Worried that you’ll end up with a lukewarm career? Don’t be. Job prospects are on the rise in several fields, and the Arkansas Department of Workforce Services’ projections reveal exactly which jobs will be sizzling with demand for qualified grads! Check out our list of the hottest jobs in the state for 2011-12 and our recommendations for the education you’ll need to get them.

HOT: Science & Technology
BLS projects that by 2018 the scientific research and development services industry will grow by 25 percent and the computer systems design field by 45 percent. This growth is credited to the unwavering, ever-increasing need for new technologies among consumers and businesses across all industries.

• Computer support specialists

Avg. salary: $39,210

Education: Associate degree

• Network systems & data communications analysts

Avg. salary: $68,780

Education: Bachelor’s degre

• Computer systems analysts

Avg. salary: $63,070

Education: Bachelor’s degree  

• Computer programmers

Avg. salary: $62,120

Education: Bachelor’s degree

HOTTER: The Medical Field

Longer life expectancies and aging baby boomers continue to make the medical field the fastest growing in the nation, with ten of the top 20 fastest growing occupations in this industry. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 3.2 million new job openings will be created by 2018. Locally, there are expected to be 2,231 health care openings in the state this coming year.

• Registered nurses

Avg. salary: $56,500

Education: Associate degree

• Licensed practical nurses & licensed vocational nurses

Avg. salary: $34,280

Education: Postsecondary vocational award

• Nursing aides, orderlies & attendants

Avg. salary: $20,910

Education: Postsecondary vocational award

• Personal & home care aides 

Avg. salary: $18,360

Education: Short-term on-the-job training

HOTTEST: Education
Well-trained teachers have always been in high demand, but with student enrollment numbers on the rise, a higher-than-usual demand means more than 1,000 job openings in Arkansas this year – not to mention 3.9 million jobs nationally by 2018. 

• Elementary school teachers**

Avg. salary: $42,570 

Education: Bachelor’s degree

• Secondary school teacher**

Avg. salary: $45,770

Education: Bachelor’s degree   

• Middle school teachers** 

Avg. salary: $45,210

Education: Bachelor’s degree

• Kindergarten teachers**

Avg. salary: $43,220

Education: Bachelor’s degree

• Education administrators (elementary & secondary)

Avg. salary: $74,600

Education: Bachelor’s degree or higher    

• Preschool teachers**

Avg. salary: $26,390

Education: Postsecondary vocational award

Our list was compiled from the Department of Workforce Services’ list of Arkansas’ Hot 45 Demand Occupations for 2011-12, and the Bureau of Labor Statistics (2010).

**Except special & vocational education