5 high-paying jobs that didn't exist 10 years ago
When we were kids, teachers told us that the jobs we'd have as adults hadn't even been invented yet. That's not strictly true. Take a look at the Bureau of Labor Statistics' Occupational Outlook Handbook, and you'll see plenty of familiar job titles with projected growth rates of 30 percent or more over the next 10 years, including titles as diverse as brickmason and dental hygienist.
But, what is true is that some high-paying job titles that are projected to grow didn't exist when we were in school. In fact, some didn't exist as recently as 10 years ago – or were so rare that you probably hadn't heard of them.
READ MORE SPECIAL COVERAGE ON LABOR DAY: Where are all the workers?
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These are some of the high-paying jobs emerging right now, according to PayScale data:
Data scientists manage and mine vast amounts of statistical data and create data models that provide insight about business processes. People with this job frequently have advanced degrees in computer science, and years of work experience in a related field.
Median Pay for 5-8 Years' Experience: $111,600
2. Mobile Applications Developer
If you have a smartphone or a tablet, you use the fruits of these workers' labor. Mobile applications developers create and develop apps across a variety of mobile platforms, and have a foundation in programming languages such as C++, PHP, MS/SQL, Java, and Adobe. Mobile Applications Developers can work for tech giants like Apple or Google, or small startups, or even freelance, thanks to the versatile nature of this job.
Median Pay for 5-8 Years' Experience: $89,700
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3. Information Security Analyst
Whenever news of a data breach reaches the press, people start worrying about the safety of their personal information. What they don't think about is how relatively rare such breaches are, considering how much data there is to protect. (How much is there? A lot. It's measured in zettabytes.) For this, we have Information Security Analysts to thank. By analyzing potential security flaws and implementing policies, these workers keep personal data – and their employer's bottom line – safe.
Median Pay for 5-8 Years' Experience: $78,000
Today's digital strategist might've grown up planning to write the Great American Novel ... or become master of a science fiction universe all their own. Well-versed in SEO and SEM and highly computer literate, digital strategists work with a team to analyze data and develop long-term goals for a company's products.
Median Pay for 5-8 Years' Experience: $68,300
5. Green Building & Retrofit Architect
Designing a LEED-certified building or retrofitting a non-green building to be more energy efficient requires specialized training. Green Building Architects typically need a stronger science background than regular Architects, and companies may prefer to hire candidates with advanced degrees focusing on green sciences. In addition, they need to be skilled in the use of computer-aided design (CAD) and design software.
Median Pay for 5-8 Years' Experience: $60,600
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