The Fastest Growing Jobs

Exploring Training Opportunities? Consider These High Growth Areas First.

Planning to train for a career and interested in choosing one with the best job outlook? You’re smart to pay attention to job growth trends. Choosing to pursue a job in an industry in decline or one that lacks opportunities in your area can leave you jobless down the road. But knowing which industries are boom and which are bust won’t provide the whole story. When it comes to your long-term job prospects, your level of education is the deciding factor in what job types will be open to you in 2016 and beyond.

The nation’s job growth statistics are inching upward. But some segments are falling fast (sorry, newspaper reporters and dairy farmers), while others are positioned for a rosy future (Well done, physical therapists and financial advisors!). Predicted job growth areas through the year 2022, for those without a high school diploma, show the highest growth in areas of Personal and Home Care Aides, as well as Carpenter Helpers and non-restaurant Food Servers.

Got a high school diploma and some college? You’ll find opportunities for Medical Assistants, and jobs in areas of skincare and beauty. With a two-year college degree, health-related jobs are on the rise in the nation and in Maine, New Hampshire, and North Carolina. And those looking toward a four-year degree may want to pursue a career as a Translator or an Information Security Analyst. (If you’re settling down in Maine and New Hampshire, try Meeting and Convention Planning for job security.)

Ready to plan your future? Consider these promising industries, courtesy of The U.S. Department of Labor.

Top 20 Occupations with the Most Openings through 2022

Retail Salespersons Food Prep Workers Food Servers Cashiers Waiters & Waitresses Registered Nurses Customer Service Representatives Movers (Freight, Material) Office Clerks Janitors

Personal Care Aides General & Operation Managers Nursing Assistants Home Health Aides Secretaries/Administrative Assistants Office Supervisors Construction Laborers Maids & Housekeepers Special Ed Teachers Tractor-Trailer Drivers

What Job Will Pay Me the Most?

Highest paying jobs are not necessarily those with the highest growth. But keep in mind that searching related jobs within high growth areas can uncover more lucrative positions. If you’re seeking the highest earnings potential with a high school diploma, try Supervisor of a construction trade, says the U.S. Department of Labor. Its projected median earnings exceed $56,000. Want the largest paycheck with a college degree? Nursing is an excellent bet, as is an Operations Manager or an Accountant.

Fastest Growing Occupations by Industry through 2022

These positions have the highest growth rate, but not necessarily the most openings. Positions range from those that require no high school diploma to those with some college or an Associate’s Degree.

Health Care Personal Care Aides Home Health Care Aides Sonographers Occupational Therapy Assistants Physical Therapies Aides Skincare Specialists Physician Assistants Health Specialty Teachers Medical Secretaries Physical Therapists Nursing Teachers Nurses

Labor Insulation Workers Stone and Brickmason’s Helpers Segmental Pavers Electrician’s Helpers Brickmasons Blockmasons Fence Erectors Cement Masons Pipelayer’s Helper Plumber’s Helper Pipe and Steamfitter’s Helpers

Technical Ambulance Drivers Commercial Drivers Medical Equipment Repairers Veterinary Techs CNC Programmers

Find more job growth sectors by state and education level at the CareerOneStop.com

He Said / She Said: Temp Jobs Edition

Temp Job Trap? Career Success Springboard? He & She Throw Down

Temporary jobs have their own special claim on today’s job market. “Temp jobs” are short or long term hires and “temp-to-hire jobs” start as temporary jobs and lead to permanent positions; these jobs are sometimes offered from the hiring company but more often filled through staffing companies. Temp workers are 2.8 million strong in the U.S., making up the highest proportion of the workforce in history, a jump precipitated by the recent recession. 

Many workers, it seems, have embraced the temp life, turning to temporary jobs when full-time work proves hard to find or to fill an employment gap following a job loss. But is making a living from temp work a curse or a blessing? The irrepressible He and indubitable She take a closer look.

He: Ok, She – I’ve been in the work force enough to know not to fall into the “temp trap”. Temporary jobs are dead ends, plain and simple.

