HR Articles

The Best and Worst Jobs for 2011

Are you thinking about applying to San Antonio construction jobs (Click here)? How about working as a painter? Maybe a taxi driver?

If so, you may want to think again, because these jobs and many more were recently ranked among the worst occupations this year.

CareerCast.com recently released the Jobs Rated 2011 report, a survey that ranks 200 different jobs, from best to worst. The positions are ranked based on physical demands, work environment, income, outlook, and stress.

The 10 worst jobs include:

1. Roustabout
2. Ironworker
3. Lumberjack
4. Roofer
5. Taxi driver
6. Emergency medical technician
7. Welder
8. Painter
9. Meter reader
10. Construction worker

This list alone shouldn't discourage you from applying to these jobs. In fact, many of the positions listed pay high salaries, and some are even expected to grow in the coming years. However, just be aware that most of these jobs are demanding and stressful.

At the other end of the spectrum are the 10 best jobs, which include:

1. Software engineer
2. Mathematician
3. Actuary
4. Statistician
5. Computer systems analyst
6. Meteorologist
7. Biologist
8. Historian
9. Audiologist
10. Dental hygienist

There are a number of popular jobs that didn't make it on the best or worst lists. For instance, healthcare is an extremely popular industry right now, but the only tradition positions to be listed were nurses and surgeons. Other popular occupations, such as radiology jobs (Click here), were nowhere to be found.

Food jobs, which also are popular among many people, were ranked pretty low. Waiters and waitresses came in at 139th, while bartenders were ranked 140th.

The outlook isn't much better for sales jobs (http://jobs.cityfurniture.com/sales+Jobs), with wholesale sales representatives ranked 153rd, retail salespersons coming in at 159th, and advertising salespersons ranked 170th. Click here to see some Texas sales jobs that are currently available.

San Antonio Insurance Jobs

Although the number of positions for insurance claims and policy processing clerks throughout the nation is set to decline in the coming years, there will be plenty of San Antonio insurance jobs available.

Insurance claims and policy processing clerks are responsible for processing new insurance policies and modifying existing policies and claims forms. This is done by reviewing applications for completeness, compiling data on policy changes, and verifying the accuracy of insurance records.

Most employers prefer applicants to have at least a high school diploma, while some are more likely to hire those with an associates degree. Employees also can expect to undergo some on-the-job training once they are hired.

There were about 223,900 insurance claims and processing clerks throughout the nation during 2008, and that number is expected to decrease by 1.7 percent by 2018, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Employment in the San Antonio area is anticipated to remain even through 2016 with about 50 workers. Throughout Texas, however, employment should increase by 4.7 percent to 14,600 workers by that year. There will be about 170 openings each year due to replacement and about 60 openings each year due to job growth.

The top five industries that employ insurance claims and processing clerks in the San Antonio area, according to the Texas Workforce Commission, include:

1. Insurance carriers - 48.10 percent
2. Agencies, brokerages, and other insurance related activities - 34.84 percent
3. Data processing, hosting, and related services - 5.53 percent
4. Depository credit intermediation - 2.07 percent
5. Specialty hospitals, except psychiatric and substance abuse - 2.04 percent

During 2009, the average wage for insurance claims and processing clerks in the San Antonio area was $13.33 per hour, while the average wage throughout Texas was $17/14 per hour and the average wage across America was $17.18 per hour.

San Antonio Government Jobs for Airport Managers

Are you looking for San Antonio government jobs? If so, check out what it takes to be an airport manager, which is just one of the many positions available.

An airport manager is typically responsible for performing professional administrative and supervisory work in the management, operation, and maintenance of a General Aviation Reliever Airport. They also may direct the supervision of staff at the airport.

The day-to-day duties of an airport manager may include:

• Assisting in the negotiation and administration of contracts, leases, and other agreements for the use of airport land and buildings.
• Coordinating the work of federal, city, and other agencies involved in airport operations.
• Directing and supervising the work of airport maintenance and clerical personnel.
• Developing the annual operating budget and monitoring expenditures.
• Inspecting runways, taxiways, aprons, and airport perimeter for safety and security purposes.
• Making decisions on runway and taxiway openings and closings.
• Supervising and evaluating the work of assigned staff.
• Responding to airport emergencies that happen after hours.
• Acting as on-site commander after airport accidents and incidents.
• Participating in the development of airport expansion and construction planning.
• Attending meetings with business owners and citizens to provide information and solve problems.
• Developing reports and presentations for management and officials.
• Performing related duties and fulfilling other responsibilities as required.

In order to become an airport manager, applicants must have a bachelor's degree focused on business administration, aviation management, or a related field from an accredited college or university. They also should have four years of experience or a combination of education and experience.

The City of San Antonio further prefers that applicants for airport manager positions be an Accredited Airport Executive by the American Association of Airport Executives or be willing to obtain the accreditation within one year of employment.

Employees also may be required to let an employer check background stats about them.

San Antonio Government Jobs

There are plenty of opportunities for those considering San Antonio government jobs.

San Antonio's government industry employed 158,300 workers during December 2009, according to the U.S. Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics. This is up from 158,200 workers during November and a 2.4 percent increase from December 2008.

The city, which operates by a City Council and manager form of government, is divided into 10 council districts to ensure equal population distribution. Each district elects one person to serve as a council member, while the mayor is elected citywide, according to Wikipedia.

Each council member is elected to serve a two-year term and is limited to four terms total. Council members earn $20 per meeting, while the mayor is paid $4,000 per year, causing most council members to work full-time jobs in addition to their positions with the city.

The council is responsible for appointing a city manager, who handles all the day-to-day operations of San Antonio. The council functions as the city's legislative body, with the city manager acting as chief executive.

Julian Castro currently serves as the mayor, while Sheryl Sculley serves as the city manager. San Antonio's 10 districts are currently represented by:

• District 1 - Mary Alice P. Cisneros
• District 2 - Ivy R. Taylor
• District 3 - Jennifer V. Ramos
• District 4 - Philip A. Cortez
• District 5 - David Medina, Jr.
• District 6 - Ray Lopez
• District 7 - Justin Rodriguez
• District 8 - W. Reed Williams
• District 9 - Elisa Chan
• District 10 - John G. Clamp

Because San Antonio is not surrounded by independent suburbs, as most large cities are, it has the ability under Texas law to exercise extraterritorial jurisdiction over nearby unincorporated land. The city can direct growth and zoning in the outlying area.

San Antonio also operates CPS Energy, its own electric and gas utility company. The Texas Department of Transportation operates the San Antonio District Office in the city.

When it comes to the federal government, San Antonio is located in several national congressional districts. The city is currently represented by senators Kay Bailey Hutchison and John Cornyn, as well as representatives Charlie Gonzalez, Lamar Smith, Ciro Rodriguez and Henry Cuellar.