Chicago, IL -- (SBWire) -- 08/06/2010 -- With national unemployment at 9.6 percent, BriteTab knows that many people are on the lookout for a new career. BriteTab researched the latest labor statistics and rising industries to find five careers that are expected to have large growth.

Healthcare and Social Assistance
About 26 percent of all new jobs created in the U.S. will be in the healthcare and social assistance industry. This industry is expected to grow by 24 percent, which means 4 million new jobs. The growth of this industry is driven by an aging population and increased life expectancy.

Rising Career in the Industry: Physical Therapist Assistants
They assist physical therapists in providing physical therapy treatments and procedures. Depending on state laws, they may also assist in the development of treatment plans, carry out routine functions, document the progress of treatment, and modify specific treatments according to the patient’s status and the physical therapist’s treatment plan. As of 2008, there were 60,500 employees and that is expected to grow by 2018 to 30,500 jobs. The median salary in 2009 was $48,290 annually.

Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services
Employment in professional, scientific, and technical services are expected to increase by 34 percent, creating about 2.7 million new jobs by 2018. Employment in computer systems design and related services is expected to grow by 45 percent, accounting for almost one-fourth of all the new jobs in this industry. The growing demand for design and integration of sophisticated networks, Internet, and intranet sites will drive the demand for this sector. Employment in management, scientific, and technical consulting services is projected to grow by an amazing 83 percent due to businesses’ continued need for advice on planning and logistics, compliance with workplace safety, environmental, and employment regulations, and the implementation of new technologies.

Rising Career in the Industry: Computer Software Engineers, Systems Software
Their tasks involve researching, designing, developing, and testing the software and systems that operate our computers. They rely on their knowledge of computer science, engineering, and mathematical analysis to complete these tasks. As of 2008, there were 395,000 employees and 153,400 are projected to open by 2018. The median salary was $93,470 annually in 2009.

Rising Career in the Industry: Environmental Science and Protection Technicians, including Health
They perform lab and field tests to monitor the environment and investigate sources of pollution, including pollution that affects our health. They collect samples of gases, soils, water, industrial wastewater, and asbestos products to conduct tests and take corrective action when necessary. There were 35,000 people employed in this position in 2008, and 25,200 more positions are expected to be created by 2018. The median salary in 2009 was $40,790 annually.

Administrative and Supporting Services
Employment in this industry is expected to grow by 18 percent by 2018. The most growth will occur in employment services, which is expected to account for nearly 42 percent of all growth in the industry. It is expected to grow faster than average for all industries. The projected growth is caused by the strong need temporary and seasonal workers and specialized human resources services.

Rising Career in the Industry: Personnel Coordinator
Their main tasks involve interviewing job applicants in the employment office and refer them to prospective employers for consideration. They also inform applicants about openings and the details of the job such as duties and responsibilities. As of 2008, there were 208,000 personnel coordinators and there are projected to be 112,300 openings by 2018. The median salary in 2009 was $46,200 annually.

Arts, Entertainment, and Recreation
This industry is projected to grow by 15 percent by 2018. Job growth will stem from public participation in recreational activities, which will be reflected by increased income, leisure time, and awareness of the benefits of physical fitness.

Rising Career in the Industry: Fitness Trainers and Aerobics Instructors
They instruct or coach people in exercise activities and the fundamentals of sports. They help participants to maximize the benefits of their exercise routines. They also provide instruction on nutrition, weight control, and lifestyle issues. There were 261,000 people employed in this career as of 2008 and 123,800 openings are expected by 2018. The median salary in 2009 was $30,670 annually.

*Sources: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and O*NET Online.