( CareerBuilder.com ) -- While there certainly have been positive indicators for employment in 2011 -- The National Association of Colleges and Employers says employers plan to hire 13.5 percent more new college graduates in 2011 than in 2010 , and the Federal Reserve predicts that in 2011 , the unemployment rate may drop below 9 percent for the first time since April of 2009 -- the job market will continue to be competitive this year . But pursuing certain occupations will surely provide job seekers with a more fortunate and fruitful return than others . If you 're looking for a new job this year , consider honing your skills and applying to a job in one of these 10 occupations , all of which are expected to experience growth this year , and pay more than the national average salary of $ 43,460 . 1 . Accountant . Not only is accounting projected to experience large growth through 2018 , but accounting is consistently among the bachelor 's degree most desired by employers , and is the No.1 bachelor 's degree employers will be looking for in 2011 , according to NACE . Salary : $ 59,229* . 2 . Web developer . As the world becomes more dependent on technology , we also become more dependent on those who create it . According to The Conference Board , at the end of 2010 , the number of advertised vacancies for computer and mathematical science professionals were at their highest since April 2008 . Salary : $ 87,553 . CareerBuilder.com : Keep your eyes on solar companies . 3 . Occupational therapist . Occupational therapists help patients regain mental and physical function lost to such causes as arthritis , stroke , cancer or dementia , and will become more in demand as baby boomers age and create a larger elderly population . Salary : $ 69,428 . 4 . Sales manager . Since good salespeople directly contribute to a company 's bottom line , they will be a crucial part of the corporate rebuilding process in the next year . The key role salespeople have in keeping business booming also makes the job more stable in uncertain times . Salary : $ 111,472 . 5 . Computer software engineer . According to the BLS , employment for computer software engineers is expected to grow 32 percent between 2008 and 2018 . Salary : $ 96,712 . CareerBuilder.com : Get the most from a fall-back job . 6 . Truck driver . In 2008 , truck drivers held more than 3.2 million jobs , making the profession one of the largest in the country . The demand for goods and the need to ship them is not slowing down , either . Nearly 292,000 jobs will be created by 2018 , according to the BLS . Salary : $ 45,095 . 7 . Registered nurse . As the overall population grows , so will our need for nurses that can provide quality care . Additionally , large numbers of nurses are expected to retire in the coming decade , leaving plenty of room for those entering the profession . Salary : $ 72,271 . 8 . Dental hygienist . The profession is considered one of the fastest growing by the BLS . It 's expected to grow by nearly 63,000 jobs through 2018 , a 36 percent increase over 2008 . Salary : $ 75,164 . CareerBuilder.com : 7 things you should never say in an interview . 9 . Financial adviser . The recession has wreaked havoc on personal finances . From those who lost equity in their homes or investment properties , to others who wiped out savings accounts or tapped into retirement funds , Americans will be looking to get their finances back on track this year . As baby boomers begin to retire , the need for financial advisers will only increase . Salary : $ 76,688 . 10 . Physical therapist assistant . According to the BLS , physical therapist assistants held nearly twice as many jobs in 2008 than physical therapists , and the profession is supposed to grow much faster than average through 2018 . Because training is relatively minimal ( only an associate 's degree is usually required ) and pay is good , it 's a great option for those looking for a career change . Salary : $ 48,250 . *All salary information provided by CBSalary.com . & copy CareerBuilder.com 2011 . All rights reserved . The information contained in this article may not be published , broadcast or otherwise distributed without the prior written authority .
Pursuing certain occupations will provide job seekers with a better return than others . Accounting is the No.1 bachelor 's degree employers will be looking for in 2011 . Physical therapist assistant is a great option for those looking for a career change .