25 Best Jobs for 2009

Unfortunately, not many people are a stranger to the downward spiraling economy that began in December 2007 and continued to deplete throughout 2008.

In fact, November 2008 marked some of worst numbers in decades in terms of job loss: The unemployment rate, for example, hit a 14-year high this November at a rate of 6.7 percent. That month also counted 1.9 million jobs lost throughout 2008 alone; two-thirds of those losses occurred in the last three months. The number of unemployed people increased from 10.1 million in October to 10.3 million in November, according to the most recent data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Since 2007, the number of unemployed people has increased by 3.1 million, and the unemployment rate has gone up by 2 percent. For the 10.3 million currently unemployed people, however, there is hope for some reprieve in 2009.

The labor force is expected to increase by 12.8 million workers over the 2006 -2016 period, according to the BLS. Total employment is expected to increase by 10 percent to 166.2 million over that period as well, while an estimated 15.6 million jobs will be added by 2016. While that year seems like a long way off today, a certain number of new jobs will be added each year leading up to 2016 -- including in 2009.

It should be noted, however, that the jobs that will be added won't be evenly distributed across industries and occupational groups. It goes without saying that changes in consumer demand, technology and the like will continue to affect the economic structure.

Industries that have seen growth since 2007 (according to the most recent data from the BLS) include management, business and financial operations; professional and related occupations; service occupations; sales and office occupations; and installation, maintenance and repair occupations.

Looking for a job in 2009? Here are 25 of the best jobs to look for in the New Year, defined as jobs that saw growth in the second half of 2008.*

Industry: Management, business and financial operations occupations

Total employment: 22,425,000**

Best jobs:

1. Public relations manager: $72,452/year***

2. Purchasing agent: $49,401/year

3. Claims adjuster, appraiser, examiner and investigator: $58,219/year

4. Human resources, training and labor relations specialist: $63,577/year

5. Budget analyst: $56,924/year

Industry: Professional and related occupations

Total employment: 30,370,000

Best jobs:

6. Computer programmer: $59,628/year

7. Electrical and electronics engineer: $70,706/year

8. Writer and editor: $42,405/year and $47,386/year, respectively

9. Pharmacist: $88,009/year

10. Audiologist: $57,779/year

Industry: Service occupations

Total employment: 25,114,000

Best jobs:

11. Private detective and investigator: $38,656/year and $34,810/year, respectively

12. Chef and head cook: $44,047/year and $40,794/year, respectively

13. Tour and travel guide: $22,917/year

14. Recreation and fitness worker: $15,101/year and $22,440/year, respectively

15. Grounds maintenance worker: $22,407/year

Industry: Sales and office occupations

Total employment: 35,180,000

Best jobs:

16. Cashier: $22,931/year

17. Telephone operator: $25,165/year

18. Hotel, motel and resort desk clerk: $19,926/year

19. Cargo and freight agent: $30,143/year and $54,804/year, respectively

20. Statistical assistant: $30,921/year

Industry: Installation, maintenance and repair occupations

Total employment: 5,165,000

Best jobs:

21. Computer, automated teller and office machine repairer: $41,614/year, $34,509/year and $36,077/year, respectively

22. Electric motor, power tool and related repairer: $29,865/year

23. Security and fire alarm systems installer: $35,648/year

24. Telecommunication line installers and repairers: $45,458/year

25. Locksmiths and safe repairer: $32,111/year

*Data reflects figures based on the second- and third-quarter employment numbers according to the Current Population Survey released by the BLS.
**Third-quarter employment numbers.
***Salary figures according to CBSalary.com

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