What they do: Assemble networks from the bottom up, from data to email and voicemail systems.
Why it's hot: More companies are building networks to speed office communications and create better access to data.
Pros:
• Telecommuting is often an option.
• The skills qualify for other technology work.
• Many small and medium-sized businesses are adding heavily to networking groups.
Cons:
• Jobs are very task-based, so a network problem could mean evening or weekend work.
• Job tasks can change quickly with new technology.
• Long hours at the computer.
Average salary: $60,600
2. Physician assistant
What they do: Juggle all the tasks that busy doctors don't have time to handle, like taking medical histories. May work independently at clinics.
Why it's hot: The health care industry is exploding thanks to an aging population. An increasing emphasis on cost containment is also increasing the demand for physician assistants.
Pros:
• The position is paid well for one requiring only a 2-year degree.
• Employers often pick up associated insurance and licensing fees.
Cons:
• PA's can put in long hours, particularly in surgery.
• Working on call can be required.
• It can be boring: Assistants are frequently assigned the most mundane of doctors' tasks.
Average salary: $69, 410
3. Computer software engineer, applications
What they do: Assemble the applications that drive PCs -- both consumer software and custom-developed programs for business.
Why it's hot: Businesses are constantly bringing in new technologies in order to stay efficient, and customized software is an exploding market.
Pros:
• Independent consulting work is a possibility.
• There's intense competition between businesses for the best software developers, which creates more opportunities and higher pay.
Cons:
• The project-oriented nature of the work can mean evening and weekend work.
• Software development work is increasingly being outsourced overseas.
Average salary: $79,930
4. Computer software engineer, systems software
What they do: Install the core operating systems that software runs on top of, and may handle security.
Why it's hot: Businesses are adding more and more core features to their technology systems.
Pros:
• Engineers learn a broad range of tech skills as demands change.
• Independent consulting work can provide an alternative career path.
Cons:
• Project-oriented nature means a lot of on-site work and long hours.
• Systems software engineers may have to fulfill sales and support roles as well.
Average salary: $76,910
5. Network and computer systems administrator
What they do: Run the network help desk.
Why it's hot: More and more organizations - among them nonprofits and community groups - are adding networks. Increasing security needs are another big driver.
Pros:
• This tech role doesn't require as much training as others.
• Exposure to a variety of advanced computer tasks.
Cons:
• The systems administrator doesn't get noticed until something goes wrong.
• Must handle a huge variety of problems.
• Depending on size of network, working on call may be required.
Average salary: $40,430
6. Database administrator
What they do: Handle database setup and security to ensure that information is delivered smoothly around a company's network.
Why it's hot: More and more information needs to be shared across computer networks, and the database administrator is at the center of that process.
Pros:
• They work closely with a company's most valuable data.
• Databases use different technologies, so flexible tech skills are required.
Cons:
• This role has expanded to include major security demands.
• Unexpected problems can cause weekend work.
• The administrator also needs a strong understanding of the company's general computer systems.
Average salary: $60,650
7. Physical therapist
What they do: Guide people suffering from injuries or disease through physical treatments and exercises.
Why it's hot: As the population ages, the number of individuals with limited physical limitations or disabilities keeps growing.
Pros:
• Work closely with other medical professionals.
• Helping victims of accidents and ailments on their way to recovery.
Cons:
• Occasional evening work to fit patient schedules
• The work can be physically demanding
Average salary: $60,180
8. Medical scientist
What they do: Conducts biomedical research.
Why it's hot: Though the budget increases at the National Institutes of Health that have fueled research have come to a stop, there's no shortage of new biotechnology ventures.
Pros:
• Medical scientists put in very regular hours.
• They often get to work in different environments, splitting work between the lab, clinics and hospitals.
Cons:
• They have to follow strict safety procedures to avoid exposure to dangerous organisms or toxic substances.
• Some medical scientists are heavily dependent on grant money.
Average salary: $61,320
9. Occupational therapist
What they do: Help people with mental or physical handicaps learn to perform daily tasks like bathing and dressing.
Why it's hot: In an aging society, more people need this type of assistance.
Pros:
• Excellent compensation.
• Occupational therapists are increasingly taking on supervisory roles in medical environments.
• Develop long-term relationships with patients.
Cons:
• The work can be physically demanding, with therapists on their feet for most of the day.
Average salary: $54,660
10. College instructor
What they do: Teach classes across a wide range of academic and vocational topics.
Why it's hot: An expected increase in the number of 18 to 24-year-olds will boost college enrollment.
Pros:
• There are a wide variety of subjects to teach.
• Teachers have very flexible work schedules.
• They can teach part-time, for instance in the evenings after another job.
Cons:
• Professors are frequently required to balance teaching and publishing (especially in research universities).
• Work can pile up at the end of the semester.
Average salary: $51,800
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