2014: the Most Popular Jobs of the Year and What You Need to Land Them

The job market continues to be highly competitive and low on jobs, but 2014 has been good year for many industries. This list shares the most popular jobs across industries and details what you need in order to land these sought-after positions. This way, you can find available jobs that both match your skills and pay well.

• Dental Hygienists

This career requires less study time than most medical careers, and the pay is quite good compared to most entry-level medical jobs.

Required Qualifications: Accreditation from the American Dental Association.

Salary: $68,886

• Veterinary Technicians

With advances in veterinary health care, vet techs are receiving better pay to do their jobs, which includes performing tests, making diagnoses, and treating animal health conditions.

Required Qualifications: Pass the National Veterinary Technician Exam.

Salary: $28,080

• Fitness Trainers

Many new fitness programs crop up each year, and the fitness industry continues to grow at a healthy pace. That means there are more — and better paying — jobs to go around

Required Qualifications: Certification of Professional Trainer.

Salary: $43,572

• Database Administrators

In this digital world, data must be consistently and immediately available. As a database administrator, you will create and work with software to store and retrieve that data, organize databases, and ensure database security is up to par.

Required Qualifications: At least an Associate’s Degree in Computer Science.

Salary: $64,591

• Medical Assistants

Medical assistants perform administrative tasks and aid in clinical tasks. These assistants are hired by private physicians, chiropractors, ophthalmologists, podiatrists, and other doctors. This career provides medical students with a way to gain work experience and earn a living while studying.

Required Qualifications: Certification from the American Association of Medical Assistants.

Salary: $32,519

• Software Engineers

Whether you create apps for mobile devices, software for companies, or large computer systems, the demand for software engineers is always increasing, thanks to the popularity of digital technology.

Required Qualifications: Bachelor of Science in Software Engineering.

Salary: $61,035

• Medical Record and Health Information Technicians

Hospitals and clinics always need technicians to organize and store their records, enabling doctors and nurses to focus on treating patients. It’s like working as a filing clerk in a hospital.

Required Qualifications: Register with American Health Information Management Association.

Salary: $31,554

• Physician’s Assistant

Physician’s assistants provide healthcare services overseen by a certified doctor, offering preventative, therapeutic, and diagnostic services in the fields of pediatrics and family medicine.

Required Qualifications: Accreditation from the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant.

Salary: $93,741

• Physical Therapist Aides

Physical therapist aides assist in the rehabilitation and training of those with physical disabilities, offering services in hospitals, clinics, and private residences.

Required Qualifications: High School Diploma.

Salary: $49,663

• Network Systems Analysts

Network systems analysts are tasked with ensuring that company and corporate networks continue running smoothly, and they are the problem-solving IT specialists that every company needs.

Required Qualifications: Network Analyst Certificate, Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science, Management Information Systems, Information Science, or Systems Engineering.

Salary: $56,280