Unemployment rate rises. Wait, huh? Oh…

Recent signs that the economy has slowed, yet again, can be seen in the May 2012 employment data. The MarketWatch Economic Report: U.S. economy creates 69,000 jobs in May [2012], states the, “May 2012, unemployment rate rises to 8.2% from 8.1%,” marking the first increase during the passed 11 months. Prior to May, economists had high hopes of lowering the unemployment rate; economists had estimated the creation of 150,000 jobs this passed May. However, the U.S. economy created 69,000 last month.

But have no fear. Jobs are here?

Even with 12.5 million unemployed Americans, employers in certain markets are struggling to fill jobs. Tara Kelly of the Huffington Post reports a list of the top 10 hiring professions. I’ve listed these professions below along with the corresponding average salaries, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. But I do wonder whether employers in these markets are struggling to fill positions because of a lack of a talent or because qualified professionals refuse to accept positions for lower salaries. Hrm…

1. “Skilled trades” [This title is too ambiguous to find its avg salary]
2. Engineers: 85k
3. IT Staff: 35k
4. Sales Reps: 60k
5. Accounting & Finance Staff: 36k
6. Drivers: 30k
7. Mechanics: 40k
8. Nurses: 65k
9. Machinists/Machine Operators: 40k
10. Teachers: 25k - 80k [elementary to post secondary]

You must be thinking, “I’m not qualified to fill any of these positions!” Well, you do have other options which don’t involve pursuing further training/education. According to Reuters, the service sector has seen its 29th straight month of expansion. So, if all else fails, take comfort in knowing you can always find a job in, “Retail, construction, financial services, health care and hotels.” Or, you can try to sell your plasma.