Despite the sometimes volatile nature of the U.S. economy, certain jobs remain in demand with promises of solid job security. Typically, the jobs with the lowest unemployment rates require more education, training and skill, but they also pay handsomely. MarketWatch compiled a list of the occupations with the greatest job security based on figures from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Physicians
The educational and training requirements to become a physician can last more than 10 demanding years, but once training is completed, the occupation pays very well and offers solid job security, with a median annual pay of more than $187,000 in 2012. Physicians and surgeons also enjoy the fifth-lowest unemployment rate of U.S. occupations, with 0.4 percent in 2014. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects the number of physicians and surgeons to grow by 17.8 percent by 2022, partly due to the aging baby boomer population requiring more medical care.
Dentists
To become a dentist, you must complete a bachelor's degree, dental school and a one- to two-year residency in addition to receiving a license to practice from the state. Some dentists choose to specialize in areas such as orthodontics, pediatrics or pathology, while most choose to practice general dentistry. Dentistry is a highly secure profession: In 2014, dentists had the second-lowest unemployment rate, at just 0.2 percent. The 2012 median income was nearly $150,000, and the BLS forecasts a 16 percent growth for the occupation by 2022.
Aerospace Engineers
The engineering field has offered greater job security for quite some time, as it is difficult to fill job openings that require highly specialized skill sets. A 2012 ManpowerGroup survey revealed that an engineering vacancy was the second hardest to fill across all occupations. Aerospace engineers work on airplanes and parts for manufacturers, private companies or the government. In 2014, the unemployment rate for aerospace engineers was 0.3 percent, with a median annual pay of $103,720. The BLS projects the occupation to grow over 7 percent by 2022.
Detectives and Criminal Investigators
Most detectives and criminal investigators are employed by local, state, or federal governments and agencies. The unemployment rate for detectives and investigators was 0.8 percent in 2014. While most occupations with greater job security require advanced training and education, becoming a detective typically only requires a high school diploma and law enforcement experience. The median annual pay for this highly secure profession was $74,300 in 2012, but for those employed by the federal government, annual pay is frequently greater than $100,000.
Speech-Language Pathologists
Speech pathologists work with children and adults who have communication disorders, which can happen as a result of brain injuries, developmental delays, emotional problems or other issues. The average speech pathologist earned $70,000 in 2012, and the BLS predicts the occupation will grow nearly 20 percent by 2022. Speech pathologists saw less than 1 percent unemployment in 2014.
In today's unpredictable economy, job security is more important than ever. Certain skills remain in demand despite a volatile job market. Acquiring a specific skill set and completing the required training for one of these occupations provides solid job security along with greater confidence and overall job satisfaction.
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