ST. PAUL, Minn. — During rough economic times, workers experience multiple levels of stress related to layoffs, furloughs, pay cuts and myriad other issues. Most employees just want to ensure their jobs are secure. Laurence Shatkin, in his new book 150 Best Jobs for a Secure Future, detailsthe most secure occupations and fields: computer systems design, educational services, government, health care, repair and maintenance, and utilities.
“During economic downturns,these fields tend not to shed workers as much as other fields do, andtheoverall outlook for employment inthese fields is good to excellent,” Shatkin said.
Here is some additional information aboutthesix most secure fields andthemost secure job in each, according to Shatkin:
Computer Systems Design
“Workers in this career field design computer and information systems, develop custom software programs and manage computer facilities. They also may perform various other functions, such as software installation and disaster recovery. They generally work on a contract basis. They may assist an organization with a particular project or program, such as setting up a secure website or establishing a marketplace online, orthey may handle ongoing activities, such as management of an onsite date center or help desk.”
Software Developers, Systems Software
- Annual earnings: $92,130
- Percent growth: 57.4
- Annual openings: 6,120
Educational Services
“Education is an important part of life. The amount and type of education that individuals receive are a major influence on boththetypes of jobsthey are able to hold andtheir earnings. Lifelong learning is important in acquiring new knowledge and upgrading one’s skills, particularly in this age of rapid technological and economic changes. The Educational Services field includes a variety of institutions that offer academic education, career and technical instruction, and other education and training to millions of students each year.”
Administrative Services Managers
- Annual earnings: $74,970
- Percent growth: 19.3
- Annual openings: 3,430
Government
“The federal government’s essential duties include defendingtheUnited Statesfrom foreign aggression, representingU.S.interests abroad, creating and enforcing national laws and regulations, and administering domestic programs and agencies. State and local governments providetheir constituents with vital services that may not be available otherwise, such as transportation, public safety, health care, education, utilities and courts. Many ofthese governmental services cannot easily be privatized and are needed no matter howtheeconomy fluctuates.”
Social Scientists and Related Workers
- Annual earnings: $76,120
- Percent growth: 19.3
- Annual openings: 860
Health Care
“Combining medical technology andthehuman touch,theHealth Care field diagnoses, treats and administers care aroundtheclock, responding totheneeds of millions of people—from newborns totheterminally ill. Because it meets a lifelong need andthedemand for health care is increasing rapidly, this is one ofthemost secure career fields.”
Physicians and Surgeons
- Annual earnings: $153,970
- Percent growth: 26
- Annual openings: 29,480
Repair and Maintenance
“It’s a fact of life that machines and electronic equipment sometimes break down and need to be restored to working order. Routine maintenance services, such as changingtheoil in your automobile, often can prevent breakdowns and keep equipment running efficiently. This work providesthelivelihood for workers intheRepair and Maintenance field.”
Industrial Machinery Mechanics
- Annual earnings: $40,140
- Percent growth: 19.1
- Annual openings: 650
Utilities
“The Utilities field includes companies that generate, transmit and distribute electrical power; distribute natural gas; treat and distribute fresh water; and treat wastewater.… The Utilities field is unique in that urban areas with many inhabitants generally have relatively few utility companies. Also unlike most industries,theUtilities field imports and exports only a small portion of its product. Because oftheessential nature oftheproduct andtherelative lack of competition, this field has more security than most.”
Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Powerhouse, Substation, and Relay
- Annual earnings: $66,270
- Percent growth: 10.3
- Annual openings: 410
Additional information can be found in 150 Best Jobs for a Secure Future. The book was published in January of 2012 and is available at major bookstores, Amazon.com and jist.com.
About Laurence Shatkin, Ph.D.
Laurence Shatkin, Ph.D., has 30 years’ experience in thecareer information field, presents and blogs on jobs and has written numerous career books. As a leading occupational expert, Shatkin shares his knowledge and insights on national news television programs, in print and online publications, and at conferences. Read his blog at http://careerlaboratory.blogspot.com, and follow him on Twitter at @LaurenceShatkin.
About JIST Publishing
JIST, America’s Career Publisher, is a division of EMC/Paradigm Publishing. As the leading publisher of job search, career and occupational information, JIST empowers today’s workforce and students to achieve long-lasting rewards in their careers.
