Best bets for jobs in 2011

Kaitlin Madden, CareerBuilder Writer

While there certainly have been positive indicators for employment in 2011 -- the National Association of Colleges and Employers says employers plan to hire 13.5 percent more new college graduates in 2011 than in 2010, and the Federal Reserve predicts that in 2011, the unemployment rate may drop below 9 percent for the first time since April 2009 -- the job market will continue to be competitive this year.

But pursuing certain occupations will likely provide job seekers with a more fortunate and fruitful return than others. If you're looking for a new job this year, consider honing your skills and applying for a job in one of these 10 occupations, all of which are expected to grow this year and which pay more than the national average salary of $43,460.

1. Accountant

Not only is accounting projected to experience large growth through 2018, but accounting is consistently among the bachelor's degrees most desired by employers, and is the No.1 bachelor's degree that employers will be looking for in 2011, according to NACE.

Salary: $59,229*

2. Web developer

As the world becomes more dependent on technology, it also becomes more dependent on those who create it. According to the Conference Board, an economic research organization, at the end of 2010, the number of advertised vacancies for computer and mathematical science professionals was at its highest since April 2008.

Salary: $87,553

3. Occupational therapist

Occupational therapists help patients regain mental and physical function lost to such causes as arthritis, stroke, cancer or dementia, and will become more in demand as baby boomers age and create a larger elderly population.

Salary: $69,428

4. Sales manager

Since good salespeople directly contribute to a company's bottom line, they will be a crucial part of the corporate rebuilding process in the next year. The key role salespeople have in keeping business booming also makes the job more stable in uncertain times.

Salary: $111,472

5. Computer software engineer

According to the  Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment for computer software engineers is expected to grow 32 percent between 2008 and 2018.

Salary: $96,712

6. Truck driver

In 2008, truck drivers held more than 3.2 million jobs, making the occupation one of the largest in the country. The demand for goods and the need to ship them is not slowing down, either. Nearly 292,000 jobs will be created by 2018, according to the BLS.

Salary: $45,095

7. Registered nurse

As the overall population grows, so will the need for nurses that can provide quality care. Additionally, large numbers of nurses are expected to retire in the coming decade, leaving plenty of room for those entering the profession.

Salary: $72,271

8. Dental hygienist

The BLS considers this field one of the fastest-growing. It's expected to add nearly 63,000 jobs through 2018, a 36 percent increase over 2008.

Salary: $75,164

9. Financial adviser

The recession has wreaked havoc on personal finances. From those who lost equity in their homes or investment properties, to others who wiped out savings accounts or tapped into retirement funds, Americans will be looking to get their finances back on track this year. As baby boomers begin to retire, the need for financial advisers will only increase.

Salary: $76,688

10. Physical therapist assistant

According to the BLS, there were nearly twice as many physical therapist assistants as physical therapists in 2008, and the occupation is expected to grow much faster than average through 2018. Because training is relatively minimal -- only an associate degree is usually required -- and the pay is good, it's a great option for those looking for a career change.

Salary: $48,250

*All salary information provided by CBSalary.com.

Kaitlin Madden is a writer and blogger for CareerBuilder.com and its job blog, The Work Buzz. She researches and writes about job search strategy, career management, hiring trends and workplace issues. Follow @Careerbuilder on Twitter.