Conventional Careers

• 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.

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.

• 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.

• Most grounds maintenance workers need no formal education and are trained on the job; however, some workers may require formal education.
• Occupational characteristics include full-time and part-time jobs, seasonal jobs, physically demanding work, and low earnings.
• Job opportunities are expected to be good.

• 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.

• 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.

Key Points

• Employment is expected to grow much faster than average.
• Job opportunities will be best for technologists who are certified and for those who are willing to relocate.
• Training programs last 9 to 24 months and lead to a certificate, diploma, or associate’s degree.
• Hospitals will continue to be the primary employer, although much faster employment growth is expected in other healthcare industries.

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.