Where the jobs will be

The job outlook for graduates in 2007 is good, according to the 2007 Job Outlook by the National Association of Colleges and Employers. Employers expect to hire 17.4 percent more new college graduates in 2007 than they did in 2006. And the good news doesn't stop there: Employers also said they expect starting salaries to increase more than 10 percent.

So what kind of jobs are growing the most and what will they pay? And what kind of degree do you need to get one?

The chart below, based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics "Fastest-Growing Occupations 2004" projections, shows the top 20 fastest-growing jobs between 2004 and 2014. There is a short description of the job as well as the median salary for that position, based on information from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook 2006-07 Edition. (Use this link to search for your own career in the A-Z Index.)

Select a jobHome health aidesNetwork systems and data communications analystsMedical assistantsPhysician assistantsComputer applications software engineersPhysical therapist assistantsDental hygienistsComputer systems software engineersDental assistantsPersonal and home care aidesNetwork and computer systems administratorsDatabase administratorsPhysical therapistsForensic science techniciansVeterinary techniciansDiagnostic medical sonographersPhysical therapist aidesOccupational therapist aidesMedical scientistsOccupational therapists Fastest-growing jobs

Home health aides Description: Provide housekeeping and routine personal care Education: On the job or community college or trade school Median salary: $8.12 per hour Network systems and data communications analysts Description: Design, test and evaluate network systems Education: Bachelor's degree Median salary: $60,600 per year Medical assistants Description: Perform administrative and clerical work in medical office; may also perform clinical duties Education: Associate degree Median salary: $24,610 per year Physician assistants Description: Provide diagnostic, therapeutic and preventive health care Education: Associate degree plus national accreditation Median salary: $69,410 per year Computer applications software engineers Description: Analyze users' needs, and design, construct and maintain applications Education: Bachelor's degree Median salary: $74,980 per year Physical therapist assistants Description: Assist with therapies, record results Education: Associate degree Median salary: $37,890 per year Dental hygienists Description: Clean teeth and gums, take xrays Education: Dental hygiene program plus state license Median salary: $28.05 per hour Computer systems software engineers Description: Coordinate construction and maintenance of company's computer system Education: Bachelor's degree Median salary: $79,740 per year Dental assistants Description: Perform patient care, office and laboratory duties Education: On the job or dental-assisting program at community college, trade school Median salary: $13.62 per hour