5 of America's best jobs for growth potential and income

Looking to change jobs? Careers in information technology, health care and education look especially promising from 2006-2016, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. In addition to having the biggest job growth, the five occupations listed below also tout handsome salaries.

Network systems and data communications analysts

Job description: These workers analyze, design, test, and evaluate network systems, such as local area networks, wide area networks, Internet, intranet, and other data communications systems. They research and recommend network and data communications hardware and software, and may include telecommunications specialists who deal with the interfacing of computer and communications equipment.

Job growth, 2006-2016: 53.4 percent
Median annual earnings: $68,220*
How much education and/or training do most workers have? a bachelor's degree

Computer software engineers, applications

Job description: Professionals in this field develop, create, and modify general computer applications software or specialized utility programs. They analyze user needs and develop software solutions, and design or customize software so it operates as efficiently as possible for clients.

Job growth, 2006-2016: 44.6 percent
Median annual earnings: $83,130
How much education and/or training do most workers have? a bachelor's degree

Computer systems analysts

Job description: Computer systems analysts help organizations incorporate rapidly changing technologies into their existing systems. Their work evolves quickly, reflecting new areas of specialization and changes in technology. According to the BLS, employment in this field is expected to increase much faster than the average and more new jobs are expected than in all but a few other occupations. Employers typically prefer applicants with at least a bachelor’s degree in computer science, information science, or management information systems.
   
Job growth, 2006-2016: 29 percent
Median annual earnings: $73,090 
How much education and/or training do most workers have? a bachelor's degree

Registered nurses

Job description: Registered nurses, regardless of specialty or work setting, treat and educate patients and the public about medical conditions, and provide advice and emotional support to patients’ families. Theirs is the largest health-care occupation, with 2.5 million jobs, 59 percent of which are in hospitals. About 587,000 new RN jobs are expected between 2006-2016, one of the biggest numbers among all occupations.

The three most common paths to becoming an RN include a bachelor’s degree, an associate's degree, or a diploma from an approved nursing program.

Job growth, 2006-2016: 23.5 percent
Median annual earnings: $60,010
How much education and/or training do most workers have? an associate's degree

Postsecondary teachers

Job description: Postsecondary teachers instruct students--who may be working toward a degree, certificate or trying to boost their job skills--in a wide variety of academic and vocational subjects beyond high school. Educational qualifications vary, from expertise in a particular field to a Ph.D., depending on the subject and the educational institution. While job opportunities are expected to be very good, many new openings will be for part-time or non-tenure-track positions.

Job growth, 2006-2016: 22.9 percent
Median annual earnings: $59,040
How much education and/or training do most workers have? a doctorate

*Median annual earnings are based on May 2007 figures and were provided by Laurence Shatkin, a senior product developer at JIST Publishing.