ASSOCIATE DEGREE OR POSTSECONDARY VOCATIONAL AWARD (Most Job Openings) Occupations that have the most job openings and that usually require an associate degree or postsecondary vocational award, projected 2008-18. (Thousands of jobs) Median Annual Wages, May 2008 Registered nurses ==================================== 1,039 $62,450. Nursing aides, orderlies & attendants ======================422 23,850. Licensed practical & licensed =================391 39,030. vocational nurses Computer support specialists ================ 235 43,450. Hairdressers, hairstylists, & cosmetologists =============== 220 23,140. Automotive service technicians & mechanics ============== 182 35,100. Preschool teachers, except special education ============= 178 23,870. Insurance sales agents ============ 153 45,430. Heating, air conditioning, & refrigeration mechanics & installers========== 136 39,680. Real estate sales agents ========== 128 40,150. Welders, cutters, solderers & brazers ========= 126 33,560. Fitness trainers & aerobics instructors ======== 124 29,210. Paralegals & legal assistants ======= 104 46,120. Dental Hygienists ======= 98 66,570. Legal secretaries ======= 84 39,860. Bus & truck mechanics & diesel engine specialists ====== 75 39,390. Medical records & health information technicians ===== 70 30,610. Radiologic technologists & technicians ==== 68 52,210. Library technicians === 65 28,820. Emergency medical technicians & paramedics === 62 29,330. Over the 2008-18 decade, more than 1 million job openings are expected for registered nurses seeking employment in the occupation for the first time. From Growth From replacement needs Source: Occupational Outlook Quarterly * Winter 2009-10