Professional and related professions and service occupations are projected to grow most quickly, accounting for more than 6 of every 10 new jobs created between 2006-2016. Twenty-eight of the 30 fastest-growing jobs are in professional and related occupations and service positions.

30 fastest-growing growing occupations for 2006-2016

2. Personal and home care aides
2006 employment: 767,000
2016 employment projection: 1,156,000
Growth rate: 51%
Salary range: Less than $21,500
Education/training: On-the-job training

3. Home health aides
2006 employment: 787,000
2016 employment projection: 1,171,000
Growth rate: 50%
Salary range: Less than $21,500
Education/training: On-the-job training

4. Computer software engineers, applications
2006 employment: 507,000
2016 employment projection: 733,000
Growth rate: 42%
Salary range: $46,500+
Education/training: Bachelor’s degree

5. Veterinary technologists and technicians
2006 employment: 71,000
2016 employment projection: 100,000
Growth rate: 40%
Salary range: $21,260 – $30,560
Education/training: Associate degree

6. Personal financial advisors
2006 employment: 176,000
2016 employment projection: 248,000
Growth rate: 43%
Salary range: $46,500+
Education/training: Bachelor’s degree

7. Makeup artists, theatrical and performance
2006 employment: 2,000
2016 employment projection: 3,000
Growth rate: 40%
Salary range: $30,630 – $46,300
Education/training: Postsecondary vocational award

8. Medical assistants
2006 employment: 417,000
2016 employment projection: 565,000
Growth rate: 35%
Salary range: $21,260 – $30,560
Education/training: Moderate on-the-job training

9. Veterinarians
2006 employment: 62,000
2016 employment projection: 84,000
Growth rate: 35%
Salary range: $46,500+
Education/training: First professional degree

10. Substance abuse and behavioral disorder counselors
2006 employment: 83,000
2016 employment projection: 112,000
Growth rate: 34%
Salary range: $30,630 – $46,300
Education/training: Bachelor’s degree

11. Skin care specialists
2006 employment: 38,000
2016 employment projection: 51,000
Growth rate: 34.3
Salary range: $21,260 – $30,560
Education/training: Postsecondary vocational award

12. Financial analysts
2006 employment: 221,000
2016 employment projection: 295,000
Growth rate: 32%
Salary range: $46,500+
Education/training: Bachelor’s degree

13. Social and human service assistants
2006 employment: 339,000
2016 employment projection: 453,000
Growth rate: 35%
Salary range: $21,260 – $30,560
Education/training: Moderate on-the-job training

14. Gaming surveillance officers and gaming investigators
2006 employment: 9,000
2016 employment projection: 12,000
Growth rate: 33%
Salary range: $21,260 – $30,560
Education/training: Moderate on-the-job training

15. Physical therapist assistants
2006 employment: 60,000
2016 employment projection: 80,000
Growth rate: 32%
Salary range: $30,630 – $46,300
Education/training: Associate degree

16. Pharmacy technicians
2006 employment: 285,000
2016 employment projection: 376,000
Growth rate: 32%
Salary range: $21,260 – $30,560
Education/training: Moderate on-the-job training

17. Forensic science technicians
2006 employment: 13,000
2016 employment projection: 17,000
Growth rate: 29%
Salary range: $30,630 – $46,300
Education/training: Bachelor’s degree

18. Dental hygienists
2006 employment: 167,000
2016 employment projection: 217,000
Growth rate: 30%
Salary range: $46,500+
Education/training: Associate degree

19. Mental health counselors
2006 employment: 100,000
2016 employment projection: 130,000
Growth rate: 30%
Salary range: $30,630 – $46,300
Education/training: Master’s degree

20. Mental health and substance abuse social workers
2006 employment: 122,000
2016 employment projection: 159,000
Growth rate: 31%
Salary range: $30,630 – $46,300
Education/training: Master’s degree

21. Marriage and family therapists
2006 employment: 25,000
2016 employment projection: 32,000
Growth rate: 30%
Salary range: $30,630 – $46,300
Education/training: Master’s degree

22. Dental assistants
2006 employment: 280,000
2016 employment projection: 362,000
Growth rate: 30%
Salary range: $21,260 – $30,560
Education/training: Moderate on-the-job training

23. Computer systems analysts
2006 employment: 504,000
2016 employment projection: 650,000
Growth rate: 28%
Salary range: $46,500+
Education/training: Bachelor’s degree

24. Database administrators
2006 employment: 119,000
2016 employment projection: 154,000
Growth rate: 26%
Salary range: $46,500+
Education/training: Bachelor’s degree

25. Computer software engineers, systems software
2006 employment: 350,000
2016 employment projection: 449,000
Growth rate: 25%
Salary range: $46,500+
Education/training: Bachelor’s degree

26. Gaming and sports book writers and runners
2006 employment: 18,000
2016 employment projection: 24,000
Growth rate: 26%
Salary range: Less than $21,500
Education/training: On-the-job training

27. Environmental science and protection technicians
2006 employment: 36,000
2016 employment projection: 47,000
Growth rate: 28%
Salary range: $30,630 – $46,300
Education/training: Associate degree

28. Manicurists and pedicurists
2006 employment: 78,000
2016 employment projection: 100,000
Growth rate: 28%
Salary range: Less than $21,500
Education/training: Postsecondary vocational award

29. Physical therapists
2006 employment: 173,000
2016 employment projection: 200,000
Growth rate: 28%
Salary range: $46,500+
Education/training: Master’s degree

30. Physician assistants
2006 employment: 66,000
2016 employment projection: 83,000
Growth rate: 27%
Salary range: $46,500+
Education/training: Master’s degree