We’re heading into a new era for America’s workforce. As we leave behind the days when manufacturing, construction and production ruled the economic landscape more people are looking for work in the realms of technology and personal service.

With the Great Recession behind us, there are some promising job numbers to look forward to. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts a million new jobs by 2018, which will make finding a job much easier for entry-level college grads. These jobs however, won’t be found on a farm or in a metal shop. If you want to move into a growing field, consider one of these professions.

1. Social Media Expert

This is a new and fast-growing field, thanks to the marketing power of social media. Take a look at any job board and you’ll see major companies snatching up social media strategists. If you have a knack for developing followers on Twitter, that could become a career. Social media strategists have a keen sense for laying out a strategy for companies through custom plans. The average salary for social media gurus: $55,000, even right out of college.

2. Information Technology Professional

In the next ten years, the areas of network systems and data communications are expected to become the No. 2 profession in terms of growth. But things are bright for other areas of the IT field as well, including computer software engineer, systems analyst, and information research scientist, to name just a few. And despite a recent trend of layoffs and outsourcing, the IT field is expected to stabilize here at home as technology becomes more crucial to every business.

3. Accountant

There’s growing demand for number crunchers and accounting can be a very lucrative career. Training programs range from two to six years, depending on whether you want to pursue an associate’s, bachelor, or master’s degree. Today’s accountants have an ever-growing amount of responsibility and often go into the fields of financial analysis, auditing and advising. Enrolling in even a 1-2 year degree program can have you earning a $100,000 salary one the certification process in complete.

4. Massage Therapist

Massage therapy is a rapidly growing career field expected to see plenty of demand through 2018 and beyond. To meet the growing need, massage therapy schools are making a push for more students. This is a promising development for anyone looking to get into the business. You can take massage therapy classes in person, online and find a schedule that works for you. Not to mention, the workweek is like something out of a dream. Therapists typically work a 25 to 30-hour week and pull in about $45,000 a year. That’s a great salary with plenty of time off. With an associate’s degree, you can be ready to enter the workforce in as few as two years, or in some cases sooner.

5. Senior Caregiver

Senior caregivers make less money than the above-mentioned professions but require less training and offer a high level of stability. These jobs aren’t going anywhere with the above 65 crowd expected to double by the year 2030. The hours can be flexible and caregivers usually work around 25 hours a week, helping seniors stay in their homes by providing housekeeping, meals, bathing, dressing and other tasks. The required training is typically offered through a community college or other training programs.

The job outlook is growing and diverse in these fields. There’s the outlook spans a diverse section of the job market with various levels of training required. Whether you are looking to spend one or six years studying, a rewarding career is waiting in one of these fast-growing fields.

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