although a bachelor's degree is adequate for some entry-level positions. Medical and health services managers typically work long hours and may be called at all hours to deal with problems.
Heating, Air Conditioning, or Refrigeration Mechanic	Key Points Job prospects are expected to be excellent. Employment is projected to grow much faster than the average. Employers prefer to hire those who have completed technical school training or a formal apprenticeship.
Historian	Historians can expect 11 percent employment growth. Candidates who hold a master's or Ph.D. degree in a social science will have the best employment prospects and advancement opportunities; some entry-level positions are available to those with a bachelor's degree. Applicants are likely to face competition because the number of qualified candidates is expected to exceed the number of positions available.
Home Appliance Repairer	Key Points Little or no change in employment is projected; however, excellent job opportunities are expected, particularly for those with formal training in appliance repair and electronics. Good customer service skills and a driver's license are essential.
Home Health Aide	Job opportunities are expected to be excellent because of rapid growth in home healthcare and high replacement needs. Training requirements vary from State to State, the type of home services agency, and funding source covering the costs of services. Many of these workers work part time and weekends or evenings to suit the needs of their clients.
Human Resources Manager or Specialist	The educational backgrounds of these workers vary considerably, reflecting the diversity of duties and levels of responsibility. College graduates and those who have earned certification should have the best job and advancement opportunities. Human resources occupations require strong interpersonal skills. Faster than average growth is expected during the projection period.
Human Resources Recruitment and Placement Specialist	The educational backgrounds of these workers vary considerably, reflecting the diversity of duties and levels of responsibility. College graduates and those who have earned certification should have the best job and advancement opportunities. Employment and recruitment occupations require strong interpersonal skills. Much faster than average growth is expected during the projection period.
Human Resources Training and Development Specialist	The educational backgrounds of these workers vary considerably, reflecting the diversity of duties and levels of responsibility. College graduates and those who have earned certification should have the best job and advancement opportunities. Training and development occupations require strong interpersonal skills. Faster than average growth is expected during the projection period.
Human Services Assistant	Key Points A high school diploma is the minimum educational requirement, but employers often seek individuals with relevant work experience or education beyond high school. Employment is projected to grow much faster than the average for all occupations. Job opportunities should be excellent, particularly for applicants with appropriate postsecondary education; but wages remain low.
Industrial Engineer	Employment growth is projected to be faster than average, with favorable job prospects expected. 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.
Industrial Production Manager	Industrial production managers coordinate all the people and equipment involved in the manufacturing process. Most employers prefer to hire workers with a college degree; experience in some part of production operations usually is required as well. Employment is expected to decline as overall employment in manufacturing declines.
Inspector, Tester, Sorter, or Weigher	About 69 percent are employed in manufacturing establishments. Although a high school diploma is sufficient for the basic testing of products, complex precision-inspecting positions are filled by experienced workers. Employment is expected to decline slowly.
Insurance Agent	In addition to offering insurance policies, agents increasingly sell mutual funds, annuities, and securities and offer comprehensive financial planning services, including retirement and estate planning services, some designed specifically for the elderly. Agents must obtain a license in the States where they sell. Job opportunities should be best for college graduates who have sales ability, excellent interpersonal skills, and expertise in a wide range of insurance and financial services.
Insurance Underwriter	Most large insurance companies prefer to hire candidates who have a bachelor's degree or some insurance-related experience. Continuing education is necessary for advancement. Employment is expected to decline slowly as the spread of automated underwriting software increases worker productivity Job opportunities should be best for those with strong computer skills and a background in finance.
Interior Designer	Keen competition is expected for jobs because many talented individuals are attracted to this occupation. Self employment is common; many interior designers work in small firms or on a contract basis. Postsecondary education—either an associate or a bachelor’s degree—is necessary for entry-level positions; some States license interior designers.
Interpreter or Translator	About 26 percent of interpreters and translators are self-employed; many freelance and work in this occupation only sporadically. In addition to needing fluency in at least two languages, many interpreters and translators need a bachelor's degree. Employment is expected to grow much faster than average. Job prospects vary by specialty and language.
Jeweler	About 54 percent of all jewelers and precious stone and metal workers are self-employed. Jewelers usually learn their trade in vocational or technical schools, through distance-learning centers, or on the job. Prospects for bench jewelers and other skilled jewelers should be favorable; keen competition is expected for lower skilled manufacturing jobs, such as assemblers and polishers.
