The outlook for 2017 is very bright for our economy, and for job seekers. Our national unemployment rate is 4.6%, the best in decades, and Wall St. Is breaking records everyday! Home sales in November were up 0.7%. Inflation is well below the Federal Reserve target of 2.0%. And the strong dollar and global competitive pressures on commodities and consumer goods is helping to keep inflation down.
Wages are improving. And very importantly, USA Today reports business investment rose 1.4%, stronger than the 0.1% previously believed.
Economists expect 2017 to be the best year in a decade. This is all good news for those looking for work as businesses are going back into a hiring mode.
However, the National Employment rate is a deceptive. It counts the number of people already employed who are in the midst of changing jobs. It does not reflect the percentage of Americans that are able to work but have given up, have run out of unemployment benefits, and that are receiving supplemental support from the government through our Welfare system, which is 87,866,000 million people: 40% of work eligible Americans are not employed!!!
While all the above is good news, one must recognize that unemployment is low for the wrong reason. It is low due to the huge number of people who have dropped out of the economy. The BLS CPS report indicates there are 87,886,000 people not in the workforce. As they perceive that they might be able to find work again and start re-entering the workforce, the unemployment rate will rise. — Ted Owen: VetJobs
Here is a list of jobs available right now: Some of 2017’s best jobs for non-college students: *Note: If you have a resume on HirePatriots.com, please update it every month. As a rule, employers do not look at resumes older than 30 days.
Commercial Pilot
Total number of jobs: 40,980
Job growth, 2004-2014: 3.8%
Projected job growth, 2014-2024: 15.0%
Median annual salary: $73,528
Typical education: High school diploma or equivalent
Electrical Power-Line Installer
Total number of jobs: 115,770
Job growth, 2004-2014: 8.9%
Projected job growth, 2014-2024: 13.7%
Median annual salary: $64,168
Typical education: High school diploma or equivalent
Industrial Machinery Mechanic
Total number of jobs: 332,094
Job growth, 2004-2014: 9.9%
Projected job growth, 2014-2024: 19.5%
Median annual salary: $47,507
Typical education: High school diploma or equivalent
Office Support Supervisor
Total number of jobs: 1.4 million
Job growth, 2004-2014: 5.7%
Projected job growth, 2014-2024: 12.4%
Median annual salary: $50,211
Typical education: High school diploma or equivalent
Insurance Sales Agent
Total number of jobs: 749,193
Job growth, 2004-2014: 26.6%
Projected job growth, 2014-2024: 9.8%
Median annual salary: $47,632
Typical education: High school diploma or equivalent
Plumber
Total number of jobs: 428,705
Job growth, 2004-2014: 0.9%
Projected job growth, 2014-2024: 17.6%
Median annual salary: $48,194
Typical education: High school diploma or equivalent
Private Detective
Total number of jobs: 35,884
Job growth, 2004-2014: 12.5%
Projected job growth, 2014-2024: 11.7%
Median annual salary: $45,698
Typical education: High school diploma or equivalent
Here are some jobs that require a certification (An additional 1-2 years of training):
Licensed Practical Nurse
Total number of jobs: 741,993
Job growth, 2004-2014: 17.5% (All jobs: 5.2%)
Projected job growth, 2014-2024: 20.0% (All jobs: 11.1%)
Median annual salary: $41,974 (All jobs: $41,683)
Typical education: Postsecondary non-degree award
Surgical Technologist
Total number of jobs: 101,504
Job growth, 2004-2014: 24.7%
Projected job growth, 2014-2024: 23.5%
Median annual salary: $42,786
Typical education: Postsecondary non-degree award
Computer User Support Specialist
Total number of jobs: 623,886
Job growth, 2004-2014: 17.0%
Projected job growth, 2014-2024: 19.8%
Median annual salary: $46,592
Typical education: Some college
Here is a list of jobs that are in high demand and that pay well:
Business and financial operations
2012-2016 increase in jobs: 8%
Average hourly earnings: $35.09*
Jobs in Demand: Operations Manager, Business Process Analyst, Product Development Specialist, Financial Analyst, Office Manager
Information technology
2012-2016 increase in jobs: 12%
Average hourly earnings: $40.82*
Jobs in demand: Data Scientist, User Interface / Front End Developer, Product Manager, Mobile Software Engineer, Information Security Manager
Healthcare
2012-2016 increase in jobs: 8%
Average hourly earnings: $37.77*
Jobs in demand: Family Practitioner, Medical Director, ICU Nurse, Cardiologist, Physical Therapist, Rehabilitation Nurse
Sales
2012-2016 increase in jobs: 6%
Average hourly earnings: $19.06* plus commissions
Jobs in demand: Account Executive, Account Manager, Business Development Manager, Client Services Coordinator
Skill trades
2012-2016 increase in jobs: 8%
Average hourly earnings: $21.38*
Jobs in demand: Electrician, Plumber, HVAC Technician
*NOTE: Average earnings are for the category overall, not specific job titles.
We at HirePatriots.com are always available to assist US veterans in finding jobs. Begin by placing your resume on our Careers job board.
Employers: The HirePatriots job board has the most advanced technology and customer assistance in the nation.
All the best in 2017!
Mark Baird
