Law, public safety and security

Public safety jobs are among the most dangerous. They include firefighters and police patrol officers who respond to emergencies and help enforce the law. Once a matter comes to the attention of the legal system, lawyers and judges and their support staffs play a key role. The legal system affects nearly every aspect of society, from buying a home to crossing the street.

Job outlook
Employment for lawyers is expected to grow at an average rate through 2014, but competition for the jobs should be tough because of the large number of law school graduates each year. Police employment should grow at an average rate, and fire fighting occupations will grow faster than the national average by 2014, between 18 and 26 percent, as more volunteer positions are converted to paid positions in growing suburban areas. Competition for the positions should be tough, however, and those in top physical condition will have the best opportunities. Employment for emergency medical technicians and paramedics, however, should grow faster than 27 percent as a growing and aging population should spark the demand for emergency services.