She: Hold on, He – time has left you behind on that one. Temporary jobs have a workforce foothold, growing 50% following the recent recession, and here in Maine and New Hampshire, your temp trap thinking doesn’t hold water. For example, taking a temp job in the area often means getting in on the ground floor with a great local (or national) company. You get a foot in the door, and when a company is ready to hire, guess who’s in a great position? 

And a dead end? I won’t take the bait. Smart employees work temp to learn more about a company or an industry before investing in training or committing to a new career path. If you’ve been laid off or need to switch careers, temp jobs can inspire you figure out what you want to do next, all while avoiding those problematic gaps in your resume while you seek a permanent position.

He: That’s all fine, but the fact is, pay for temp jobs is always poor – that’s how they get you.

She: Thanks for shining a light on that, He – the truth is, temping does not mean low-level pay and low level jobs. Just like in the “real” job market, employees take temporary jobs that are in line with their experience. Average pay depends on the industry, but it also depends on what you bring to the table. Plus, if you work an entry-level temp job, you can leverage your position to make a move upward – just the same as a permanent employee would. In fact, that's where joining a staffing company can really pay off. For example, BONNEY Staffing helps those without a lot of job experience by giving them a chance to be a S.W.A.T (Staff Who Arrive Today) member. S.W.A.T teams work day-to-day assignments and build up their work credibility in the process. 

He: One thing’s for sure: Temp workers are left out in the cold when it comes to benefits.

She: I get where you’re coming from on this one, He. In some industries employers have a reputation for using temp workers to avoid offering health insurance, retirement, or workers’ comp. But get this: If you join up with a reputable staffing company, you’re their employee, whether your job is short term or long term. They provide competitive benefits just like permanent jobs do – things like health insurance, 401Ks, holidays, direct deposit...

He: Well, I need a real job – a job that lasts a week? That’s a waste of time.

She: Sure, some assignments last a week or two, but that's a great way for full-time job seekers to explore different types of jobs and gain experience without the commitment. And, there are plenty of temp jobs that last several months or even more. Some well-regarded local businesses in this area are notorious for needing to ramp up seasonally, and those jobs can last for weeks or even months. Companies have temporary needs for workers on leave, or just have temporary projects that are long term. 

If you inquire with a staffing agency, they’ll be up front with you about their assignment lengths so there’s no surprises. For instance, BONNEY Staffing just posted over 20 production positions that are six-month, temporary assignments, could be temp-to-hire for the right candidates, and include overtime. Is that long enough for you?

He: Uh, maybe. But I’m still not convinced a temp job is for me.

She: Give it a chance. Look, temping is a great way to re-enter the work force after time off, and it fills those voids in your resume, and that makes you a more desirable employee. And most temp jobs will pad your skill set with things like sales skills, management skills, organizational skills, and other skills things employers look for. And who doesn’t want to earn money while you look for a permanent job? Maybe you should check out your local staffing company, He! 

He: Ok, She...loud and clear. Until next time.    

Do you have questions about temp jobs, temp-to-hire jobs, and permanent hire jobs? Want more information about the benefits of working with a staffing company? Just ask – contact your local BONNEY Staffing Center location.

Maine Job Outlook - Infographic

Engaged in a job search in Maine and seeking a promising job sector? You might consider options in health care. Data from Maine Center for Workplace Research & Information indicate that the industry projected to gain the largest number of jobs in Maine between 2010 and 2020 is the hospital industry. Nursing is also predicted to grow by 2,322 jobs, and Ambulatory Health Care Services could add 1,988 jobs, making health-related fields promising for those planning for a long and prosperous career. Also showing growth? Social Assistance (1,756) and Education (1,440).

Below, we take a look at the industries expecting the most gains and losses with our Maine Jobs Infographic. You can find more information about the Job Outlook for Maine at Job Outlook to 2020 located at the Maine.gov website.

Share it! Download a PDF of our Maine Jobs Infographic and send to job seekers and industry wonks!