Landscape Architect	About 21 percent of landscape architects are self-employed—almost 3 times the proportion for all occupations. Almost all States require landscape architects to be licensed, which generally requires a degree in landscape architecture from an accredited school, work experience, and a passing score on the Landscape Architect Registration Exam. Good job opportunities are expected, but new graduates may face competition for jobs in the largest and most prestigious firms.
Librarian	Librarians use the latest information technology to perform research, classify materials, and help students and library patrons seek information. A master's degree in library science is required for most librarian positions, although school librarians also often need to meet State teaching license requirements. Growth is expected to be as fast as the average and job opportunities are expected to be favorable, as a large number of librarians are likely to retire in the coming decade.
Library Technician	Improved technology enables library technicians to perform tasks once done by librarians. Training requirements range from a high school diploma to an associate degree, but computer skills are necessary for all workers. Job prospects should be good.
Licensed Practical or Vocational Nurse	Most training programs last about 1 year and are offered by vocational or technical schools or community or junior colleges. Overall job prospects are expected to be very good, but job outlook varies by industry. Replacement needs will be a major source of job openings, as many workers leave the occupation permanently.
Loan Officer	Nearly 9 out of 10 loan officers work for commercial banks, savings institutions, credit unions, and related financial institutions. Educational requirements range from a high school diploma for many loan officers to a bachelor’s degree for commercial loan officers; previous banking, lending, or sales experience is highly valued. Good job opportunities are expected for mortgage and consumer loan officers and excellent opportunities are expected for commercial loan officers. Earnings often fluctuate with the number of loans generated, rising substantially when the economy is strong and interest rates are low.
Lodging Manager	Long hours, including night and weekend work, are common. Employment is projected to grow more slowly than the average for all occupations. College graduates with degrees in hotel or hospitality management should have better opportunities for jobs at full-service hotels and for advancement than those without a degree.
Logging Worker	Workers spend all their time outdoors, sometimes in poor weather and often in isolated areas. Most jobs are physically demanding and can be hazardous. Employment is projected to grow 6 percent, which is slower than the average. Despite slower than average employment growth, job opportunities should be good because of the need to replace workers who leave the occupation for other jobs that are less physically demanding, dangerous, and prone to layoffs.
Machinist	Machinists learn their job skills in apprenticeship programs, informally on the job, in vocational high schools, and in community or technical colleges. Many entrants previously have worked as machine setters, operators, or tenders. Employment is projected to decline slowly, but job opportunities are expected to be good.
Mail Carrier	Key Points Little or no change in employment is projected over the 2008-18 period. Keen competition for jobs is expected. Qualification is based on an examination. Applicants customarily wait 1 to 2 years or more after passing the examination before being hired.
Management Consultant or Analyst	Despite 24 percent employment growth, keen competition is expected for jobs; opportunities should be best for those with a graduate degree, specialized expertise, and a talent for salesmanship and public relations. About 26 percent, three times the average for all occupations, are self-employed. A bachelor's degree is sufficient for many entry-level government jobs; many positions in private industry require a master's degree, specialized expertise, or both.
Marine Engineer or Naval Architect	Employment growth is projected to be slower than average, with favorable job prospects expected. 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.
Market Researcher	Market and survey researchers can enter the occupation with a bachelor's degree, but those with a master’s or Ph.D. in marketing or a social science should enjoy the best opportunities. Researchers need strong quantitative skills and, increasingly, knowledge of conducting web-based surveys. Employment is expected to grow much faster than average.
Marketing Manager	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.
Marriage and Family Counselor	People interested in counseling should have a strong desire to help others and should be able to inspire respect, trust, and confidence. Education and training requirements vary by State and specialty, but a master’s degree is required to become a licensed counselor. Job opportunities should be favorable as job openings are expected to exceed the number of graduates from counseling programs.
Massage Therapist	This occupation includes a large percentage of part-time and self-employed workers. Many States require formal training and licensure in order to practice massage therapy. Employment is expected to grow faster than average as more people learn about the benefits of massage therapy.
Materials Engineer	Employment growth is projected to be about as fast as the average, with most employment growth expected in the professional, scientific, and technical services industries. 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.
Mathematician	A Ph.D. in mathematics usually is the minimum educational requirement, except in the Federal Government. Much faster than average employment growth is expected for mathematicians. Keen competition for jobs is expected. Ph.D. holders with a strong background in mathematics and a related field, such as computer science or engineering, should have better employment opportunities in related occupations.
