20 Fastest Growing Occupations
Employment
Change
Occupation
Estimated 2002
Projected 2012
Numeric
Percent
Annual Average Openings
Medical Assistants
2,989
4,710
1,721
58%
227
Dental Assistants
1,844
2,893
1,049
57%
157
Medical Records and Health Information Technicians
1,775
2,608
833
47%
108
Occupational Therapist Aides
76
109
33
43%
4
Social and Human Service Assistants
1,533
2,140
607
40%
88
Occupational Therapist Assistants
276
381
105
38%
15
All other teachers, primary, secondary, and adult
3,995
5,482
1,487
37%
198
Philosophy and Religion Teachers, Postsecondary
222
304
82
37%
13
Network Systems and Data Communications Analysts
3,335
4,551
1,216
36%
161
Self-Enrichment Education Teachers
1,307
1,777
470
36%
63
Personal Financial Advisors
1,621
2,184
563
35%
77
Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers
801
1,079
278
35%
42
Physical Therapist Assistants
534
718
184
34%
27
Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary
489
656
167
34%
28
English Language & Literature Teachers, Postsec.
205
275
70
34%
12
Occupational Therapists
980
1,314
334
34%
46
Political Science Teachers, Postsecondary
89
119
30
33%
5
Psychology Teachers, Postsecondary
262
350
88
33%
15
  Area, Ethnic, and Cultural Studies Teachers, Posts
51
68
17
33%
3
  Physician Assistants
263
350
87
33%
13
 
source: missouri economic research and information center (meric)