Struggling to find a job? If you’re an accountant, computer systems
analyst or event coordinator, there’s a good chance your luck will
change in 2013.
These three professions are among the best jobs that require a bachelor’s degree for 2013, according to a new study by CareerBuilder and Economic Modeling Specialists Intl. (EMSI).
The study used EMSI’s rich labor market database, which pulls from
over 90 national and state employment resources and includes detailed
information on employees and self-employed workers, to find the 18 top
jobs for 2013, based on the occupations with the most jobs added since
2010.
“The list identifies occupations that are on an upward trajectory
regarding employment,” says Matt Ferguson, chief executive of
CareerBuilder. “Job seekers can gain insights into where companies are
expanding and opportunities that are available.”
The occupation that has produced the most jobs post-recession:
Software developer (applications and systems software). Since 2010,
70,872 jobs have been added (7% growth).
Why? “Companies are competing to get to market first with
innovations that will create new revenue streams,” Ferguson says. “They
want to capitalize on mobile technologies and social media. They want
to extract, parse and apply Big Data to bring better solutions to their
clients and their own businesses. They need technologists in place who
can devise bigger and better strategies, and execute.”
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics,
most software developers work for computer systems design and related
services firms or software publishers. Others work in computer and
electronic product manufacturing industries. They typically have a
bachelor’s degree in computer science.
The average pay for these professionals is $90,530 a year, and the
BLS expects a 30% increase in the number of software developers by 2020
(from 2010).
In the No. 2 spot is accountants and auditors. These professionals
prepare and examine financial records, and ensure that taxes are paid
properly and on time. Over 37,100 jobs have been added since 2010 (a 3%
increase).
Most employers require an accountant or auditor job candidate to have
a bachelor’s degree in accounting or a related field, and others will
want the candidate to be certified within a specific field, according to
the BLS. These professionals make $61,690, on average, per year.
The third best job for 2013: Market research analysts and marketing
specialists. The profession has added 31,335 jobs since 2010, which is a
10% increase. According to the BLS, they earn about $60,570 a year, on
average. The profession is expected to grow 41% by 2020 (from 2010).
What do they do? Market research analysts study market
conditions to examine potential sales of a product or service. They help
companies understand the marketplace; what products people want, who
will buy them, and at what price. Strong math and analytical skills are
typically required, as well as a bachelor’s degree. Top research
positions often require a master’s, according to the BLS.
Elsewhere on the list: Computer systems analysts (No. 4), mechanical engineers (No. 9), and database administrators (No. 15).
“Technology and engineering roles make up the majority of the top ten
positions, indicative of the continued and heightened investments
companies are making in these areas,” Ferguson says. “You also see
growth in production-related jobs as U.S. manufacturing rallies after
experiencing significant losses during the recession. There is also
strong demand for sales and marketing roles as companies look to grow
revenue and extend their visibility and reach. Finally, there are more
jobs supporting overall business operations as the economy improves.”
Occupations requiring a bachelor’s degrees that have produced the most jobs post-recession include:
No. 1 Software Developers (Applications and Systems Software)
70,872 jobs added since 2010, 7% growth
No. 2 Accountants and Auditors
37,123 jobs added since 2010, 3% growth
No. 3 Market Research Analysts and Marketing Specialists
31,335 jobs added since 2010, 10% growth
No. 4 Computer Systems Analysts
26,937 jobs added since 2010, 5% growth
No. 5 Human Resources, Training and Labor Relations Specialists
22,773 jobs added since 2010, 5% growth
No. 6 Network and Computer Systems Administrators
18,626 jobs added since 2010, 5% growth
No. 7 Sales Representatives (Wholesale and Manufacturing, Technical and Scientific)
17,405 jobs added since 2010, 4% growth
No. 8 Information Security Analysts, Web Developers and Computer Network Architects
15,715 jobs added since 2010, 5% growth
No. 9 Mechanical Engineers
13,847 jobs added since 2010, 6% growth
No. 10 Industrial Engineers
12,269 jobs added since 2010, 6% growth
No. 11 Computer Programmers
11,540 jobs added since 2010, 3% growth
No. 12 Financial Analysts
10,016 jobs added since 2010, 4% growth
No. 13 Public Relations Specialists
8,541 jobs added since 2010, 4% growth
No. 14 Logisticians
8,522 jobs added since 2010, 8% growth
No. 15 Database Administrators
7,468 jobs added since 2010, 7% growth
No. 16 Meeting, Convention and Event Planners
7,072 jobs added since 2010, 10% growth
No. 17 Cost Estimators
6,781 jobs added since 2010, 3% growth
No. 18 Personal Financial Advisors
5,212 jobs added since 2010, 3% growth