Having a bachelor’s degree, or higher, could mean that you are 50% more likely to have/keep your job. According to data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (December 2010), the unemployment rate percentage is about 50% lower than workers who do not have a high school diploma (9.8% versus 4.8%).

Unemployment rate for workers without a high school degree was 15.3%, workers with some college or an associate’s degree was 8.1%. So, a college degree can insulate you from being laid off during economic downturns.

In addition to the potential job security during tough economic times, a college degree, or other ongoing professional education, can give you more opportunities and earnings during the good economic times. College is a great resource if you need to change careers or get additional training to stay ahead in your career. Read more about college degree benefits.

There are some jobs today that are providing more job security than others according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Today’s economic and social trends, such as aging population and the growing green economy opportunity, are fueling the demand for these jobs. The following are 10 jobs considered more secure and they tend to require or favor college degrees, and possibly professional certifications:

• Accountants and auditors – Faster than average employment growth of 22% from 2008 to 2018, especially certified public accountants (CPAs). Average annual earnings for accountants/auditors were $59,430 in May 2008.
• Computer analysts/systems analysts – Job prospects are good and growth in employment is 20% from 2008 to 2018. Average annual wages of computer systems analysts were $75,500 in May 2008.
• Environmental scientists and hydrologists – Employment of environmental scientists and specialists is expected to increase 28% from 2008 to 2018. Average annual earnings were $59,750 in May 2008.
• Lawyers – Lawyer employment is expected to grow 13% from 2008 to 2018. Average annual earnings for lawyers in May 2008 were $110,590.
• Pharmacists – Employment of pharmacists is expected to grow at a faster than average rate of 17% from 2008 to 2018 with excellent job prospects. Pharmacists earned an average of $106,410 per year in May 2008.
• Physical therapists – The growth of employment for physical therapists is expected to be much faster than average at 30% from 2008 to 2018. Average annual earnings of physical therapists were $72,790 in May 2008.
• Physicians and surgeons – Employment of physicians and surgeons is expected to grow 22% from 2008 to 2018. Average annual earnings for primary care physicians were $186,044, and physicians who practiced a specialized medicine earned $339,738 according to a survey by the Medical Group Management Association (2008).
• Registered nurses – With the aging population, there is a nursing shortage, resulting in excellent job prospects for anyone looking for a career as a registered nurse (RN). Employment of registered nurses is expected to grow at 22% from 2008 to 2018. Registered nurses earned $62,450 per year on average in May 2008.
• Speech pathologists – Speech-language pathologists employment growth is projected to be 19% from 2008 to 2018. Speech-language pathologist earned an average of $62,930 per year in May 2008.
• Teachers – Kindergarten, elementary, middle and high school teacher employment growth is expected to be 13% from 2008 to 2018. Average annual earnings for teachers were $47,100 - $51,180 in May 2008.

Also, find out the college degrees and careers that are high paying and in high demand.