30 TOP JOBS OF 2008

A new year means new beginnings: new resolutions, ideas and friends; new habits, relationships and goals; new salaries, titles and responsibilities. And perhaps most importantly, new jobs. Lots of 'em. And not just for 2008, either – until 2016.

Total employment is expected to increase by 15.6 million jobs during the 2006–16 decade, according to the most recent employment projections from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Almost all of this growth will occur in the service-providing sector, which will account for 75 percent of all jobs in 2016.

Professional and related professions and service occupations are projected to grow most quickly, accounting for more than six of 10 new jobs created throughout 2006–2016. Twenty-eight of the 30 fastest-growing jobs are in professional and related occupations and service positions.

Interested in getting in on the new job action this year? Here are the 30 fastest-growing growing occupations for 2006–2016, according to the BLS.

1. Network systems and data communications analysts 2006 employment: 262,000 2016 projection: 402,000 Percent growth: 53.4 Salary range: $46,360 or more Education/training: Bachelor's degree

2. Personal and home care aides 2006 employment: 767,000 2016 projection: 1,156,000 Percent growth: 50.6 Salary range: Less than $21,220 Education/training: On-the-job training

3. Home health aides 2006 employment: 787,000 2016 projection: 1,171,000 Percent growth: 48.7 Salary range: Less than $21,220 Education/training: On-the-job training

4. Computer software engineers, applications 2006 employment: 507,000 2016 projection: 733,000 Percent growth: 44.6 Salary range: $46,360 or more Education/training: Bachelor's degree

5. Veterinary technologists and technicians 2006 employment: 71,000 2016 projection: 100,000 Percent growth: 41 Salary range: $21,260 - $30,560 Education/training: Associate degree

6. Personal financial advisors 2006 employment: 176,000 2016 projection: 248,000 Percent growth: 41 Salary range: $46,360 or more Education/training: Bachelor's degree

7. Makeup artists, theatrical and performance 2006 employment: 2,000 2016 projection: 3,000 Percent growth: 39.8 Salary range: $30,630 - $46,300 Education/training: Postsecondary vocational award

8. Medical assistants 2006 employment: 417,000 2016 projection: 565,000 Percent growth: 35.4 Salary range: $21,260 - $30,560 Education/training: Moderate on-the-job training

9. Veterinarians 2006 employment: 62,000 2016 projection: 84,000 Percent growth: 35 Salary range: $46,360 or more Education/training: First professional degree

10. Substance abuse and behavioral disorder counselors 2006 employment: 83,000 2016 projection: 112,000 Percent growth: 34.3 Salary range: $30,630 - $46,300 Education/training: Bachelor's degree

11. Skin care specialists 2006 employment: 38,000 2016 projection: 51,000 Percent growth: 34.3 Salary range: $21,260 - $30,560 Education/training: Postsecondary vocational award

12. Financial analysts 2006 employment: 221,000 2016 projection: 295,000 Percent growth: 33.8 Salary range: $46,360 or more Education/training: Bachelor's degree

13. Social and human service assistants 2006 employment: 339,000 2016 projection: 453,000 Percent growth: 34.3 Salary range: $21,260 - $30,560 Education/training: Moderate on-the-job training

14. Gaming surveillance officers and gaming investigators 2006 employment: 9,000 2016 projection: 12,000 Percent growth: 33.6 Salary range: $21,260 - $30,560 Education/training: Moderate on-the-job training

15. Physical therapist assistants 2006 employment: 60,000 2016 projection: 80,000 Percent growth: 32.4 Salary range: $30,630 - $46,300 Education/training: Associate degree

16. Pharmacy technicians 2006 employment: 285,000 2016 projection: 376,000 Percent growth: 32 Salary range: $21,260 - $30,560 Education/training: Moderate on-the-job training

17. Forensic science technicians 2006 employment: 13,000 2016 projection: 17,000 Percent growth: 30.7 Salary range: $30,630 - $46,300 Education/training: Bachelor's degree

18. Dental hygienists 2006 employment: 167,000 2016 projection: 217,000 Percent growth: 30.1 Salary range: $46,360 or more Education/training: Associate degree

19. Mental health counselors 2006 employment: 100,000 2016 projection: 130,000 Percent growth: 30 Salary range: $30,630 - $46,300 Education/training: Master's degree

20. Mental health and substance abuse social workers 2006 employment: 122,000 2016 projection: 159,000 Percent growth: 29.9 Salary range: $30,630 - $46,300 Education/training: Master's degree

21. Marriage and family therapists 2006 employment: 25,000 2016 projection: 32,000 Percent growth: 29.8 Salary range: $30,630 - $46,300 Education/training: Master's degree

22. Dental assistants 2006 employment: 280,000 2016 projection: 362,000 Percent growth: 29.2 Salary range: $21,260 - $30,560 Education/training: Moderate on-the-job training

23. Computer systems analysts 2006 employment: 504,000 2016 projection: 650,000 Percent growth: 29 Salary range: $46,360 or more Education/training: Bachelor's degree

24. Database administrators 2006 employment: 119,000 2016 projection: 154,000 Percent growth: 28.6 Salary range: $46,360 or more Education/training: Bachelor's degree

25. Computer software engineers, systems software 2006 employment: 350,000 2016 projection: 449,000 Percent growth: 28.2 Salary range: $46,360 or more Education/training: Bachelor's degree

26. Gaming and sports book writers and runners 2006 employment: 18,000 2016 projection: 24,000 Percent growth: 28 Salary range: Less than $21,220 Education/training: On-the-job training

27. Environmental science and protection technicians 2006 employment: 36,000 2016 projection: 47,000 Percent growth: 28 Salary range: $30,630 - $46,300 Education/training: Associate degree

28. Manicurists and pedicurists 2006 employment: 78,000 2016 projection: 100,000 Percent growth: 27.6 Salary range: Less than $21,220 Education/training: Postsecondary vocational award

29. Physical therapists 2006 employment: 173,000 2016 projection: 200,000 Percent growth: 27.1 Salary range: $46,360 or more Education/training: Master's degree

30. Physician assistants 2006 employment: 66,000 2016 projection: 83,000 Percent growth: 27 Salary range: $46,360 or more Education/training: Master's degree