Some of these careers require only one to two years of training, while others call for a four-year degree, but one fact remains clear: These new industries are here to stay. Investing in continuing education or career training might be a small price to pay to stay in the game for years to come. Below are some of the hottest careers in need of qualified professionals.

Environmental Science Technician

As scientific procedures have become more complex, the role of science technicians has steadily increased. Technicians not only solve problems in research and development, but also are specially trained in operating and maintaining laboratory equipment. Environmental science technicians perform their work with the goal of determining, alleviating, or controlling environmentally harmful substances.

Job growth for environmental science technicians is expected to be much faster than average from 2006 to 2016. The most common job requirement is a two-year associate’s degree in science-related technology.

Average Annual Salary: $43,180.

Electrical Engineer

Electrical equipment of all kinds is developed, designed, and tested by electrical engineers. From lighting to electric motors to the wiring of buildings, electrical engineers shine new light on the way we live and work. Most electrical engineers specialize in an area like power systems engineering or electrical equipment manufacturing.

A bachelor’s degree in engineering, with a specialty in electrical engineering, is usually a requirement for entry-level jobs.

Average Annual Salary: $85,350.

Internal Auditor

Following a rash of corporate scandals coupled with the current financial crisis, companies are cracking down on waste, fraud, and mismanagement. Internal auditors evaluate an organization’s financial and information systems while keeping an eye on efficiency and productivity. They also evaluate organizational compliance with corporate and government regulations.

A bachelor’s degree in accounting or a related field is a good idea for auditors. Some colleges offer programs specifically geared towards internal auditing. Certification as a certified internal auditor (CIA) also boosts credibility and hiring potential.

Average Annual Salary: $65,840.

Management Accountant

For many accountants, there has been a professional shift away from merely preparing tax documents. Management accountants work for businesses, recording, and analyzing their financial information. They also prepare budgets, financial reports, and cost management strategies. Management accountants often work as part of an executive team and communicate with company heads, stockholders, creditors, and regulatory agencies on a regular basis.

Employment of accountants is expected to grow by 18 percent over the next seven years. A bachelor’s degree in accounting or finance is usually required, and those who have certification as a certified public accountant (CPA) or other professional certifications should have the best opportunities.

Average Annual Salary: $65,840.

Diagnostic Medical Sonographer

As sonography grows in popularity, and in some cases becomes preferable to radiologic procedures, there is a growing demand for sonographers. Diagnostic sonography helps in diagnosing ailments of all kinds, using high frequency sound waves to assess a particular part of the body. Sonographers are specially trained to use this equipment and evaluate the results. They also interact with patients, keep detailed records, and maintain sonography equipment.

Most employers prefer to hire registered sonographers who have trained for the position by earning an associate’s or bachelor’s degree in X-ray technology or a closely-related field. In some cases, those already working in the health care field can earn a one-year certificate that may suffice for entry-level sonography positions.

Average Annual Salary: $62,660.

Cardiovascular Technologist

These technologists assist physicians in diagnosing heart and blood vessel ailments. Their day-to-day duties often include scheduling appointments, explaining procedures to patients, and maintaining equipment. Cardiovascular technologists generally specialize in one of three areas: invasive cardiology, echocardiography, or vascular technology.

This career is expected to see much faster than average job growth in coming years, with 26 percent growth expected. Most cardiovascular technologists have an associate’s degree in x-ray or cardiovascular technology. Certification is also available, but is not always required.

Average Annual Salary: $48,640.

Like it or not, it seems unlikely that outmoded industries will be making a comeback anytime soon. Rather than hitting your head against a career wall, consider training for a new career in an emerging field. The time spent may be rewarded in a fulfilling new career and an end to your lay-off worries.

Although women have traditionally led the fields of education and psychology, their dominance in fields such as business, history and biological and social sciences comes as a surprise in a typically male-driven job market. Even in fields they do not currently dominate, such as math and agriculture, women are making significant strides.

