Top 10 Jobs in Illinois

Employment in the IT, information technology, industry is projected to grow in Illinois overall much more quickly than the statewide average through 2012. This is because business organizations will continue to integrate increasingly advanced cutting edge technology.

Job growth will be driven by the continuing expansion of the computer system design and computer-related services industry in Illinois, projected to remain a top growth industry in spite of some recent job losses in the state. Job growth will not be as quick and expansive as during the past decade, because these jobs are being outsourced overseas. However, new jobs will be developed.

Rapid growth in most areas of the information technology industry is projected to be an impetus toward fuel demand for specialists trained in network, data, and communications security. Security for information and date will experience substantial growth.

Job prospects will be best for college grads that stay up to date on the latest IT skills and technologies. There is even more opportunity for those that have supplemented formal education with relevant work experience.

IT jobs will be the most prominent in the Top 10 Jobs in Illinois through 2014. Medical and healthcare-related jobs will also increase, as well as some jobs in the gaming industry. Interestingly, choreographers are projected to be the second most expanding job field in Illinois through 2014, due in part to the musical, acting, and the arts opportunities in Chicago and elsewhere in the state.

Computer and Information Scientists

Conduct research into fundamental computer and information science as theorists, designers, or inventors.

Computer Programmers

Convert project specifications and statements of problems and procedures to detailed logical flow charts for coding into computer language.

Computer Software Engineers, Applications

Develop, create, and modify general computer applications software or specialized utility programs. Analyze user needs and develop software solutions.

Computer Software Engineers, Systems Software

Research, design, develop, and test operating systems-level software, compilers, and network distribution software for medical, industrial, military, communications, aerospace, business, scientific, and general computing applications.

Computer Support Specialists

Provide technical assistance to computer system users. Answer questions or resolve computer problems for clients in person, via telephone or from a remote location.

Computer Systems Analysts

Analyze science, engineering, business, and all other data processing problems for application to electronic data processing systems.

Database Administrators

Coordinate changes to computer databases, test and implement the database applying knowledge of database management systems.

Network and Computer Systems Administrators

Install, configure, and support an organization's local area network (LAN), wide area network (WAN), and Internet system or a segment of a network system.

Network Systems and Data Communications Analysts

Analyze, design, test, and evaluate network systems, such as local area networks (LAN), wide area networks (WAN), Internet, intranet, and other data communications systems.

Computer Hardware Engineers

Research, design, develop, and test computer or computer-related equipment for commercial, industrial, military, or scientific use.

The US Department of Labor reports that the median annual earnings of salaried choreographers was $33,670 in May 2004.

The middle 50 percent earned between $21,530 and $48,940.

The lowest 10 percent earned less than $14,980.

The highest 10 percent earned more than $68,190.

Median annual earnings were $34,090 in "other schools and instruction," like dance studios and schools.

Most salaried dancers and choreographers covered by union contracts receive some sort of paid sick leave and other health and pension benefits, such as extended sick pay and family-leave benefits secured by their unions. Employers contribute toward these benefits. Dancers and choreographers not covered by union contracts usually do not enjoy such benefits and must purchase theiur own insurance.