FASTEST GROWING OCCUPATIONS Percent growth in employment, projected 2008-18 Median Annual Wages, May 2008 Biomedical engineers ==================================== 72% $77,400 Network systems & data communications analysts ============================= 53% 71,100 Home health aides =========================== 50% 20,460 Personal & home care aides ========================== 46% 19,180 Financial examiners ========================= 41% 70,930 Medical scientists, except epidemiologists ======================== 40% 72,590 Physician assistants ======================= 39% 81,230 Skin care specialists ====================== 38% 28,730 Biochemists & biophysicists ===================== 37% 82,840 Athletic trainers ===================== 37% 39,640 Physical therapist aides ==================== 36% 23,760 Dental hygienists ==================== 36% 66,570 Veterinary technologists & technicians ==================== 36% 28,900 Dental assistants ==================== 36% 32,380 Computer software ================== 34% 85,430 engineers, applications Medical assistants ================== 34% 28,300 Physical therapist assistants ================= 33% 46,140 Veterinarians ================= 33% 79,050 Self-enrichment education teachers ================ 32% 35,720 Compliance officers, except agriculture, construction, health & safety, & transportation =============== 31% 48,890 AVERAGE, all occupations = 10% Many of the occupations projected to grow the fastest relate to healthcare and care of the elderly. Of all the projected fastest growing occupations, however, computer applications software engineers had the highest median annual wage in May 2008. SOURCE: WINTER 2009-10 � Occupational Outlook Quarterly