Best Fields with an Above-Average Percentage of Women

1. Healthcare
Percent Women: 78.0 percent
Annual Earnings: $32,149
Percent Growth: 27.3 percent
Workforce Increase: 3,563,998

2. Employment Services
Percent Women: 57.4 percent
Annual Earnings: $21,320
Percent Growth: 45.5 percent
Workforce Increase: 1,579,900

3. Educational Services
Percent Women: 69.0 percent
Annual Earnings: $36,370
Percent Growth: 16.6 percent
Workforce Increase: 2,121,165

4. Social Assistance, Except Child Day Care
Percent Women: 73.8 percent
Annual Earnings: $22,979
Percent Growth: 32.6 percent
Workforce Increase: 444,700

5. Pharmaceutical and Medicine Manufacturing
Percent Women: 46.3 percent
Annual Earnings: $44,420
Percent Growth: 26.1 percent
Workforce Increase: 76,000

6. Advertising and Public Relations Services
Percent Women: 52.3 percent
Annual Earnings: $38,370
Percent Growth: 22.4 percent
Workforce Increase: 95,200

7. Child Day Care Services
Percent Women: 95.8 percent
Annual Earnings: $18,400
Percent Growth: 38.4 percent
Workforce Increase: 294,800

8. Insurance
Percent Women: 60.9 percent
Annual Earnings: $38,590
Percent Growth: 9.5 percent
Workforce Increase: 215,400

9. Hotels and Other Accommodations
Percent Women: 57.0 percent
Annual Earnings: $18,840
Percent Growth: 16.9 percent
Workforce Increase: 304,200

10. Advocacy, Grantmaking and Civic Organizations
Percent Women: 66.9 percent
Annual Earnings: $28,007
Percent Growth: 14.5 percent
Workforce Increase: 178,800

(Excerpt from ‘40 Best Fields for Your Career’ by Michael Farr and Laurence Shatkin, Ph.D.)

Michael Farr and Laurence Shatkin, Ph.D., authors of ‘40 Best Fields for Your Career,’ (Jist) suggest the progress of women in the job market may be attributed to the idea that “men have had more problems than women in adapting to an economy dominated by service and information-based fields.”

“Many women may simply be better prepared for these fields, possessing more appropriate skills for the fields that are now growing rapidly and have more job openings,” they write.

Although the U.S. Department of Labor still expects men to dominate just over half of the job market in 2014, it believes the roles of women in the workforce will grow more rapidly than men.

“The male labor force is projected to grow by 9.1 percent from 2004 to 2014, compared with 10.9 percent for women. As a result, men’s share of the labor force is expected to decrease from 53.6 to 53.2 percent, while women’s share is expected to increase from 46.4 to 46.8 percent,” states a report by the U.S. Department of Labor.

Farr and Shatkin acknowledge that while women are making strides in the job market, they are still underpaid in comparison to men. In fields with an above-average percentage of women, the average earnings for the fields were $27,278, compared to $37,962 in fields with an above-average percentage of men.

Furthermore, influential women like eBay President Meg Whitman, Hearst Publishing’s Cathleen Black and Xerox CEO Anne Mulcahy prove it is possible for women to not just join the workforce in greater numbers, but to lead it as well. These three women have paved the way for other women to aspire to top-tier positions in the workforce.

Farr and Shatkin sorted through the 40 best career fields based on the fields’ overall scores on earnings, growth and workforce increase. From there, they determined the best fields with an above-average percentage of women based on annual earnings, growth and workforce increase. The following list features the top 10 fields with an above-average percentage of women:

Farr and Shatkin hope lists and figures like these do not hinder men or women from entering fields they do not already dominate. Instead, they say: “The fact is that fields with above-average percentages of women or men offer good opportunities for both men and women if they want to work in one of these fields.”

“The fields on both lists include jobs that pay well, and women or men who are interested in these fields and who have or can obtain the necessary education and training for the jobs should consider them.”