5 fastest growing jobs

Percent change in employment, projected 2014-24

Optometrists
27%
Health diagnosing and treating practitioners
17%
Total, all occupations
7%

Note: All Occupations includes all occupations in the U.S.

Economy.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment
Projections program
Employment of optometrists is projected to grow 27
percent from 2014 to 2024, much faster than the average
for all occupations.
Because vision problems tend to occur more frequently
later in life, an aging population will require more
optometrists. As people age, they become more
susceptible to conditions that impair vision, such as
cataracts and macular degeneration.
The number of people with chronic diseases, such as
diabetes, has grown in recent years. Diabetes has been
linked to increased rates of several eye conditions,
including diabetic retinopathy, a condition that affects the
blood vessels in the eye and may lead to loss of vision.
More optometrists will be needed to monitor, treat, and
refer individuals with chronic conditions stemming from
diabetes.
In addition, nearly all health plans cover medical eye care
and many cover preventive eye exams. Furthermore, the
number of individuals, particularly children, who have
access to vision or eye care insurance is expected to
continue to increase because of federal health insurance
reform. More optometrists will be needed to provide
services to more patients.

Optometrists
Percent change in employment, projected 2014-24
Optometrists
27%
Health diagnosing and treating practitioners
17%
Total, all occupations
7%

Note: All Occupations includes all occupations in

the U.S. Economy.

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections program

Duties
Optometrists typically do the following:
Perform vision tests and analyze results
Diagnose sight problems, such as nearsightedness or farsightedness, and
eye diseases, such as glaucoma
Prescribe eyeglasses, contact lenses, and other visual aids, and if state law
permits, medications
Perform minor surgical procedures to correct or treat visual or eye health
issues
Provide treatments such as vision therapy or low-vision rehabilitation
Provide pre- and postoperative care to patients undergoing eye surgeryfor
example, examining a patients eyes the day after surgery
Evaluate patients for the presence of other diseases and conditions, such as
diabetes or hypertension, and refer patients to other healthcare providers as
needed
Promote eye and general health by counseling patients

Employment of genetic counselors is projected to

grow 29 percent from 2014 to 2024, much faster
than the average for all occupations. However,
because it is a small occupation, the growth will
result in only about 700 new jobs over the 10-year
period.
Ongoing technological innovations, including lab
tests and developments in genomics, are giving
counselors the opportunities to conduct more
types of analyses. Cancer genomics, for example,
can determine a patients risk for specific types of
cancer. The number and types of tests that genetic
counselors can administer and evaluate has
increased Quick
over the
past
few years.
Similarly, many
Facts:
Genetic
Counselors
types of genetic tests are covered by health
$67,500 per year
2014
Median Pay providers
insurance
$32.45 per hour
Typical Entry-Level Education

Master's degree

Work Experience in a Related Occupation

None

On-the-job Training

None

Number of Jobs, 2014

2,400

Job Outlook, 2014-24

29% (Much faster than average)

Employment Change, 2014-24

700

Duties
Genetic counselors typically do the following:
Interview patients to obtain comprehensive
individual family and medical histories
Evaluate genetic information to identify patients
or families at risk for specific genetic risks
Write detailed consultation reports to provide
information on complex genetic concepts for
patients or referring physicians
Discuss testing options and the associated risks,
benefits, and limitations with patients and families
Counsel patients and family members by
providing information, education, or reassurance
regarding genetic risks and inherited conditions
Participate in professional organizations or
conferences to keep abreast of developments in
genetics and genomics

Employment of wind turbine service technicians, also known aswindtechs, is projected

to grow 108 percent from 2014 to 2024, much faster than the average for all
occupations. However, because it is a small occupation, the fast growth will result in
only about 4,800 new jobs over the 10-year period.
Development of taller towers with larger blades has reduced the cost of wind power
generation, making it more competitive with coal, natural gas, and other forms of power
generation. As additional wind turbines are erected, more windtechs will be needed to
install and maintain turbines.
The most consistent winds are found offshore, and several offshore wind projects are
currently being explored. If approved and developed, many more technicians will be
needed
Electric power generation,
transmission and distribution
Commercial and industrial
machinery and equipment (except
automotive and electronic) repair
and maintenance
The median annual wage for wind turbine technicians was $48,800 in May
2014. The median wage is the wage at which half the workers in an
occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less. The lowest
10 percent earned less than $36,350, and the highest 10 percent earned
more than $70,770.
In May 2014, the median annual wages for wind turbine technicians in the
top industries in which they worked were as follows:
Utility system construction

$53,470

49,000

45,500

Wind turbine service

technicians typically do the
following:
Inspect the exterior and
physical integrity of towers
Climb towers to inspect or
repair wind turbine equipment
Perform routine maintenance
on wind turbines
Test and troubleshoot
electrical, mechanical, and
hydraulic components and
systems
Replace worn or
malfunctioning components
Collect turbine data for testing
or research and analysis
Service underground
transmission systems, wind
field substations, or fiber optic
sensing and control systems

Employment of statisticians is projected to grow 34

percent from 2014 to 2024, much faster than the
average for all occupations.Growth is expected to
result from more widespread use of statistical
analysis to make informed business, healthcare,
and policy decisions. In addition, the large increase
The median annual wage for statisticians was
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In May 2014, the median annualawages
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Statisticians typically do the following:

Decide what data are needed to answer specific
questions or problems
Determine methods for finding or collecting data
Design surveys, experiments, or opinion polls to
collect data
Collect data or train others to do so
Analyze and interpret data
Report conclusions from their analyses

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