On December 17, the Department of Labor released its biennial Occupational Outlook Handbook which projects the job market over the next 10 years. The report shows projected growth in service jobs with a decline in manufacturing and government positions.
The manufacturing sector is expected to lose 814,000 jobs between now and 2024; while jobs in health care, personal and professional services, construction, and hospitality are expected to have the highest growth.
Many of the fastest growing jobs including Wind Service Turbine Technician, Commercial Diver, Interpreter, and Cartographer are especially suited for veterans. Others, such as Health Care, Computer Systems Analyst, and Operations Manager are a very good fit for veterans who have technical certifications or a degree. Use our Military Skills Translator to find out how the skills you have learned in the military can translate to a great civilian job.
Once you are ready to seek employment check out our Veterans Jobs section for helpful tips, Military Friendly Jobs, and even Job Fairs in your area that can help you find a great career!
| Job | Average Salary | Projected 10 Year Growth Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Wind Turbine Service Technicians | $48,800 | 108% |
| Occupational Therapy Assistants | $56,950 | 43% |
| Physical Therapist Assistants | $54,410 | 41% |
| Physical Therapist Aides | $24,650 | 39% |
| Home Health Aides | $21,380 | 38% |
| Commercial Divers | $45,890 | 35% |
| Nurse Practitioners | $95,350 | 35% |
| Physical Therapists | $82,390 | 34% |
| Statisticians | $79,990 | 34% |
| Ambulance Drivers & Attendants | $24,080 | 33% |
| Occupational Therapy Aides | $26,550 | 31% |
| Physician Assistants | $95,820 | 30% |
| Operations Research Analysts | $76,660 | 30% |
| Personal Financial Advisors | $81,060 | 30% |
| Cartographers and Photogrammetrists | $60,930 | 29% |
| Genetic Counselors | $67,500 | 29% |
| Interpreters and Translators | $43,590 | 29% |
| Audiologists | $73,060 | 29% |
| Hearing Aid Specialists | $43,010 | 27% |
| Optometrists | $101,410 | 27% |
| Job | Average Salary | Projected Number of New Jobs in the Next 10 Years |
|---|---|---|
| Personal Care Aides | $20,440 | 458,100 |
| Registered Nurses | $66,640 | 439,300 |
| Home Health Aides | $21,380 | 348,400 |
| Food Preparation & Serving | $18,410 | 343,500 |
| Retail Sales | $21,390 | 314,200 |
| Nursing Assistants | $25,100 | 262,000 |
| Customer Service Representatives | $31,200 | 252,900 |
| Restaurant Cooks | $22,490 | 158,900 |
| General and Operations Managers | $97,270 | 151,100 |
| Construction Laborers | $31,090 | 147,400 |
| Accountants and Auditors | $65,940 | 142,400 |
| Medical Assistants | $29.960 | 148,900 |
| Janitors and Cleaners | $22,840 | 136,300 |
| Software Developers | $95,510 | 135,300 |
| Laborers and Freight/Stock Movers | $24,430 | 125,100 |
| Office Supervisors | $50,780 | 121,200 |
| Computer Systems Analysts | $82,710 | 118,600 |
| Licensed Practical Nurses | $42,490 | 117,300 |
| Maids and Housekeepers | $20,120 | 111,700 |
| Medical Secretaries | $32,240 | 108,200 |
The full report is available at the Department of Labor's website.
