When you're job hunting, knowing which industries are hiring is part of the battle. Even in the midst of high unemployment in the private sector, some industries are safe bets for the coming years, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics' Occupational Outlook Handbook. In fields that show steady demand, such as home health care and finance, you're bound to find opportunity.These industries are experiencing high growth:
Rehabilitation
Whether they are occupational therapists, speech therapists or physical therapists, workers in the rehabilitation industry are in demand. As more insurers cover these types of treatments, there will be a greater need for therapists of all kinds. Therapists work in different settings including medical offices, schools, hospitals and rehabilitation centers.
Internet hosting and publication
With constant changes in technology, those who work to publish and maintain websites and online tools are predicted to have an easier time in their job hunt. Job seekers in the Internet hosting and publication sector work on anything from building new websites to optimizing existing Internet properties. Working in large corporations is common, and contract work is often available.
Auto manufacturing
With the nation's car manufacturers back in growth mode, the year may bring openings to those eager to work in the industry. Positions that have had mass layoffs won't come back in the same way, but creation of other auto industry jobs is safe bet.
Waste management
With recycling programs and regulations affecting the waste management industry, those who have an interest in the field are constantly in demand. Workers deal with collecting, processing and disposing of materials and with further monitoring. Constantly changing sustainability practices and new ways of dealing with waste can make it a dynamic career. Salaries can be surprisingly high.
Sustainability consulting
"Going green" is definitely on the radar of many companies these days. Sustainability consultants work on anything from insulating a single building to making sure companies are compliant with wide-ranging federal regulations.
Language
As the global market expands, interpreters, instructors and others in the language field are integral to easing the world's communication difficulties. Translators of languages such as Mandarin and Arabic are especially needed. In addition to in-person interpreters, online translation is another key area of growth.
Home health care
As the population ages, aides in the home health sector are increasingly in demand. Home health is expected to grow tremendously as more baby boomers live far past retirement age and are eager to live on their own. Pay is expected to rise by 3.9 percent annually, according to the BLS.
Ophthalmology
Ophthalmology is another strong area in the health-care sector, and ophthalmologists and those who assist them are needed to meet the growing demand of patients seeking eye care. With new technologies, the field is expected to see some of the quickest growth in the sector. Ophthalmologists work on anything from laser surgery to treating eye diseases.
Accounting
With financial regulation affecting both individual and corporate taxpayers, those employed in finance can find themselves swamped with work. Accounting and auditing firms will continue to see an upswing in business as regulatory changes come into place.
Security
As more businesses have focused on security and patrol services, corporate security has grown steadily since 2001. Guards typically work inside and outside a business to prevent wrongdoing. Many security officers are now in demand beyond large metropolitan areas and are working in smaller cities and towns.
