Top 11 Fastest Growing Jobs.

In the two years since the economy began its downward slide, health care has been one of the few industries that continued to rise. Because we're living longer than ever and the baby boomers are aging, demand for health care is growing.

Understandably, many people think of health care as all about doctors and nurses. After all, when you go to the hospital or have your annual check-up, your interaction is usually with a nurse and then a doctor. All the lab tests and other work are done behind the scenes, so these positions get overlooked. The health care industry will continue to grow in the coming decade and the jobs won't just be in the operating room, though many will.According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, these 11 jobs in health care will see growth in the coming years. Here are the jobs, their expected growth in the next decade, education requirements and annual mean salary*:

1. Physician assistants perform many of the same tasks of a physician -- such as treating injuries and supervising medical assistants -- but are under a physician's supervision at all times.
2008-2018 increase: 41.3 percent
Education: College degree and relevant experience
Salary: $81,610

2. Medical secretaries perform administrative duties in health-care facilities and rely on their knowledge of medical terminology and procedures.
2008-2018 increase: 27 percent
Education: Varies, but college degrees are increasingly common requirements
Salary: $30,800

3. Physicians and surgeons treat patients for existing medical conditions and also advise them on preventative care. Surgeons concentrate on operations rather than the non-surgical approaches of physicians.
2008-2018 increase: 26 percent
Education: Medical degrees, residencies and licenses
Salary: Surgeons - $206,770, general internists - $176,740

4. Registered nurses address some health problems of patients as well as collect and maintain their medical records.
2008-2018 increase: 23.4 percent
Education: Varies between college degrees requirements and certification, depending on state and employer
Salary: $65,130

5. Counselors work in various health-care facilities to help clients overcome physical or mental health obstacles they are encountering.
2008-2018 increase: 22.6 percent
Education: Varies by state and facility, but college degree and certification are typical
Salary: Mental health - $40,270, rehabilitation - $34,600, substance abuse and behavioral disorder - $39,670

6. Licensed practical and licensed vocational nurses provide care for injured or ill patients in health-care facilities and private homes.
2008-2018 increase: 21.9 percent
Education: Nursing license from an accredited school or institution, other requirements vary by state
Salary: $40,110

7. Billing and posting clerks and machine operators assess the cost of a patient's health care, draw up the bill and send it to them.
2008-2018 increase: 19.7 percent
Education: Varies by institution, but a high school diploma and basic computer skills are common
Salary: $32,120

8. Social workers provide emotional and mental support to patients who have substance abuse problems or suffer from medical ailments.
2008-2018 increase: 19.5 percent
Education: Bachelor's degrees and often advanced degrees are required, in addition to state-mandated licenses and certifications
Salary: Medical and public health - $47,560, mental health and substance abuse - $39,630

9. Receptionists and information clerks work in health-care facilities and address customer or patient questions or concerns and direct them to the appropriate department or personnel.
2008-2018 increase: 16.1 percent
Education: Minimum requirement of high school diploma, although some employers require more education or relevant experience
Salary: $25,400

10. Clinical laboratory technologists and technicians work in medical laboratories to perform tests that help diagnose, treat or prevent illnesses.
2008-2018 increase: 14 percent
Education: Technologists need a bachelor's degree in a related subject and technicians need an associate degree
Salary: Technologists - $54,050, technicians - $44,310

11. Pharmacists dispense medicine to patients based on the diagnoses and prescriptions of physicians and other medical professionals.
2008-2018 increase: 14 percent
Education: A Doctor of Pharmacy degree and license
Salary: $104,260

*All information based on data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Hourly Wage: 10 Jobs that Pay $20 per Hour

Ready for a gig that pays an hourly wage of twenty dollars? There are many options out there. And, of the following list of ten jobs, less than half require school beyond a high school diploma. See which skills you might already have or are interested in and get started.

01. Drywall Finisher

Hourly pay: $17.99 - $30.41

Are you up for some careful work and plenty of physical activity? In this gig you prepare walls for painting by taping and finishing joints and imperfections. Though this construction trade can drop off when the economy suffers, it's a job skill that is lucrative when in demand. No degree is required to get started. Most dry wall finishers learn their skills through informal training programs or on the job, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).

