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Experts Predict Where the Jobs Will Be in 2018
Government economists estimate which occupations will have the most job openings between 2008 and 2018. Openings occur because new jobs are created and because workers retire or leave the field for other reasons.
Check out these top 10 lists of occupations, sorted by the level of education typically required:
Occupations with the Most Job Openings: Graduate Degree
| Occupation | Total Job Openings 2008–2018 | ||
| Postsecondary teachers | 553,000 | ||
| Doctors and surgeons | 261,000 | ||
| Lawyers | 240,000 | ||
| Clergy | 218,000 | ||
| Pharmacists | 106,000 | ||
| Educational, vocational, and school counselors | 94,000 | ||
| Physical therapists | 79,000 | ||
| Medical scientists, except epidemiologists | 66,000 | ||
| Mental health and substance abuse social workers | 61,000 | ||
| Instructional coordinators | 61,000 | ||
Occupations with the Most Job Openings: Bachelor's Degree
| Occupation | Total Job Openings 2008–2018 |
| Elementary school teachers, except special education | 597,000 |
| Accountants and auditors | 498,000 |
| Secondary school teachers, except special and vocational education | 412,000 |
| Middle school teachers, except special and vocational education | 251,000 |
| Computer systems analysts | 223,000 |
| Computer software engineers, applications | 218,000 |
| Network systems and data communications analysts | 208,000 |
| Computer software engineers, systems software | 153,000 |
| Construction managers | 138,000 |
| Market research analysts | 137,000 |
Occupations with the Most Jobs Openings: Associate's Degree or Postsecondary Vocational Award
| Occupation | Total Job Openings 2008–2018 |
| Registered nurses | 1,039,000 |
| Nursing aides, orderlies, and attendants | 422,000 |
| Licensed practical and licensed vocational nurses | 391,000 |
| Computer support specialists | 235,000 |
| Hairdressers, hairstylists, and cosmetologists | 220,000 |
| Automotive service technicians and mechanics | 182,000 |
| Preschool teachers, except special education | 178,000 |
| Insurance sales agents | 153,000 |
| Heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration technicians | 136,000 |
| Real estate sales agents | 128,000 |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
