Service

• Most jobs are part time and have few educational requirements, attracting many young people to the occupation—21 percent of these workers were 16 to 19 years old in 2008, about six times the proportion for all workers.
• Job openings are expected to be abundant through 2018, which will create excellent opportunities for jobseekers.
• Tips comprise a major portion of earnings for servers, so keen competition is expected for jobs in fine dining and more popular restaurants where potential tips are greatest.

Key Points

• Many people are attracted to this occupation because of the travel benefits, such as reduced rates for transportation and lodging.
• Applicants with formal training should have the best opportunities to get a job as a travel agent.
• Travel agents who specialize in specific destinations or in certain types of travel or travelers should have the best chance for success.
• Job opportunities and earnings may decline during economic downturns and international crises, when travel plans are likely to be deferred.

• Employment is projected to increase more slowly than the average for all occupations.
• Competition is expected for jobs; applicants with a college degree or sales experience should have the best opportunities.
• Long, irregular hours, including evenings and weekends, are common.

• 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.
• Many cashiers start at the minimum wage.

• 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.

• Many cooks and food preparation workers are young—35 percent are below the age of 24.
• One-third of these workers are employed part time.
• Job openings are expected to be plentiful because many of these workers will leave the occupation for full-time employment or better wages.

• 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.
• Earnings are relatively low.

Key Points

• 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.

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.

• 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.