Earn a Degree in a Fast Growing Industry

National salary and job growth data is taken from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Employment in each of the 15 careers below is projected to increase at a rate that's above the average of seven percent for all occupations between 2014 and 2024.*** Salaries are based on estimates from May 2015. Keep in mind that what you can earn might vary depending on which part of the country you work in and how much experience you have.

1. Dental Hygienist

Cleaning teeth, inspecting mouths for signs of disease, and educating patients about proper oral care are the
primary duties for people with this career.

• Median pay—$72,330
• Top pay—$98,440 or more
• Job growth—19 percent

Learn more about Harcum's Dental Hygiene program at harcum.edu/dh.

2. Diagnostic Medical Sonographer

These healthcare technicians use special ultrasound technology to capture images that help doctors correctly
diagnose and treat their patients.

• Median pay—$68,970
• Top pay—$97,390 or more
• Job growth—26 percent

3. Registered Nurse

With just an associate's degree, you can enter the world of providing and coordinating essential care for
patients in places like hospitals, nursing facilities, and other healthcare settings.

• Median pay—$67,490
• Top pay—$101,630 or more
• Job growth—16 percent

Learn more about Harcum's Nursing program at harcum.edu/nursing.

4. Web Developer

Building attractive and functional websites requires plenty of technical skill but not necessarily much
schooling, especially if you already enjoy teaching yourself new tricks.

• Median pay—$64,970
• Top pay—$116,620 or more
• Job growth—27 percent

5. Respiratory Therapist

Many people need professional care to help breathe effectively, which is where these health pros come in. The
work can vary from facilitating life support to working in small clinics to assist people with asthma and other respiratory ailments.

• Median pay—$57,790
• Top pay—$80,440 or more
• Job growth—12 percent

6. Cardiovascular Technologist

These specialists perform tests, take ultrasound images, or provide assistance during surgery for heart-related conditions.

• Median pay—$54,880
• Top pay—$87,170 or more
• Job growth—22 percent

7. Electrician

A little vocational schooling and a short apprenticeship is usually enough to enter this trade that lets you wire
buildings for electrical power and communications.

• Median pay—$51,880
• Top pay—$88,130 or more
• Job growth—14 percent

8. Plumber

With a short amount of formal trade school or apprenticeship training, you can specialize in installing and
repairing pipes and related equipment.

• Median pay—$50,620
• Top pay—$89,720 or more
• Job growth—12 percent

9. Commercial Diver

This type of tradesperson works underwater in special scuba gear to help build, repair, or remove large structures or equipment.

• Median pay—$50,470
• Top pay—$88,470 or more
• Job growth—37 percent

10. Paralegal or Legal Assistant

Supporting lawyers by taking care of responsibilities like legal research, administrative tasks, or document
drafting is what these well-paid professionals are trained for.

• Median pay—$48,810
• Top pay—$79,010 or more
• Job growth—Eight percent

11. HVAC Technician

These tradespeople install, maintain, and repair the systems that heat and cool our homes, businesses, and other buildings.

• Median pay—$45,110
• Top pay—$71,690 or more
• Job growth—14 percent

12. Surgical Technologist

Preparing operating rooms, organizing surgical equipment, and assisting surgeons during operations are a few of the main roles for this kind of healthcare technician.

• Median pay—$44,330
• Top pay—$63,410 or more
• Job growth—15 percent

13. Heavy Equipment Operator

This skilled trade involves controlling big construction machinery used for building roads or major structures.

• Median pay—$44,600
• Top pay—$77,490 or more
• Job growth—10 percent

14. Licensed Practical or Vocational Nurse

No degree is required to get into this level of nursing, which lets you work alongside doctors and other health
professionals after a quick vocational education.

• Median pay—$43,170
• Top pay—$59,510 or more
• Job growth—16 percent

15. Medical Laboratory Technician

People in this occupation collect fluid and tissue samples from medical patients and perform basic diagnostic
tests using special lab equipment.

• Median pay—$38,970
• Top pay—$60,810 or more
• Job growth—18 percent

Learn more about Harcum's MLT program at harcum.edu/mlt.