Fast Growing Occupations

The U.S. Department of Labor projected which industries and occupations will experience the most growth from now until 2008. Areas set to experience the biggest boom include computer technology, health services and social services. Here's a tour of some of the hottest fields:

1. Computer and Data Processing ServicesFrom computer engineers to support specialists and systems analysts to database administrators, if it has to do with computers, it's hot. Employment is expected to grow 117 percent by 2008, according to the Career Guide to Industries.

2. Health ServicesHealth care is booming. Opportunities abound for medical and physicians assistants.

3. Residential Care for the ElderlyAs the senior population increases, so does the demand for in-house caregivers. Nursing facilities, hospices, adult day cares, personal homes and assisted living facilities are all in need of extra staff.

4. Legal AssistantsParalegals and legal assistants are in great demand as they perform many tasks formerly done by lawyers, according to the Occupational Outlook Handbook.

5. Temporary Personnel ServicesDemand continues to grow for skilled and unskilled workers and specialists willing to work on a short-term basis.