If you're thinking about changing jobs — and in this economy, who isn't? — you might want to zero in on those fields where wages have grown the most over the past few years.
The PayScale Index, which follows changes in wages for U.S. workers, shows significant, recent growth in earnings among workers in healthcare (9.6 growth percent since 2006), social services (8 percent), and architecture (7.4 percent.)
Which jobs showed the worst growth for wages since 2006? Not too surprisingly, thanks to the housing bubble, construction wages grew very little — only 2.8 percent. The legal profession also saw a less-than-impressive salary bump, of .8 percent. But worst of all was food service, which has suffered a negative growth rate of -0.6 percent.
Although these numbers are something to think about when you're planning your next career, wage increases aren't the only factors to consider. Availability of jobs, especially for folks transitioning into the field is another important consideration. Job applicants with architecture degrees, for example, are currently facing double digit unemployment figures.
Finally, it's always worth repeating your Dad's favorite advice for people planning a career move: do what you love, and you'll never work a day in your life. Failing that, avoiding jobs you can't stand is a start.
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