By Category

• 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.

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.

• A bachelor's degree in engineering usually is required; many sales engineers have previous work experience in an engineering specialty.
• Competition for jobs is expected.
• Earnings typically are based on a combination of salary and commission.

• 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 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• About 48 percent worked in educational services; most others were employed by healthcare and social assistance facilities.
• A master's degree in speech-language pathology is the standard educational requirement; almost all States regulate these workers, and licensing requirements vary.
• Favorable job opportunities are expected.

• Applicants for recreational therapist jobs will experience competition.
• A bachelor's degree in therapeutic recreation is the usual educational requirement.
• Some States regulate recreational therapists through licensure, registration, or regulation of titles, but requirements vary.
• Recreational therapists should be comfortable working with persons who are ill or who have disabilities.

• 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.