6 fields that offer the most job security

By Lori Michelle Ryan, JIST Publishing

During tough economic times, workers experience stress related to layoffs, furloughs, pay cuts and myriad other issues. Most employees just want to be sure their jobs are secure. In his new book, “150 Best Jobs for a Secure Future,” Laurence Shatkin details the most secure occupations and fields: computer systems design, educational services, government, health care, repair and maintenance and utilities.

“During economic downturns, these fields tend not to shed workers as much as other fields do, and the overall outlook for employment in these fields is good to excellent,” Shatkin says.

Here is additional information about the six most secure fields and the most secure job in each, according to Shatkin:

1. Computer systems design
“Workers in this career field design computer and information systems, develop custom software programs and manage computer facilities. They also may perform various other functions, such as software installation and disaster recovery. They generally work on a contract basis. They may assist an organization with a particular project or program, such as setting up a secure website or establishing a marketplace online, or they may handle ongoing activities, such as management of an onsite data center or help desk.”

Software developers, systems software
Annual earnings: $92,130
Percent growth: 57.4
Annual openings: 6,120

2. Educational services
“Education is an important part of life. The amount and type of education that individuals receive are a major influence on both the types of jobs they are able to hold and their earnings. Lifelong learning is important in acquiring new knowledge and upgrading one’s skills, particularly in this age of rapid technological and economic changes. The educational services field includes a variety of institutions that offer academic education, career and technical instruction and other education and training to millions of students each year.”

Administrative services managers
Annual earnings: $74,970
Percent growth: 19.3
Annual openings: 3,430

3. Government
“The federal government’s essential duties include defending the U.S. from foreign aggression, representing U.S. interests abroad, creating and enforcing national laws and regulations and administering domestic programs and agencies. State and local governments provide their constituents with vital services that may not be available otherwise, such as transportation, public safety, health care, education, utilities and courts. Many of these governmental services cannot easily be privatized and are needed no matter how the economy fluctuates.”

Social scientists and related workers
Annual earnings: $76,120
Percent growth: 19.3
Annual openings: 860

4. Health care
“Combining medical technology and the human touch, the health-care field diagnoses, treats and administers care around the clock, responding to the needs of millions of people — from newborns to the terminally ill. Because it meets a lifelong need, and the demand for health care is increasing rapidly, this is one of the most secure career fields.”

Physicians and surgeons
Annual earnings: $153,970
Percent growth: 26
Annual openings: 29,480

5. Repair and maintenance
“It’s a fact of life that machines and electronic equipment sometimes break down and need to be restored to working order. Routine maintenance services, such as changing the oil in your automobile, often can prevent breakdowns and keep equipment running efficiently. This work provides the livelihood for workers in the repair and maintenance field.”

Industrial machinery mechanics
Annual earnings: $40,140
Percent growth: 19.1
Annual openings: 650

6. Utilities
“The utilities field includes companies that generate, transmit and distribute electrical power; distribute natural gas; treat and distribute fresh water; and treat wastewater … The utilities field is unique in that urban areas with many inhabitants generally have relatively few utility companies. Also unlike most industries, the utilities field imports and exports only a small portion of its product. Because of the essential nature of the product and the relative lack of competition, this field has more security than most.”

Electrical and electronics repairers, powerhouse, substation and relay
Annual earnings: $66,270
Percent growth: 10.3
Annual openings: 410

Lori Michelle Ryan is the marketing communications specialist at JIST Publishing, America’s Career Publisher. In this role, she helps job seekers, career changers, students and working professionals develop the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in the job market and world of work.