Las Vegas NowHot Jobs Hitting Las Vegas

Hot Jobs Hitting Las Vegas

Finding a job right now isn't easy, but finding a decent paying job may seem impossible. But Las Vegas is the hot spot for hot jobs, and the good news is many don't even require a four-year degree.

Many of the jobs are in the health care field. They include dental hygienist, physical therapist assistant and radiation therapist. None require a four-year degree and the guaranteed starting pay is in the $30,000 range.

X- rays, MRI's, and CAT scans keep medical technicians busy. You could call it a recession-proof career. UNLV can't keep up with the demand for students wanting to study radiography.

"I will see typically 400 to 600 who are interested in the program. Out of that 600, we usually accept 40 to 45 into our program," said George Pales with UNLV.

UNLV's radiography program is a two-year program that comes with a decent starting pay and job security. "It's the economy. Those who were fat cating it, selling real estate or cars are now back in the hospital because there are jobs there. You may not get rich but you'll always have a job," said Pales.

Physical therapy is also a career that comes with a lot of benefits. Student Spencer Blackwell says it's challenging but rewarding. "Nothing is better than when they come in and can't move -- have a sore shoulder and a couple weeks later they walk out giving you a high five saying, ‘Thanks! Life is good again,'" he said.

He knows once he becomes a physical therapist, he will be set. "I have friends chasing the dollar -- dead end job -- and I don't see this as a dead end job," he said.

UNLV Professor Daniel Young says these jobs also offer good pay but with half the school work. "You would look at it as a career choice, as a different path than physical therapy but one that takes much less time and the rigor into getting into the program like that isn't as tough either," he said.

Hot jobs are considered hot right now if it pays over $32,000 and the projected growth is more than 10-percent in the next 10 years.