The following list was published in the book 200 Best Jobs Through Apprenticeships, Second Edition (© 2009), by Michael Farr and Laurence Shatkin, Ph.D. The book contains more than 40 other “best jobs lists,” plus information-packed descriptions about the jobs featured in each list.
Paralegals and Legal Assistants
- Median Earnings: $44,990
- Percent Growth: 22.2 percent
- Annual Openings: 22,756
Computer Support Specialists
- Median Earnings: $42,400
- Percent Growth: 12.9 percent
- Annual Openings: 97,334
Construction and Building Inspectors
- Median Earnings: $48,330
- Percent Growth: 18.2 percent
- Annual Openings: 12,606
Radiologic Technologists
- Median Earnings: $50,260
- Percent Growth: 15.1 percent
- Annual Openings: 12,836
Police Patrol Officers
- Median Earnings: $49,630
- Percent Growth: 10.8 percent
- Annual Openings: 37,842
Correctional Officers and Jailers
- Median Earnings: $36,970
- Percent Growth: 16.9 percent
- Annual Openings: 56,579
Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses
- Median Earnings: $37,940
- Percent Growth: 14.0 percent
- Annual Openings: 70,610
Pipe Fitters and Steamfitters
- Median Earnings: $44,090
- Percent Growth: 10.6 percent
- Annual Openings: 68,643
Plumbers
- Median Earnings: $44,090
- Percent Growth: 10.6 percent
- Annual Openings: 68,643
Surgical Technologists
- Median Earnings: $37,540
- Percent Growth: 24.5 percent
- Annual Openings: 15,365
To learn more about these jobs or to view additional “best jobs lists,” purchase 200 Best Jobs Through Apprenticeships, Second Edition, by Michael Farr and Laurence Shatkin, Ph.D.