Non-Traditional Careers Which path will you take?

Chefs and Head Cooks Expected growth in this field over next 8 years: At least 8%, with larger growth opportunities in different career areas of food preparation Median annual earnings of Chefs and Head Cooks in May 2006: $34,370, with top 10% making over $60,730 In 2006, only 23.9% of Chefs and Head Cooks employed in the US were Female *All statistics were obtained from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics website & Occupational Outlook Handbook, Edition

Cosmetologists Expected growth in this field over next 8 years: At least 12%, with larger growth opportunities in related Personal Appearance positions 46% of all Cosmetologists and Personal Appearance Workers are self-employed Median hourly earnings of salaried Cosmetologists in May 2006: $10.25 per hour, with top 10% making over $18.78 per hour. (However, earnings can be much higher, as commission is often paid on product sales and most Cosmetologists also receive tips) In 2006, less than 7% of Cosmetologists employed in the US were Male *All statistics were obtained from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics website & Occupational Outlook Handbook, Edition

Automotive Service Technicians & Mechanics Expected growth in this field over next 8 years: 14% Median hourly wage-and-salary earnings of Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics, including commission, in May 2006: $16.24 per hour, with top 10% making over $27.22 per hour. In 2006, only 1.6% of Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics employed in the US were Female *All statistics were obtained from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics website & Occupational Outlook Handbook, Edition

Drafters (Computer Aided Design & Drafting) Expected growth in this field over next 8 years: 6% Median annual earnings of Architectural & Civil Drafters in May 2006: $41,960, with top 10% making over $63,310 Median annual earnings of Mechanical Drafters in May 2006: $43,700, with top 10% making over $67,860 Median annual earnings of Electrical & Electronics Drafters in May 2006: $46,830, with top 10% making over $74,490 In 2006, only 21.8% of Drafters employed in the US were Female *All statistics were obtained from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics website & Occupational Outlook Handbook, Edition

Carpenters Expected growth in this field over next 8 years: 10% Median hourly earnings of wage-and-salary Carpenters in May 2006: $17.57 per hour, with top 10% making over $30.45 per hour. 32% of all Carpenters (the largest construction trade) are self- employed In 2006, only 2.4% of Carpenters employed in the US were Female *All statistics were obtained from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics website & Occupational Outlook Handbook, Edition

Child Care Workers Expected growth in this field over next 8 years: 18% Median annual earnings of Child Care Workers in May 2006: $17,630, with top 10% making over $27,050 In 2006 about 35% of Child Care Workers were self-employed, many of whom provided child care in their homes. In 2006, only 5.8% of Child Care Workers employed in the US were Male *All statistics were obtained from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics website & Occupational Outlook Handbook, Edition

Computer Software Engineers Expected growth in this field over next 8 years: between 28% and 45%, depending upon specialization in field Median annual earnings of Computer Software Engineers in May 2006: $79,780, with top 10% making over $119,770 In 2006, only 21.8% of Computer Software Engineers employed in the US were Female *All statistics were obtained from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics website & Occupational Outlook Handbook, Edition

Allied Health Professionals (CNAs, LPNs, RNs) Expected growth in this field over next 8 years: between 28% and 49%, depending upon specialization in field Median hourly earnings of Nursing, Psychiatric & Home Health Aids (including CNAs) in May 2006: $10.67 per hour, with top 10% making over $17.32 per hour Median annual earnings of Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) in May 2006: $36,550, with top 10% making over $50,480 Median annual earnings of Registered Nurses (RNs) in May 2006: 57,280, with top 10% making over $83,440 In 2006, on average only 10% of Allied Health Professionals in these roles employed in the US were Male *All statistics were obtained from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics website & Occupational Outlook Handbook, Edition

Marine Technicians (Small Engine Mechanics) Expected growth in this field over next 8 years: 19% (Job prospects should be excellent for people who complete formal training programs) Median hourly earnings of Motorboat Mechanics in May 2006: $15.96 per hour, with top 10% making over $24.40 per hour In 2006, only 3.4% of Small Engine Mechanics employed in the US were Female *All statistics were obtained from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics website & Occupational Outlook Handbook, Edition

Electricians Expected growth in this field over next 8 years: 7% Median hourly earnings of Electricians in May 2006: $20.97 per hour, with top 10% making over $34.95 per hour In 2006, only 1.9% of Electricians employed in the US were Female *All statistics were obtained from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics website & Occupational Outlook Handbook, Edition

Welders (Metal Fab/Welding) Expected growth in this field over next 8 years: 5% (Trained Welders will have excellent job opportunities as some welding employers report difficulties finding trained Welders) Median wage-and-salary earnings of Welders in May 2006: $15.10 per hour, with top 10% making over $22.50 per hour In 2006, only 5.9% of Welders employed in the US were Female *All statistics were obtained from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics website & Occupational Outlook Handbook, Edition

Plumbers Expected growth in this field over next 8 years: 10% Median hourly earnings of Plumbers in May 2006: $20.56 per hour, with top 10% making over $34.79 per hour In 2006, only 1.8% of Plumbers employed in the US were Female *All statistics were obtained from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics website & Occupational Outlook Handbook, Edition