4 Jobs Thriving Despite Recession

Unfortunately, the recession of recent years has left a huge impact on the employment availability throughout the country. The Bureau of Labor Statistics indicates that at the official end of the recession in June 2009, unemployment rate had reached 4.5% more than it was at the beginning of the recession. However, despite these alarming figures, some industries continued to thrive in the midst of a suffering nation. The following careers have spiked over the past 6 years, instead of suffered like many others.

1. Physical Therapist – $71,000
During a recession, many people resort to hard, physically demanding jobs as opposed to easier ones they are accustomed to. That, in addition to the rising population of the elderly, has kept physical therapists in business these past 6 years. Physical therapists work to help strengthen those that have been injured and are suffering from muscle weakness. These specialists have seen a median annual salary increase of 8.9% over throughout the course of the recession.

2. Marriage and Family Therapist – $48,900
Rough economic times lead for high stress situations in the office and at home. It definitely seemed to take a toll on the family unit, that’s for sure. Between financial stress, and the divorce rate continuing to hover at 50%, it’s no wonder families and married couples need therapy. Family and marriage therapists work to resolve issues in family units, and help set goals for them to achieve to better their relationships and lives. Since 2006, marriage and family therapists have seen a median annual salary increase of 8.1%.

3. Web Developer – $54,800
The recession has taken many conveniences from the lives of people. Some don’t go out to eat as often, others may not see as many movies in the theater. However, one thing that hasn’t decreased: the use of the Internet. And with its ever-growing popularity means that the demand for talented web developers increases every day. And with that increase in demand comes and increase in pay. This media career has seen a 6.3% growth in its annual salary over the course of the past 6 years.

4. Registered Nurse – $58,000
Registered nurses make up a large portion of the healthcare industry throughout the nation. Most nurses work in hospitals treating patients, however, there is also a demand in the private nursing sector. RNs typically have a Bachelor’s degree with a specialty area of medicine, such as pediatrics. There are nearly 2.6 million jobs in this profession, and the demand continues to grow. Since 2006, the median salary for RNs has increased nearly 9%.