Mechanical Engineer	Employment growth is projected to be slower than average, however, favorable job prospects are expected. 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.
Medical and Public Health Social Worker	Employment is projected to grow much faster than the average for all occupations. About 80 percent of jobs were in healthcare and social assistance industries, and 15 percent in federal, state, and local governments. 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 specialize in the aging population or work in rural areas.
Medical Assistant	Employment is projected to grow much faster than average, ranking medical assistants among the fastest growing occupations over the 2008–18 decade. Job prospects should be excellent. About 62 percent of medical assistants work in offices of physicians. Some medical assistants are trained on the job, but many complete 1-year or 2-year programs.
Medical Equipment Repairer	Key Points Employment is projected to grow 27 percent, which is much faster than the average for all occupations. Excellent job opportunities are expected. Employers generally prefer applicants with an associate’s degree in biomedical equipment technology or engineering; a bachelor’s degree often is needed for advancement. Repairers may be on-call around the clock in case of emergencies.
Medical Scientist	Most medical scientists need a Ph.D. in a biological science; some also hold a medical degree. Some medical scientists work in research laboratories at universities and hospitals; others work for pharmaceutical or biotechnology companies. Medical scientists with both a Ph.D. and M.D. are likely to have the best opportunities.
Medical Transcriptionist	Job opportunities will be good, especially for those who are certified. Employers prefer medical transcriptionists who have completed a postsecondary training program. Many medical transcriptionists telecommute from home-based offices. About 36 percent worked in hospitals, and another 23 percent worked in offices of physicians.
Meeting or Convention Planner	People with a variety of educational or work backgrounds can become meeting and convention planners. Planners often work long hours in the period prior to and during a meeting or convention, and extensive travel may be required. Employment is expected to grow faster than the average for all occupations. Opportunities will be best for individuals with a bachelor's degree and some experience as a meeting planner.
Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Worker	Employment is projected to grow much faster than the average for all occupations. About 80 percent of jobs were in healthcare and social assistance industries, and 15 percent in federal, state, and local governments. 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 specialize in the aging population or work in rural areas.
Mental Health Counselor	People interested in counseling should have a strong desire to help others and should be able to inspire respect, trust, and confidence. Education and training requirements vary by State and specialty, but a master’s degree is required to become a licensed counselor. Job opportunities should be favorable as job openings are expected to exceed the number of graduates from counseling programs.
Military	Some training and duty assignments are hazardous, even in peacetime; hours and working conditions can be arduous and vary substantially, and personnel must strictly conform to military rules at all times. Requirements vary by branch of service, but enlisted personnel need at least a high school diploma or its equivalent while officers need a bachelor's or graduate degree. Opportunities should be excellent in all branches of the Armed Forces for applicants who meet designated standards. Military personnel are eligible for retirement after 20 years of service.
Mining and Geological Engineer	Employment growth is projected to be faster than average, with favorable job prospects expected. 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.
Model	Despite faster than average growth, keen competition is expected for modeling jobs. Most jobs are part time or have variable work schedules, and many jobs require frequent travel. Formal training is limited and education beyond high school usually is not required.
Multimedia Artist or Animator	About 60 percent of multimedia artists and animators 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.
Musician or Singer	Part-time schedules—typically at night and on weekends—intermittent unemployment, and rejection when auditioning for work are common; many musicians and singers supplement their income with earnings from other sources. Aspiring musicians and singers begin studying an instrument or training their voice at an early age. Competition for jobs, especially full-time jobs, is keen; talented individuals who can play several instruments and perform a wide range of musical styles should enjoy the best job prospects.
News Analyst, Reporter, or Correspondent	Competition will be keen for jobs at large metropolitan and national newspapers, broadcast stations, and magazines; small publications and broadcast stations and online newspapers and magazines should provide the best opportunities. Most employers prefer individuals with a bachelor's degree in journalism or mass communications and experience gained at school newspapers or broadcasting stations or through internships with news organizations. Jobs often involve long, irregular hours and pressure to meet deadlines.
Nuclear Engineer	Employment growth is projected to be about as fast as the average, with favorable job prospects due to increased interest in nuclear technologies. 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.
Nuclear Medicine Technologist	Key Points Keen competition is expected for most positions. Technologists with training in multiple diagnostic methods, or in nuclear cardiology, should have the best prospects. Nuclear medicine technology programs range in length from 1 to 4 years and lead to a certificate, an associate degree, or a bachelor's degree. About 66 percent of nuclear medicine technologists work in hospitals.
