Growth Trends for Related Jobs
Less Competitive & Well-Paying Careers

As the economy struggles and unemployment rises, competition in the job market remains fierce. Some positions have more qualified candidates than job openings, while other occupations are declining altogether. Even health care professions in constant demand are only attainable after intense competition to get into, and successfully complete, medical school. Despite hard economic times and its effect on the labor force, a few careers have more vacancies than workers.
Computer and Information Systems Manager
Computer and information systems managers oversee all of the technical aspects of their firm, including Internet operations, network security and software development. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported a median annual salary of $129,130 for this profession as of May 2012. Job prospects are expected to be excellent between 2010 and 2020, with a projected 18 percent employment increase.
Dentists and Dental Assistants
Dentists focus on teeth and gums, performing duties such as administering anesthetics, treating mouth tissue problems and filling cavities or extracting teeth. According to Military.com, about three out of every four dentists are solo practitioners and usually earn salaries between $137,970 and $214,120 each year. Employment of dentists is expected to increase by 21 percent between 2010 and 2020. In addition, dental assistant positions are projected to increase 31 percent to meet rising demands.
Wholesale and Manufacturing Sales Representatives
Sales representatives for wholesalers and manufacturers sell goods to government agencies, businesses and other organizations. As of May 2012, representatives for technical and science products earned an average of $85,690 each year. Those in all other fields made a median annual salary of $64,300. The industry is expected to grow 16 percent between 2010 and 2020, with a 51 percent increase in employment of representatives in wholesale electronics.
Diesel Service Technicians and Mechanics
Diesel service technicians and mechanics inspect, repair or overhaul trucks, buses and anything else with a diesel engine. Although the median salary was only $43,660 per year as of May 2012, the industry is expected to grow about as fast as average, by 15 percent, between 2010 to 2020. Despite minimal competition, prospects will be best for individuals who have obtained a formal postsecondary education.
References
- Military.com: The Top 10 Paying Jobs in the U.S.
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2012
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Job Outlook (Computer and Information Systems Managers)
- U.S. Department of Labor Statistics: Job Outlook (Dentists)
- U.S. Department of Labor Statistics: Job Outlook (Dental Assistants)
- U.S. Department of Labor Statistics: Wholesale and Manufacturing Sales Representatives
- U.S. Department of Labor Statistics: Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2012 (Sales Representatives, Wholesale and Manufacturing, Technical and Scientific Products)
- U.S. Department of Labor Statistics: Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2012 (Sales Representatives, Wholesale and Manufacturing, Except Technical and Scientific Products)
- U.S. Department of Labor Statistics: Diesel Service Technicians and Mechanics
- U.S. Department of Labor Statistics: Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2012 (Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists)
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Based in the Northwoods of Wisconsin, Megan Torrance left her position as the general manager for five Subway restaurants to focus on her passion for writing. Torrance specializes in creating content for career-oriented, motivated individuals and small business owners. Her work has been published on such sites as Chron, GlobalPost and eHow.
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