You’ve seen the statistics on various careers, such as which careers are growing and which ones offer good pay. Ever wonder where those statistics come from?

Check out any publication that contains information about growing career fields. Down at the bottom of a page, marked with an asterisk (*), you’ll often see the words “U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook,” or something similar. That means that the information comes from the U.S. Government.  

The U.S. Department of Labor collects and publishes a wealth of information about careers, including employment rates, safety and health, wages and benefits, and even careers for kids. But how do you access this information? Savvy career specialists log onto the website of the U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics. The home page may look confusing, but that’s because it’s crammed with free career information. You could spend all day exploring the many different publications!

Career professionals use the “Occupational Outlook Handbook.” This online publication discusses hundreds of different types of jobs, including the training and education needed, average earnings, expected job prospects, what workers do on the job, and even working conditions.

There’s even a table listing the 30 fastest-growing occupations, 2006-2016! The table provides the occupation, the annual rate of growth, and even the educational level needed to succeed. Here are a few highlights*:

1. Network systems and data communications analysts
Growth rate = 53.4%, Education level = Bachelor's degree

2. Personal and home care aides
Growth rate = 50.6%, Education level = Short-term on-the-job training

3. Home health aides
Growth rate = 48.7%, Education level = Short-term on-the-job training

4. Computer software engineers, applications
Growth rate = 44.6%, Education level = Bachelor's degree

6. Personal financial advisors
Growth rate = 41.0%, Education level = Bachelor's degree

7. Makeup artists, theatrical and performance
Growth rate = 39.8%, Education level = Postsecondary vocational

8. Medical assistants
Growth rate = 35.4%, Education level = Moderate-term on-the-job training

10. Substance abuse and behavioral disorder counselors        
Growth rate = 34.3%, Education level = Bachelor's degree

These are just the top ten! There are many more growing career fields, including:

• Computer software engineers, systems software

• Computer systems analysts

• Database administrators

• Dental assistants

• Dental hygienists

• Environmental science and protection

• Financial analysts

• Forensic science technicians

• Gaming and sports book writers and runners

• Gaming surveillance officers and gaming investigators                                                                              
• Manicurists and pedicurists

• Marriage and family therapists

• Mental health and substance abuse social workers

• Mental health counselors

• Pharmacy technicians

• Physical therapist assistants

• Physical therapists

• Physician assistants

• Skin care specialists

• Social and human service assistants

Many of these occupations require career training. That’s why Education-For-Careers is such a tremendous resource for people who are seeking career education. Find a career college near you, and get started on getting the training that could change your life.

* U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics, Office of Occupational Statistics and Employment Projections, Employment Projections 2006-2016.