Nurse	Registered nurses (RNs) constitute the largest healthcare occupation, with 2.6 million jobs. About 60 percent of RN jobs are in hospitals. The three typical educational paths to registered nursing are a bachelor's degree, an associate degree, and a diploma from an approved nursing program; advanced practice nurses—clinical nurse specialists, nurse anesthetists, nurse-midwives, and nurse practitioners—need a master’s degree. Overall job opportunities are expected to be excellent, but may vary by employment and geographic setting; some employers report difficulty in attracting and retaining an adequate number of RNs.
Nursing Aide	Key Points Numerous job openings and excellent job opportunities are expected. Most jobs are in nursing and residential care facilities and in hospitals. A high school diploma is required for many jobs; specific qualifications vary by occupation, State laws, and work setting. This occupation is characterized by modest entry requirements, low pay, high physical and emotional demands, and limited advancement opportunities.
Occupational Health and Safety Technician	About 22 percent of technicians worked in government agencies that enforce rules on safety, health, and the environment. Technicians attend postsecondary school or enter the occupation through work experience and training. Individuals with a well-rounded breadth of knowledge in more than one health and safety specialty will have the best job prospects.
Occupational Therapist	Employment is expected to grow much faster than average, and job opportunities should be good, especially for therapists treating the elderly. Occupational therapists are regulated in all 50 States; requirements vary by State. Occupational therapists are increasingly taking on supervisory roles, allowing assistants and aides to work more closely with clients under the guidance of a therapist.
Occupational Therapist Assistant	Typical entry-level education for occupational therapist assistants is an associate degree; in contrast, occupational therapist aides usually receive their training on the job. Many States regulate the practice of occupational therapist assistants either by licensing, registration, or certification; requirements vary by State. Employment is projected to grow much faster than average as demand for occupational therapist services rises and as occupational therapists increasingly use assistants and aides. Job prospects should be very good for occupational therapist assistants; jobseekers holding only a high school diploma might face keen competition for occupational therapist aide jobs.
Office Clerk	Employment growth and high replacement needs in this large occupation will result in numerous job openings. Prospects should be best for those with knowledge of basic computer applications and office machinery. Part-time and temporary positions are common.
Operations Research Analyst	Candidates should have strong quantitative and computer skills; employers prefer workers who have completed advanced math courses. Employment is projected to grow much faster than average. Individuals with a master's or Ph.D. degree in operations research or management science should have excellent employment prospects; some entry-level positions are available to those with a bachelor’s degree.
Optician	Employers increasingly prefer dispensing opticians to complete certification or graduate from an accredited 2-year associate’s degree program in opticianry; some large employers may provide an apprenticeship. A license to practice is required by 22 States. Employment growth is projected to be average and reflect the steady demand for corrective lenses and fashionable eyeglass frames. Job opportunities are likely to be very good.
Optometrist	Admission to optometry school is competitive; only about 1 in 3 applicants was accepted in 2007. Graduation from an accredited college of Optometry and a State license administered by the National Board of Examiners in Optometry are required. Employment is expected to grow much faster than the average in response to the vision care needs of a growing and aging population. Job opportunities are likely to be excellent.
Painter or Paperhanger	Most workers learn informally on the job as helpers, but some experts recommend completion of an apprenticeship program. Employment prospects for painters should be excellent due to the large numbers of workers who leave the occupation for other jobs; paperhangers will face very limited opportunities. About 45 percent of painters and paperhangers are self-employed.
Paralegal or Legal Assistant	Despite projected much faster-than-average employment growth, competition for jobs is expected. Formally trained, experienced paralegals should have the best employment opportunities. Most entrants have an associate’s degree in paralegal studies, or a bachelor's degree in another field and a certificate in paralegal studies. About 71 percent work for law firms.
Personal Financial Advisor	Most personal financial advisors have a bachelor's degree. Math, analytical, and interpersonal skills are important. Keen competition is anticipated for these highly paid positions, despite much faster than average job growth. About 29 percent of personal financial advisors are self-employed.
Personal Trainer or Fitness Instructor	Many fitness and personal training jobs are part time, but many workers increase their hours by working at several different facilities or at clients' homes. Most fitness workers need to be certified. Employment is expected to grow much faster than the average. Job prospects are expected to be good.
Pest Control Worker	A high school diploma generally is the minimum educational requirement. States require pest control workers to be licensed through training and examination. Job prospects are expected to be very good.
