10 Hottest Careers for College Graduates
Experts predict where the jobs will be in 2016.
Government economists estimate which occupations will have the most job openings between 2006 and 2016. Openings occur because new jobs are created and because workers retire or leave the field for other reasons.
Occupations with the Most Job Openings: Graduate Degree
| Occupation |
Total Job Openings 2006-2016 |
| Postsecondary teachers |
662,000 |
| Lawyers |
228,000 |
| Doctors and surgeons |
204,000 |
| Clergy |
130,000 |
| Pharmacists |
95,000 |
| Educational, vocational and school counselors |
84,000 |
| Physical therapists |
68,000 |
| Mental health and substance abuse social workers |
62,000 |
| Rehabilitation counselors |
60,000 |
| Mental health counselors |
50,000 |
Occupations with the Most Job Openings: Bachelor's Degree
| Occupation |
Total Job Openings 2006-2016 |
| Elementary school teachers, except special education |
545,000 |
| Accountants and auditors |
450,000 |
| Secondary school teachers, except special and vocational education |
368,000 |
| Computer software engineers, applications |
300,000 |
| Computer systems analysts |
280,000 |
| Middle school teachers, except special and vocational education |
217,000 |
| Network systems and data communications analysts |
193,000 |
| Securities, commodities and financial services sales agents |
161,000 |
| Network and computer systems administrators |
154,000 |
| Construction managers |
152,000 |
Occupations with the Most Jobs Openings: Associate's Degree or Postsecondary Vocational Award
| Occupation |
Total Job Openings 2006-2016 |
| Registered nurses |
1,001,000 |
| Nursing aides, orderlies and attendants |
393,000 |
| Licensed practical and licensed vocational nurses |
309,000 |
| Automotive service technicians and mechanics |
265,000 |
| Computer support specialists |
242,000 |
| Preschool teachers, except special education |
187,000 |
| Hairdressers, hairstylists and cosmotologists |
151,000 |
| Real estate agents |
115,000 |
| Welders, cutters, solderers and blazers |
107,000 |
| Fitness trainers and aerobics instructors |
107,000 |
