12 Hot Careers And How Much They Pay

Advances in technology, changes in consumer habits, an aging population and the increase in offshore jobs, among other factors, result in a dynamic job market. Employment trends are constantly evolving and jobs that are popular one day can quickly become obsolete as these changes occur. Consider the typesetter: the printing press has been around since the mid-1400s, and the people who knew how to work these types of machines enjoyed steady employment until the 1990s when desktop publishing came around.

Both veteran and greenhorn workers are forced to keep up with these changes - or risk being left without a job. Based on expected growth and the number of anticipated job openings from the U.S. Department of Labor, here are 12 hot careers and how much they pay on average.

IN PICTURES: 6 Hot Careers With Lots Of Jobs

· Accountants and Auditors - $67,430

Accountants and auditors examine, analyze, interpret and prepare accounting records and can work in a variety of settings. The anticipated employment growth indicates that each year 49,750 jobs will be available, with a 30% increase in total positions.

· Financial Examiner - $70,930

Financial examiners ensure and enforce compliance with laws and regulations pertaining to financial, securities and real estate transactions. With increased awareness of fraud and the need for regulatory compliance, financial examiners are set for an estimated 41% increase in total employment, with over 38,000 positions by 2018.

· Personal Financial Advisors - $68,200

Personal financial advisors assist clients by determining and preparing to meet each client's financial goals, including investment strategies and retirement planning. This field can expect to see a 30% increase in employment, with over 60,000 positions being created in the next eight years.

· General and Operations Manager - $91,570

General and operations managers are responsible for planning, directing and coordinating the operations of public and private companies. While the employment growth is expected to be low, the yearly outlook is good, providing 50,220 job openings. (Find more financial job choices in Financial Career Options For Professionals.)

· Management Analyst - $84,650

Management analysts study, evaluate and implement procedures and policies to help management perform for efficiently and effectively. Because management analysts can help companies operate more efficiently (and therefore, become more cost effective) this position is in demand and should see a 24% increase in employment, with 30,650 job openings.

· Elementary School Teachers - $32,453 - $49,919

Qualified elementary school teachers are in demand for both public and private school settings. Initiatives in certain geographical locations have actually produced a temporary surplus of teachers; however, the overall employment trends for elementary school teachers will increase 16%, with an expected 59,650 job openings. (Teaching salaries and benefits vary from state to state. Find out the best place for an education career in Best States For Teachers.)

· Post-secondary Teachers - $53,150

Post-secondary teachers work in educational institutions such as vocational schools, academies, community colleges and universities, and often perform a combination of both teaching and research. Job growth is expected to increase by 15%, with 55,290 jobs being available.

· Registered Nurse - $66,530

Registered nurses are vital to the success of the healthcare system and often provide the most direct patient care. Due to healthcare worker shortages, registered nurses are, and should continue to be, in high demand, with an estimated 103,900 job openings in the next eight years.

· Physician Assistant - $84.830

Physician assistants provide similar healthcare services as physicians, while under a physician's supervision. The demand for physician assistants has increased with an attempt to provide timelier, cost-effective patient care. The projected job growth indicates a 39% increase in positions, with estimated openings in the 104,000 range by 2018. (Not all careers are ho-hum. These 10 have a very high percentage of happy employees. Check out 10 Rewarding Career Choices.)

· Medical Scientist - $84,760

Medical scientists work in a variety of settings, applying engineering, biology and biomechanical principles towards the research and development of health systems and products. Medical scientists can expect to see a 40% increase in employment, with 40,000 additional job openings on the way.

· Network Systems and Data Communications Specialists - $76,560

While many technology positions have been moved offshore, there should still be a demand for network systems and data communications specialists. These workers, who analyze, design, test and evaluate network systems, can expect a 53% increase in job numbers, with close to 450,000 openings by 2018.

· Truck Driver: Heavy and Tractor Trailer - $39,260

Truck drivers transport and deliver goods while driving a tractor-trailer or other truck with a gross vehicle weight of at least 26,000 pounds. Already employing approximately 1.8 million people, job growth is expected to reach 13%, with 55,460 jobs available each year. (For more, see 6 Sectors That Are Creating Jobs.)

Changes in consumer and employer needs create a continuously evolving job market. Staying on top of current trends and gaining the necessary schooling and/or experience can help workers ensure they will be able to not only secure a job when the time comes, but that their career choice will enjoy some longevity.