(Newswire.net — June 7, 2016) — Whether you’re graduating high school and preparing to attend college, or you’re in the middle of a career pivot and thinking about going back to school, choosing the appropriate career path can mean the difference between enjoying a stable financial future and fighting to remain employed.
Let’s take a look at an up to date list of the top career paths for 2016 and beyond to provide you with a better idea of what jobs are conducive to long-term success.
1. Software Developer
With the proliferation of technology, it should come as no surprise that software developers are in high demand. Specifically, a career in mobile app and software development is bright at the moment. The workforce is expected to grow by 20 percent by 2025 and the median income for a systems software developer is a cool $103,083. Not bad for a fun job that allows you to take advantage of your creative inclinations.
2. Anesthesiologist
The highest paying jobs in 2016 go to anesthesiologists – the folks that keep you sound asleep on the operating table. The median salary is $187,199 and the unemployment rate hovers around just 0.4 percent. In other words, if you’re an anesthesiologist, you’ll make a lot of money and have little trouble securing the job you want. Furthermore, the industry is expected to grow by 21 percent between now and 2024.
3. Medical Assistant
If there’s one industry that’s guaranteed to see continual growth, it’s the health care industry. And while you may not have the time or desire to become a doctor, you can always pursue a career in medical assisting. The employment of medical and health services mangers has been growing for years and is expected to realize a 16 percent growth rate from 2008 to 2018.
4. Information Security Analyst
As internet technology grows and cyber security threats increase, the need for information security analysts in a variety of industries grows. There are currently 85,177 jobs, but that number is expected to grow by 30.9 percent from 2015 to 2025. The money isn’t bad either, with the median annual salary hovering right around $89,558.
5. Analytics Manager
Businesses are turning towards more and more data to make calculated decisions and high returning investments. The only issue is that the analytics platforms businesses use are complicated and require some professional know-how to understand. As a result, thousands of businesses are hiring analytics managers to interpret data and make educated conclusions. The median base salary for an analytics manager is a strong $105,000.
6. Physical Therapist
If you’re looking for a job that’s challenging, rewarding, and high-paying, then consider a career in physical therapy. Job opportunities in this area are expected to grow at an above-average rate in 2016 and the median annual salary comes in at $82,275. One of the other benefits of a career in physical therapy is that it comes with a lot of flexibility. Many therapists only work part-time, which allows for excellent work-life balance.
7. Accountant
Maybe a career related to health or technology isn’t right for you. Well, rest assured there are other excellent opportunities available. Being an accountant is one good choice in 2016. The median salary is $65,940, while the unemployment rate is well below the national average at just 3.2 percent. This is another flexible industry. While tax season can be very busy, other months of the year move at a much more leisurely pace if you so desire.
Choose the Right Career
As these up-to-date numbers show, some careers are better than others. As you consider pursuing a degree, take a close look at these seven career paths and the opportunities they could afford you in the future.