Petroleum Engineer	Employment growth is projected to be faster than average, with excellent job prospects including work in other countries. 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.
Pharmacist	Excellent job opportunities are expected. Earnings are relatively high, but some pharmacists are required to work nights, weekends, and holidays. Pharmacists are becoming more involved in counseling patients and planning drug therapy programs. Pharmacists must graduate from an accredited college of pharmacy and pass a series of examinations to be licensed.
Pharmacy Technician or Aide	Key Points Job opportunities are expected to be good, especially for those with certification or previous work experience. Many technicians and aides work evenings, weekends, and holidays. About 75 percent of jobs were in a retail setting.
Photographer	Competition for jobs is expected to be keen because the work is attractive to many people. Technical expertise, a “good eye,” and creativity, are essential, and some photographers need a college degree. More than half of all photographers are self-employed, a much higher proportion than for most occupations.
Physical Therapist	Employment is expected to grow much faster than average. Job opportunities should be good. Today’s entrants to this profession need a post-baccalaureate degree from an accredited physical therapist program. About 60 percent of physical therapists work in hospitals or in offices of other health practitioners.
Physical Therapist Assistant	Key Points Employment is projected to grow much faster than average. Physical therapist assistants should have very good job prospects; on the other hand, aides may face keen competition from the large pool of qualified applicants. Aides usually learn skills on the job, while physical therapist assistants have an associate degree; most States require licensing for assistants. Most jobs are in offices of other health practitioners and in hospitals.
Physician Assistant	Requirements for admission to training programs vary; most applicants have a college degree and some health-related work experience. Physician assistants must complete an accredited education program and pass a national exam in order to obtain a license. Employment is projected to grow much faster than the average. Job opportunities should be good, particularly in rural and inner-city healthcare facilities.
Physician or Surgeon	Many physicians and surgeons work long, irregular hours. Acceptance to medical school is highly competitive. Formal education and training requirements—typically 4 years of undergraduate school, 4 years of medical school, and 3 to 8 years of internship and residency—are among the most demanding of any occupation, but earnings are among the highest. Job opportunities should be very good, particularly in rural and low-income areas.
Physicist or Astronomer	Scientific research and development services firms and the Federal Government employ over half of all physicists and astronomers. Most jobs in basic research usually require a doctoral degree; master's degree holders qualify for some jobs in applied research and development; bachelor's degree holders often qualify as research assistants or for other physics-related occupations, such as technicians. Applicants may face competition for basic research positions due to limited funding; however, those with a background in physics or astronomy may have good opportunities in related fields, such as engineering and technology.
Pilot	Regional and low-cost airlines offer the best opportunities; pilots face strong competition for jobs at the major airlines, which offer better pay and benefits. Many pilots have learned to fly in the military, but growing numbers have college degrees with flight training from civilian flying schools that are certified by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Newly hired pilots at major airlines typically have about 4,000 hours of flight experience.
Plumber	Job opportunities should be very good. These workers constitute one of the largest and highest paid construction occupations. Most States and localities require plumbers to be licensed. Most workers train in apprenticeship programs and in career or technical schools or community colleges.
Podiatrist	Podiatrists must be licensed, requiring 3 to 4 years of undergraduate education, the completion of a 4-year podiatric college program, and passing scores on national and State examinations. Job opportunities should be good for entry-level graduates of accredited podiatric medicine programs. Opportunities will be better in group medical practices, clinics, and health networks than in traditional, solo practices. Podiatrists enjoy very high earnings.
Police Officer or Detective	Police work can be dangerous and stressful. Education requirements range from a high school diploma to a college degree or higher. Job opportunities in most local police departments will be favorable for qualified individuals, while competition is expected for jobs in State and Federal agencies. Bilingual applicants with college training in police science or with military police experience will have the best opportunities.
Political Scientist	The vast majority of bachelor’s degree holders in political science find employment in niche areas with specialized titles, such as market analyst, research assistant, writer, or policy analyst. Employment growth of political scientists is projected to grow faster than the average. Candidates who hold a master’s or Ph.D. degree will have the best employment prospects and advancement opportunities; competition for teaching positions, while keen, should ease as the expected number of retirements increases. Quantitative and qualitative skills are important for all workers.
Power Plant Operator	Overall employment is projected to experience little or no change over the next decade, but job prospects are expected to be excellent for qualified applicants as many workers retire. Several years of classroom and on-the-job training are required to become fully qualified. Familiarity with computers and a basic understanding of science and math are helpful for those entering the field.
