Best and worst careers for 2012

Outlook good for software engineers, actuaries. Lumberjacks, dairy farmers may have a tougher time.

In this uncertain economy, deciding “what you want to be when you grow up” is a daunting task. With the unemployment rate at 8.1 percent (24.9 percent for ages 16 to 19), entering the workforce or planning to attend college requires more planning and soul searching than it used to.

Here is some information on the top four best and worst careers for 2012, according to Bureau of Labor Statistics and careercast.com, which posts an annual list of the 200 best and worst professions. teeth cleaning, X-rays and administering local anesthetics.

Is this career for me? In addition to having a desire to help improve people’s health and well-being, dental hygienists must be detail-oriented as well as effective communicators. An interest in and aptitude for science is helpful, as coursework needed to obtain certification will likely include anatomy, chemistry, physiology, microbiology, pharmacology, radiography, histology, periodontology, dental materials and clinical dental hygiene.

Minimum education requirements: Most employers require at least a certificate of dental hygiene.

Average annual income: $68,109

Bureau of Labor Statistics projected growth rate through 2020: 38 percent

3. Human Resources Manager

benefits, compliance with laws and regulations affecting employees and the workplace and safety and health issues.

Is this career for me? To be a human resources manager, it helps to not only enjoy working with people but also to have an understanding of how people can effectively work together to achieve a goal.

Minimum education requirements: Most employers require a bachelor’s degree in human resource management. Education requirements will lean heavily toward behavioral sciences, English, economics, general business, business and labor law, accounting and statistics.

Average annual income: $99,102

Bureau of Labor Statistics projected growth rate through 2020: 21 percent

2. Actuary

on mathematical skills such as calculus and statistics. It will also require strong computer skills, specifically formulating spreadsheets, statistical analysis programs, database manipulation and programming languages; project management and problem-solving skills; and a knowledge base in finance, accounting and economics.

Minimum education requirements: To get a job as an actuary, you may consider a bachelor’s degree in the following fields of study: mathematics, actuarial science, statistics or a business-related discipline, such as economics, finance or accounting.

Average annual income: $88,202

Bureau of Labor Statistics projected growth rate through 2020: 20-28 percent

1. Software designer

couldn’t get enough of math and took every computer-related course you could, this may be a good career for you.

Minimum education requirements: Because of rapidly changing technology software, engineers must continually update their skills to be successful. However, most companies look to hire someone with a bachelor of science in software engineering.

Average annual income: $88,142

Bureau of Labor Statistics projected growth rate through 2020: 30 percent

4. Oil rig worker

to put their lives on the line on a daily basis. In addition, they also often are away from home for long stretches. The average annual income is $33,119, and the Bureau of Labor Statistics projected growth rate is expected to remain constant through 2020.

2. Dairy Farmer

Other than hazardous outdoor working conditions and high probability of injury, the independent dairy farmer has some stiff competition with corporate dairy farms. The average annual income is $33,119, and the Bureau of Labor Statistics projected growth rate through 2020 is expected to decline by 8 percent.