10 Fastest Growing Jobs in the U.S.

NEW YORK (MainStreet) -- Many Americans rejoiced at the news that the economy added nearly 250,000 jobs in January, but that's only the tip of the iceberg. The economy is expected to add more than 20 million jobs by 2020, a 14.3% increase from 2010 in the number of people employed, according to recent data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Many of these jobs will be focused in a few key industries.

The health care and social assistance industry is projected to add more than 5.6 million jobs this decade, more than any other sector, largely because the population is getting older and will require more care. Meanwhile, the construction and retail industries are expected to add more than 3.5 million jobs in this time as demand for these services increases from a low point in 2010 in the aftermath of the recession.

From stonemasons to biomedical engineers, here are the top 10 jobs expected to expand.

While the overall number of people employed is expected to grow by 14.3% in this period, some professions are projected to grow at more than three times that pace. We took a look at the 10 professions expected to expand at the fastest pace, which are by and large in either the construction or health care industries and require some post-secondary education.

These positions don't always come with the biggest paychecks, but if you're looking for a profession with solid job prospects, these 10 are your best bet.

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10th-fastest-growing job: Meeting, convention and event planners
This decade should be a good one for event planners: The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts demand for this occupation will grow significantly in part because there are more events and meetings in a stronger economy than a weaker one, and because companies are becoming more globalized and need organized events to bring their employees and clients together in person. Having a college degree can make a person more competitive in this industry, but it's not required. These professionals earned a median salary of $45,260 in 2010.
Employment in 2010: 71,600 workers
Projected employment in 2020: 102,900 workers
Increase: 43.7%

Ninth-fastest-growing job: Pipelayers, plumbers, pipefitters and steamfitters
The construction industry is expected to see one of the biggest hiring increases this decade, adding roughly 1.8 million jobs by 2020. According to the BLS, much of this is due to the simple fact employment levels hit rock bottom during the recession and really have nowhere to go but up. For pipelayers, plumbers, pipefitters and steamfitters, that means there will be more than 26,000 new jobs. These workers earned a median salary of $26,740 in 2010.
Employment in 2010: 57,900 workers
Projected employment in 2020: 84,200 workers
Increase: 45.4%