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.
Medical Assistants
- Median Earnings: $27,430
- Percent Growth: 35.4 percent
- Annual Openings: 92,977
Social and Human Service Assistants
- Median Earnings: $26,630
- Percent Growth: 33.6 percent
- Annual Openings: 80,142
Pharmacy Technicians
- Median Earnings: $26,720
- Percent Growth: 32.0 percent
- Annual Openings: 54,453
Dental Assistants
- Median Earnings: $31,550
- Percent Growth: 29.2 percent
- Annual Openings: 29,482
Environmental Science and Protection Technicians, Including Health
- Median Earnings: $39,370
- Percent Growth: 28.0 percent
- Annual Openings: 8,404
Surgical Technologists
- Median Earnings: $37,540
- Percent Growth: 24.5 percent
- Annual Openings: 15,365
Audio and Video Equipment Technicians
- Median Earnings: $36,050
- Percent Growth: 24.2 percent
- Annual Openings: 4,681
Animal Trainers
- Median Earnings: $36,800
- Percent Growth: 14.3 percent
- Annual Openings: 1,660
Paralegals and Legal Assistants
- Median Earnings: $44,990
- Percent Growth: 22.2 percent
- Annual Openings: 22,756
Locksmiths and Safe Repairers
- Median Earnings: $33,230
- Percent Growth: 22.1 percent
- Annual Openings: 3,545
Plumbers
- Median Earnings: $44,090
- Percent Growth: 10.6 percent
- Annual Openings: 68,643
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.