• Drywall Finisher Jobs

02. Structural Drafter

Hourly pay: $18.52 - $23.66

Drafting work gets you into the fields of architecture and engineering, without all of the required coursework. Structural drafters prepare architectural and structural drawings, often using Computer Aided Design and Drafting (CADD) systems. They can develop specialized knowledge in specific materials, such as concrete or masonry, or in types of buildings, such as residential or commercial. Most employers look for applicants with at least a two-year degree. Armed Forces training can also prepare you for this job.

• Structural Drafting Jobs

03. Carpet Installer

Hourly pay: $15.00 - $19.44

Here is another construction job that can be scarce in a down economy, but not as much as you'd think. It has the advantage of being a common, low-cost home improvement. According to the BLS, 35 percent of carpet installers are self-employed. You may work evenings and weekends for commercial jobs to avoid disturbing customers. Most installers learn their skills on the job. No formal education is required.

• Carpet Installer Jobs

04. Fire Inspector

Hourly pay: $18.97 - $22.24

If you have an eye for detail and are willing to enforce the rules, you could find work as a fire inspector. Inspectors not only examine buildings to detect hazards and enforce local laws, they sometimes also investigate and gather facts to determine cause of fires and explosions. Most fire inspectors are employed by local governments, with the state of California paying best for their work, according to the BLS. Fire inspectors must take classes and pass exams to be certified in their profession.

• Fire Inspector Jobs

05. Facilities Manager

Hourly pay: $19.68 - $22.27

The person in this job must be able to do a wide variety of tasks, all meant to ensure the care and upkeep of a property. These tasks can include scheduling janitors and landscapers, renting out spaces, collecting rent money, ensuring pools are cleaned and that users of the property follow regulations. Though facilities managers often have an office, they likely don't spend much time at their desk. No college degree is required, though some schooling may be preferred by employers if accounting or business transactions are required.

• Facilities Management Jobs

06. Tax Accountant

Hourly pay: $20.80 - $30.52

Don't want to go to the office every day? This job offers the potential for flexibility and a work-from-home arrangement. Tax accountants fall into a larger category of workers called public accountants. This person can either advise a business on the tax advantages and disadvantages of a decision, or complete individual tax returns. Many tax accountants have at least a bachelor's degree in an accounting-related field. Going on to get certified as an accountant can increase both your salary and your opportunities for employment.

• Tax Accountant Jobs

07. Sheriff's Patrol Officer

Hourly pay: $20.64 - $31.07

If you can not only stay calm in a dangerous situation, but are willing to take on a leadership role, a career in law enforcement may suit you. You get you a secure, steady paycheck and opportunities for career growth. Sheriff's patrol officers work for local, county governments. Applicants must have at least a high school education, and some departments may prefer or require college coursework. Being bilingual or having military police experience will increase your chances of getting this job.

• Patrol Officer Jobs

08. Music Therapist

Hourly pay: $18.67 - $25.56

Can Bach and Mozart help with mental health issues or healing from surgery? A music therapist uses tones, sounds, rhythms and songs of all kinds to help people heal whatever is ailing them. Sometimes their patients play music or other times they simply listen. To work as part of a medical team, music therapists usually need a bachelor's degree in a related field. Licensure may not be required, but is often preferred by employers.

• Music Therapist Jobs

09. Interpretor or Translator

Hourly pay: $22.38 - $44.99

As an interpreter, you could be a key player in the middle of court hearings or a complex discussion on medical issues. It is a role where you can help others and it offers opportunities for further career growth. The BLS predicts that this line of work will see an increase in demand over the coming years. And, you can create a flexible schedule for yourself since the majority of interpreters are self-employed. Certification in certain subject area is often required, as well as extra education beyond high school.

• Interpreter/Translator Jobs

10. Personal Trainer

Hourly pay: $20.08 - $27.55

If you've watched the show "The Biggest Loser," you know a lot about the work done personal trainers. Unlike aerobics instructors or sports coaches, personal trainers offer customized, one-on-one physical training for their clients. They can help clients not only lose weight, but also develop specific strength training routines, eating schedules and routines for injury prevention. The job also offers the possibility of a flexible schedule.

• Personal Trainer Jobs

By Bridget Quigg,