24. Database administrators
Projected increase in 2016: 28.6 percent
Number employed in 2006: 119,000
Median pay in 2006: $67,460
Education/training: At least a bachelor's degree in computer science is necessary, but a master's in business administration, with a focus on information systems, is growing more common and desirable.
Job outlook: As businesses continue to rely more heavily on technology there will be a demand for professionals that can create and manage databases that store information on customers, inventory, and projects.
• More on database administrators
• Job openings in New England for database administrators
(istockphoto)


