Believe it or not, even in this poor economy, some employers can't find enough qualified applicants. Kiplinger.com asked CareerBuilder to identify where the jobs are. Here are five of today's hottest jobs.
Physician Assistant. Annual salary range: $73,040-$101,690
Job description: P.A.'s reside between a nurse practitioner and a full-fledged doctor.
Education: Formal training is mandatory with a passing grade on a national exam, but the process is less rigorous and costly than med school.
10-year growth projection: 39% increase in jobs
Network Security Engineer. Annual salary: $57,240-$97,660
Job description: Network security specialists must know technologies to fend off cyber-attacks.
Education: A formal degree is less important than computer skills.
10-year growth projection: 30% increase in jobs
Environmental Engineer. Annual salary: $61,500-$99,180
Job description: These engineers solve pollution, recycling, and waste management problems.
Education: Bachelor's or master's degree
10-year growth projection: 31% increase in jobs
Nurse Practitioner. Annual salary: $52,980-$79,020
Job description: Nurse practitioners perform many duties previously handled by doctors.
Education: 2-year, 4-year or higher degree; depends on position
10-year growth projection: 22% increase in jobs
E-Mail Marketer. Annual salary: $43,840-$84,430
Job description: E-mail marketers manage large customer databases and analyze reports.
Education: Bachelor's degree
10-year growth projection: 28% increase in job
Financial Analyst. Annual salary: $56,310-$99,230
Job description: Financial analysts guide businesses on investment decisions.
Education: Masters in Business Administration and professional license
10-year growth projection: 20% increase in jobs
Software Engineer-Mobile Applications. Annual salary: $69,090-$109,210
Job description: This engineer keeps the mobile applications running.
Education: Bachelor's degree or more and proven experience with the latest mobile technologies
10-year growth projection: 34% increase in jobs
Social Media Manager. Annual salary: $38,960-$71,820
Job description: Companies spend big bucks on folks who can use social media to build brands.
Education: Bachelor's degree in journalism, marketing or communications
10-year growth projection: 24% increase in jobs
Tractor-Trailer Truck Driver. Annual salary: $30,270-$46,920
Job description: These big-rig pilots need a commercial driver's license and, often, a union card.
Education Needed: Career and Technical school
10-year growth projection: 13% increase in jobs
Home Health Aide. Annual Salary: $17,900-$24,020
Job description: Aides go to homes to help the elderly, disabled and ill with everyday living.
Education: No minimum education level, but training may be required.
10-year growth projection: 48% increase in jobs
