If you’re like most people, salary may be the first thing that comes to mind when evaluating what makes a “good job.” However, according to recent research, more and more workers — both young and old alike — are now prioritizing a different factor when assessing a job’s potential: job security. In fact, 56 percent of younger workers and 59 percent of older workers preferred security to salary when asked to choose between two jobs.
For most people, the concept of a temp job and the concept of job security aren’t necessarily congruent; however, a new breed of temp positions offer unprecedented job security. Formerly the domain of the unemployed and job searchers passing the time until a permanent job can be found, temp jobs are now a valuable tool for companies looking to keep pace with the latest trends and technologies in a dynamic market — and for employees looking to capitalize on new demand. Based on research from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Forbes rounded up the list of 2015’s fastest growing temp jobs. Let’s take a look at four of the top picks.
1. Home Health Care Aide
In addition to helping seniors in need of assistance, home health care aides also help people with disabilities, chronic illnesses, and cognitive impairment. With millions of Baby Boomers hitting retirement every day and most suffering from multiple chronic conditions, it’s no surprise that there is a growing demand for healthcare professionals.
Although they work in a variety of settings, ranging from private homes to large-scale communities, home health care aides are typically employed by certified home health and hospice agencies — both of which will be looking for qualified labor to fill vacancies. Between 2014 and 2019, the number of home health care aide temp jobs is predicted to rise by 15 percent.
2. Childcare Worker
As the bulk of the Millennial generation — the first generation in American history to top the Boomers in sheer numbers — enters its childbearing years, their offspring will need care. And while many have delayed having kids because of the challenging conditions under which they came of age (resulting in an oft-publicized “baby bust”), the time is drawing nigh when the delayers will take the leap. It’s no surprise, then, that temp positions for childcare workers are expected to jump by 14 percent over the next five years.
3. Registered Nurse
The buzz surrounding the imminent nursing shortage is well-founded: with up to three million Baby Boomers entering Medicare each year and the Affordable Care Act having already added eight million to the growing list of the insured, the demands on the healthcare industry will be significant, with registered nurses topping the list.
Nurse staffing agencies will race to fill the void through a variety of temp nursing opportunities, including contract, travel and per diem positions. All in all, an average increase of 6,200 jobs — or 14 percent growth — is predicted over the next five years alone.
Meanwhile, an alternate healthcare profession expects to experience almost equally meteoric growth: Pharmacy technicians.
4. Computer Systems Analyst
As companies struggle to keep up with changing technologies while balancing their business initiatives, computer systems analysts are expected to play a vital role. These hybrid professionals offer a unique blend of information technology knowledge and business acumen, qualifying them not just to offer computer expertise, but to apply it within the context of a company’s overall objectives in order to improve efficiency and effectiveness.
In addition to being in demand with a whopping 19 percent increase in anticipated jobs by 2019, computer system analysts are also well-compensated, thanks to a median salary of more than $81,000 in 2013. Temp workers with skills and experience in this field are well-positioned for ongoing success.
Software developers and computer user support specialists are also expected to see growth in tech temp jobs over the next half-decade.
