Back to school season is here. High school students are preparing their college applications, and thousands of freshmen are starting their college careers. College has increasingly become a necessity, but many young people are concerned that they may not be able to find a job upon graduation. The good news is that there are many high-paying jobs in fields that are expected to boom by 2024.
The following ten jobs are all in fields that are expected to add a significant number of jobs and pay at least $75,000 per year. All statistics are taken from the Bureau of Labor and Statistics, bls.gov. Job descriptions are a summary of the jobs descriptions found elsewhere on the same site.
Job Title: Computer and Information Systems Managers
Projected growth between 2014 and 2024:10 -19%
Median Annual Pay: $135,800
Median Hourly Wage: $65.29
Projected Number of Jobs Added: 53,700
What You Do: Develop a technological plan for your company or site, and handle all responsibilities pertaining to computer, network, or other related duties.
Job Title: General and Operations Manager
Projected growth between 2014 and 2024: 0-9%
Median Annual Pay: $103,950
Median Hourly Wage: $49.97
Projected Number of Jobs Added: 147,000
What You Do: Manage the day-to-day responsibilities of a store or organization, including accounting, personnel, advertising, and other related duties.
Job Title: Software Developers, Applications
Projected growth between 2014 and 2024: 10-19%
Median Annual Pay: $102,280
Median Hourly Wage: $49.17
Projected Number of Jobs Added: 186,600
What You Do: Design and test general software or "apps" taking into consideration the needs of your audience and organization, as well as any feedback that has been given.
Note: BLS considers developers of applications and systems to be two different jobs, but they use the same statistics for both categories. It is unclear whether the projected number of jobs and estimated growth are for each individual job, or for both of them combined.
Job Title: Software Developers, Systems Software
Projected growth between 2014 and 2024: 10-19%
Median Annual Pay: $102,280
Median Hourly Wage: $49.17
Projected Number of Jobs Added: 186,600
What You Do: Design and develop operating systems for major public and private entities.
Job Title: Medical and Health Services Managers
Projected growth between 2014 and 2024: 10-19 %
Median Annual Pay: $96,540
Median Hourly Wage: $46.41
Projected Number of Jobs Added: 56,300
What You Do: Handle the executive and organizational needs of a clinic, health care facility, or groups of clinics, by developing, planning, directing, and coordinating medical and health services.
Job Title: Personal Financial Advisors
Projected growth between 2014 and 2024: 30+%
Median Annual Pay: $90,530
Median Hourly Wage: $43.53
Projected Number of Jobs Added: 73,900
What You Do: Provide financial guidance to individuals.
Job Title: Computer Systems Analysts
Projected growth between 2014 and 2024: 20 - 29%
Median Annual Pay: $87,220
Median Hourly Wage: $41.93
Projected Number of Jobs Added: 118,600
What You Do: Analyze a company's existing network and computer systems and develop solutions to help the business to run more effectively and efficiently.
Job Title: Management Analysts
Projected growth between 2014 and 2024: 10 - 19 %
Median Annual Pay: $81,380
Median Hourly Wage: $39.10
Projected Number of Jobs Added: 103,400
What You Do: Conduct studies and evaluations for an organization, design procedures and systems, conduct studies to help a business run more efficiently, and prepare manuals to enable more efficient management of the company.
Job Title: Operations Research Analysts
Projected growth between 2014 and 2024: 30+%
Median Annual Pay: $79,200
Median Hourly Wage: $38.08
Projected Number of Jobs Added: 27,600
What You Do: Use math and analytical skills to identify problems and help create solutions for a business.
Job Title: Sales Representatives, Wholesale and Manufacturing for Technical and Scientific Products
Projected growth between 2014 and 2024: 0 - 9 %
Median Annual Pay: $60,530
Median Hourly Wage: $29.10
Projected Number of Jobs Added: 117,200
What You Do: Represent manufacturers and wholesalers and sell goods and services that require advanced scientific, medical, or mathematical knowledge for those entities.
Most of the jobs on this list are management or analyst positions in fields related to science, technology, or medicine. Our future is going to be increasingly digital, so those are fields that are likely a good choice if you plan on stopping at your Bachelor's.
Credits: Helen Companion