10 jobs for 2012

Possible education path: Bachelor's degree in computer science or software engineering

Salary potential: up to $87,790 for applications software developers (2010 national median annual wages, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook)

It seems like everyone is permanently connected to a mobile device, and software engineers and developers may continue to be in high demand to create the applications that go along with them. Just like the smart phone, these jobs have gone mainstream.

"The developer stereotype of a geek sitting in a basement closet coding away is long gone," said Faina Klyuzman, recruiter for AWeber Communications. "The developer of the future is at the forefront of decision making; they are moving initiatives forward, and with this, advancing their career."

Possible education path:Bachelor's degree in communications, public relations or marketing

Salary potential: up to $52,090 for public relations specialists (2010 national median annual wages, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook)

If you can tweet like there is no tomorrow, a career as a social media specialist might be right for you. These public relations professionals maintain a company's presence on Facebook and Twitter as well as coordinate blogs and viral marketing campaigns.

"Social media specialists will be in tremendous demand in 2012," said Bill Balderaz, founder of Webbed Marketing. "Consumers expect brands to talk with them on Facebook and Twitter and through blogs. Organizations recognize this and will shift marketing resources and dollars from traditional forms of marketing to social media marketing."

Possible education path: Bachelor's, master's or doctoral degree in athletic training

Salary potential: up to $41,600 (2010 national median annual wages, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook)

As a nation, we are getting older and, according to some assessments, bigger. That means there could be plenty of work for athletic trainers in the coming year. But don't confuse athletic trainers with your local aerobics instructors. These trainers are highly-skilled health care professionals who generally work as part of team to prevent, diagnose and treat muscle and bone injuries and illnesses.

Possible education path: College degree plus completion of physician assistant educational program.

Salary potential: up to $86,410 (2010 national median annual wages, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook)

Like athletic trainers, employment options for physician assistants could likely get a boost from our nation's aging and growing population. The BLS reports job growth for physician assistants is expected to be 39 percent from 2008 to 2018.

Possible education path: Bachelor's, master's or doctoral degree in project management; specialization or certification in project management

Salary potential: up to $105,000—may vary depending on industry (2011 national median annual wages, PMI Project Management Salary Survey)

Project management isn't limited to a single industry, which is one reason why it may continue to be a hot career choice. Project managers wear many hats and are ultimately responsible for ensuring all aspects of a project -- from its cost to the schedule and scope -- meet an employer's specifications.

Possible education path: up to $58,510 for multimedia artists and animators (2010 national median annual wages, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook)

Salary potential: $66,000 (SimplyHired.com)

You may never have heard of a creative technologist, but the American Association of Advertising Agencies says these individuals are in great demand. Creative technologists offer a bridge between the creative arts and technology.

"Advertising agencies are having a challenging time finding candidates who can successfully combine the necessary creative and technological skill set," said Chick Foxgrover, SVP/CTO of the 4A's (American Association of Advertising Agencies).

Possible education path: Bachelor's or master's degree in business, law or finance

Salary potential: up to $74,940 for financial examiners; up to $87,650 for actuaries (2010 national median annual wages, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook)

"As we enter 2012, financial institutions will continue to be rocked by global financial crises, excessive risk taking, and criminal activity," said Roy Cohen, career coach and author of "The Wall Street Professional's Survival Guide." According to Cohen, "[Compliance and risk management] is the only area in the financial services industry where significant growth is expected and where many opportunities will be created in both private sector and governmental organizations."

Compliance and risk management specialists create policies and guidelines for business and finance organizations and then maintain oversight of operations.

Possible education path: Vocational training Salary potential: up to $28,920 for skincare specialists (2010 national median annual wages, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook) If the idea of spending years in college doesn't sound appealing, consider becoming a cosmetic laser technician. Often requiring only a short vocational training program, the demand for technicians is expected to grow an astounding 38 percent from 2008-2018, according to BLS figures. Pay for technicians can be variable and include commissions and tips.

Possible education path: Bachelor's degree in English, journalism or communications

Salary potential: up to $55,420 for writers and authors; up to $63,280 for technical writers (2010 national median annual wages, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook)

The chances of making a living as a creative writer seem painfully slim, but work in copywriting and technical writing is available to qualified writers. Companies both large and small are looking for qualified writers to create Web content, write blog posts and create sales material. Kelly Robbins of The Copywriting Institute says pay for copywriters can range from $50-$125 an hour, depending on experience and geographic location.

Possible education path: Associate or bachelor's degree in veterinary technology Salary potential: up to $29,710 (2010 national median annual wages, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook) The BLS reports a shortage of veterinary technologists and technicians due to the limited availability of educational programs in the field. Only 500 or so technologists graduate with bachelor's degrees each year, making them a hot commodity.