Veterinarian and architect positions dominate in ’07 - March 7, 2007

07-014

Media contacts: David Wallace, 360-438-4818
Bill Tarrow, 360-902-9376

Audio: http://fortress.wa.gov/esd/portal/info/newsroom/audiofiles/audio/

OLYMPIA – Job seekers looking for can’t-miss advice on a new career should consider becoming a veterinary technician, architect, hospital admitting clerk or surveying technician. 

Those occupations lead the Employment Security Department’s list of the 25 Hottest Jobs in Washington for 2007.  The list is based on annual occupational projections and a survey of more than 18,000 Washington businesses.  The intent is to determine which occupations employers are having the most difficulty filling.   

Other jobs currently in demand include security guards, physical therapists and assistants, product demonstrators, tax preparers, ironworkers, masons, tile setters and home-care aides.

The report includes the number of projected openings for 2007, annual job growth for each occupation through 2014, pay levels, educational requirements and the number of positions employers were unable fill as January 2007. 

“This is powerful information for any person who is looking for work now or planning future career moves,” said Employment Security Commissioner Karen Lee.  “If you’ve ever wondered about the skills you need to get one of these jobs, or wondered how much they pay, this survey removes the guess work.”  

While many of the top occupations require some level of higher education, 40 percent require a high school diploma or less, with some on-the-job training.  

Not surprisingly, wages tend to rise with the level of required education.  Jobs on the list with no educational requirement offer a median starting wage of $9 to $17 per hour, compared to $15 to $35 an hours for positions requiring a graduate degree. 

The 25 Hottest Jobs in Washington is available online at www.go2worksource.com (look under “What’s Inside”).

WorkSource is a partnership of government agencies, community colleges and nonprofit organizations that offer career services for job seekers and businesses.

Last year, WorkSource assisted nearly 24,000 businesses and placed more than 330,000 people into jobs.

For more information on WorkSource or to find a local office, visit www.go2worksource.com.