Preschool Teacher	Training requirements are set by each State and range from a high school diploma to a college degree, although a high school diploma and a little experience is adequate for many preschool teaching jobs. Employment of preschool teachers is projected to grow faster than the average through 2018. Job prospects are expected to be excellent due to high turnover.
Printing Machine Operator	Most printing machine operators are trained on the job. Retirements among older press operators are expected to create openings for skilled workers. Rising demand for customized print jobs will mean those skilled in digital printing operations will have the best job opportunities.
Private Investigator	Work hours are often irregular, and the work can be dangerous. About 21 percent are self-employed. Keen competition is expected for most jobs. Most private detectives and investigators have some college education and previous experience in investigative work.
Probation Officer	State and local governments employ most of these workers. A bachelor's degree in social work, criminal justice, psychology, or a related field is usually required. Employment growth, which is projected to be faster than the average, is dependent on government funding. Job opportunities are expected to be excellent.
Producer or Director	Job opportunities for producers and directors in motion pictures, and in films for television, are centered in New York and Los Angeles, however, small studios exist throughout the country. Formal training through a university or acting conservatory is typical; however, many producers and directors find work on the basis of their experience and talent alone. Because earnings may be erratic, many producers and directors supplement their incomes by holding jobs in other fields.
Professor or College Instructor	Many postsecondary teachers find the environment intellectually stimulating and rewarding because they are surrounded by others who enjoy the subject. Educational qualifications range from expertise in a particular field to a Ph.D., depending on the subject taught and the type of educational institution. Competition is expected for tenure-track positions; better opportunities are expected for part-time or non-tenure-track positions. Ph.D. recipients should experience the best job prospects.
Property Manager	Opportunities should be best for those with college degrees in business administration, real estate, or related fields and for those with professional designations. Particularly good opportunities are expected for those with experience managing housing for older people or with experience running a healthcare facility. About 46 percent of property, real estate, and community association managers are self-employed.
Psychologist	About 34 percent of psychologists are self-employed, mainly as private practitioners and independent consultants. Employment growth will vary by specialty; for example, clinical, counseling, and school psychologists will have 11 percent growth; industrial-organizational psychologists, 26 percent growth; and 14 percent growth is expected for all other psychologists. Acceptance to graduate psychology programs is highly competitive. Job opportunities should be the best for those with a doctoral degree in a subfield, such as health; those with a master’s degree will have good prospects in industrial-organization; bachelor’s degree holders will have limited prospects.
Public Relations Manager	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.
Public Relations Specialist	Although employment is projected to grow much faster than average, keen competition is expected for entry-level jobs. Opportunities should be best for college graduates who combine a degree in public relations, journalism, or another communications-related field with a public relations internship or other related work experience. Strong communication skills are essential.
Radiation Therapist	A bachelor's degree, associate degree, or certificate in radiation therapy is generally required. Employment is projected to grow much faster than the average for all occupations. Good job opportunities are expected. Earnings are relatively high.
Radiology Technologist or Technician	Key Points Employment is projected to grow faster than average; those with knowledge of more than one diagnostic imaging procedure will have the best employment opportunities. Formal training programs in radiography are offered in hospitals or colleges and universities and lead to a certificate, an associate degree, or a bachelor's degree. Most States require licensure, and requirements vary. Although hospitals will remain the primary employer, a number of new jobs will be found in physicians' offices and diagnostic imaging centers.
Real Estate Agent or Broker	A license is required in every State and the District of Columbia. Residential real estate brokers and sales agents often work evenings and weekends. Although gaining a job may be relatively easy, beginning workers face competition from well-established, more experienced agents and brokers. Employment is sensitive to swings in the economy, as well as interest rates; during periods of declining economic activity or rising interest rates, the volume of sales and the resulting demand for sales workers fall.
Real Estate Appraiser or Assessor	Workers generally must be licensed or certified, but State requirements vary. About 27 percent were self-employed. Employment is expected to grow more slowly than the average over the 2008-18 decade. During recessions, demand for appraisers declines; demand for assessors is less affected by economic and real estate market fluctuations.
Receptionist	Good interpersonal skills are critical. A high school diploma or its equivalent is the most common educational requirement. A large number of job openings are expected. Opportunities should be best for persons with a wide range of clerical and technical skills, particularly those with related work experience.

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