Who’s Hiring? Top US Jobs for 2014

Following six years of recession and a patchy recovery, 2014 seems like a promising year for job seekers due to a stronger job market, increased salaries and lively residential home activities. According to Los Angeles County Economic Development Corp chief economist Robert Kleinheinz in his interview with the Los Angeles Times, the unemployment rate would go down by six percent at the same time next year—a full percentage point beneath the current unemployment rate right now. According to the same LA Times report, economic experts noted that this upward trend in employment makes the whole job market an inch closer to full employment. So who’s hiring? What are the in-demand jobs for 2014? Found below are some of the top jobs that we’ve found out for 2014, based on Career Cast and Forbes.com’s top lists. (The jobs below were listed in no particular order.): 1. Software Developers Software developers who design applications and systems software were included in Forbes.com’s list of top jobs for 2014. According to Forbes.com, 1,042,402 positions were recorded for the profession for 2013, and over 104, 348 jobs were added during the period between 2010 and 2013. Software developers are one of the highest earners in the industry, with a median hourly salary of $45.06. 2. Training and Development Specialists The Bureau of Labor Statistics defines training and development specialists as professionals who “design and conduct training and development programs that will help improve personal or organizational performance.” These professionals also conduct the assessment of the training needs of a variety of individuals or groups. Based on Forbes.com data, there are over 231, 898 training and development specialists employed in the US for 2013.  18,042 specialists were employed between 2010 and 2013. Training and development specialists are above-average salary-earners, earning $27.14 per hour. 3. Medical Records Technician Medical records and health information technicians maintain patient records and other health information data. Medical billing and coding specialists belong to this type of profession. This is good news for those who are looking forward to a vibrant career in allied healthcare as you don’t need a non-degree postsecondary certificate to be able to train or find a job as a medical records technician. As electronic healthcare systems become more in use, these professionals would become more in demand. These professionals earn a median annual salary of $34, 610 and are projected to grow by 21 percent by next year. 4. Physician Assistant (Medical Office Assistant) Assistants to doctors in private practice perform a wide variety of tasks from handling clerical work and maintaining patient records, setting up appointments, to assisting doctors in delivering patient care. According to Bureau of Labor Statistics data, the profession is expected to grow by 30 percent. These assistants earn an annual median salary of $90,930. 5. Web Developers Web developers are one of those IT careers that are all the rage right now. In 2013, over 136, 921 web developers have been employed in the US. Since 2010, over 13,364 jobs have been added to the industry. They earn a median hourly wage of $27.84. 6. Financial Analysts Financial analysts keep track of the activities from where the company’s revenue are coming from, as well as the company’s losses. In 2013, over 257, 159 financial analysts are employed in the United States. During the period between 2010 and 2013, 17,060 positions were added to the field. They earn a median hourly salary of $37.34. 7. Physical/Occupational Therapists Physical and occupational therapists aid patients to improve their quality of life by addressing their ailments, which include anything from back pain management to regaining the function of limbs and other body parts. Growth rate for both professions, according to the BLS, range between 33 and 39 percent. They also earn an annual median salary of $75,400 to $79,860. 9. Speech Language Pathologists The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association describes the work of a speech pathologist as something that deals with “the full range of human communication.” They basically work with patients who have speech, and cognitive-communication and swallowing disorders from all ages. According to the BLS, speech pathologists needs a license to be able to practice, and in order to get one, would-be pathologists would have to obtain a master’s degree and clinical experience. According to Career Cast, the BLS projects a 23 percent growth for the profession. Speech language pathologists earn an annual median salary of $69,870. 10. Pharmacists As healthcare services increase, so does the demand for medication and the professionals—pharmacists (and of course, pharmacy technicians)—who dispense them. The pharmacist population in the United States is expected to increase by 25 percent according to BLS data. The median annual salary of a pharmacist averages at $116,670. The profession is tightly regulated by state licensing and regulatory bodies, and pharmacists need an MD to be able to practice.