Want to know which are the ten vocational skills in demand today? Let’s face it, the job market is quite difficult nowadays, so a tip or two is indeed welcome, and knowing what skills are in demand can be the difference between having skills no one needs, and finding a job quickly and easily.
Thus, we have compiled a list of the vocational skills in demand today. These are not necessarily the best paid ones. In case you want to find out which are the vocational careers that pay the most, check out our list of the 8 Highest Paying Vocational Careers. These vocational skills do however almost guarantee you’ll find willing suitors on the jobs market.
Not everyone has access to higher education, but vocational training can help you learn helpful skills for career paths that are needed right now. Despite the common belief, contemporary vocational careers are not only limited to manual and procedural skills, but also technological competence, communicating skills, typing skills, writing abilities and many more.
According to ManpowerGroup’s Talent Shortage Survey, the jobs American employers find the most difficult to fill are skilled trades; those occupations that require special skills and which are related to manual labor. This is closely related to what various sources point out: the baby boomers’ inevitable retirement is leaving a wide gap of labor-intensive jobs to be filled. Moreover, high school programs in the United States are clearly focused on preparing students for college, rather than vocational training schools. Taking all of this into account, it is probably a good idea to shift our attention to the vocational skills market and analyze the possibilities it offers.
For our list we used the information published by the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Now, let’s take a look at the countdown, for I’m sure you’re eager to find out which are the ten vocational skills in demand today.
10. Barbers, Hairdressers and Cosmetologists
2012 Median Pay: $22,770 per year
Entry-level Education: Post-secondary non-degree award
Number of Jobs (2012): 663,300
Job outlook (2012-2022): 13%
9. Dental Care
Dental Hygienists
2012 Median Pay: $70,210 per year
Entry-level Education: Associate’s degree
Number of Jobs (2012): 192,800
Job outlook (2012-2022): 33%
Dental Assistants
2012 Median Pay: $34,500 per year
Entry-level Education: Post-secondary non-degree award
Number of Jobs (2012): 303,200
Job outlook (2012-2022): 25%
8. Computer Support Specialists
2012 Median Pay: $48,900 per year
Entry-level Education: Post-secondary non-degree award or Associate’s degree
Number of Jobs (2012): 722,400
Job outlook (2012-2022): 17%
7. Food and Beverage Serving and Related Workers
2012 Median Pay: $18,400 per year
Entry-level Education: Less than high school
Number of Jobs (2012): 4,438,100
Job outlook (2012-2022): 12%
6. Veterinary Technologists and Technicians
2012 Median Pay: $30,290 per year
Entry-level Education: Associate’s degree
Number of Jobs (2012): 84,800
Job outlook (2012-2022): 30%
The first half of our list is down, and the top 5 vocational skills in demand today remain; check them out on the next pages.
5. Accountants and Auditors
2012 Median Pay: $63,550 per year
Entry-level Education: Bachelor’s degree
Number of Jobs (2012): 1,275,400
Job outlook (2012-2022): 13%
4. Heavy and Tractor-trailer Truck Drivers
2012 Median Pay: $38,200 per year
Entry-level Education: Post-secondary non-degree award
Number of Jobs (2012): 1,701,500
Job outlook (2012-2022): 11%
3. Manufacturing
Wholesale and Manufacturing Sales Representatives
2012 Median Pay: $57,870 per year
Entry-level Education: Post-secondary non-degree award or Associate’s degree
Number of Jobs (2012): 1,863,000
Job outlook (2012-2022): 9%
2. Construction
Construction Equipment Operators
2012 Median Pay: $40,980 per year
Entry-level Education: High school diploma or equivalent
Number of Jobs (2012): 409,700
Job outlook (2012-2022): 19%
Construction Laborers and Helpers
2012 Median Pay: $29,160 per year
Entry-level Education: None
Number of Jobs (2012): 1,284,600
Job outlook (2012-2022): 25%
1. Health Care and Social Assistance
Social Workers
2012 Median Pay: $44,200 per year
Entry-level Education: Bachelor’s degree
Number of Jobs (2012): 607,300
Job outlook (2012-2022): 19%
Social and Human Service Assistants
2012 Median Pay: $28,850 per year
Entry-level Education: High school diploma or equivalent
Number of Jobs (2012): 372,700
Job outlook (2012-2022): 22%
