Thanks to its blue-collar roots, heavy manufacturing, robust shipping industry, high technology growth, and strategic position along the Eastern corridor, Baltimore, Maryland is an ideal city for you to pursue a degree, diploma, or certificate from one of the many trade schools. From automotive repair to factory production and information technology, Baltimore has remained at the forefront of America's most vibrant industries. More recently, the city has invested heavily in its commercial centers, attracting companies from around the world to its business-friendly culture. In addition, Baltimore's aggressive revitalization of the downtown waterfront area has transformed the city into a major tourist hub increasingly able to compete with nearby Washington DC, Philadelphia, and New York.
The following is a breakdown of Baltimore's top-hiring industries:
- Financial Activities. 81,800 jobs
- Leisure and Hospitality. 107,100 jobs
- Professional and Business Services. 172,000 jobs
- Educational and Health Services. 199,500 jobs
- Government. 218,900 jobs
- Trade, Transportation, and Utilities. 237,000 jobs
The Economy in Baltimore and What It Means to You
Although there are a great many career paths for which Baltimore's vocational, trade, and technical schools can prepare you, health services and medicine might represent the most attractive opportunities. In this 650,000-strong city, the healthcare industry has expanded to meet the population demands of the greater metropolitan area. In addition, Baltimore's biotechnology and medicine sectors have received generous funding and support, paving the way for graduates of nursing, medical billing, emergency services, and lab technology trade schools. However, healthcare is not the only industry that flourishes in Baltimore's burgeoning economy. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics offers a list of some of the more lucrative positions for qualified graduates of vocational and technical degree programs. With sufficient training from one of Baltimore's many trade schools, you stand an excellent chance of matching or exceeding the 2008 median hourly salaries listed below:
- Computer support specialists at $23.16
- Electro-mechanical technicians at $23.22
- Plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters at $23.26
- Aircraft mechanics and service technicians at $24.36
- Registered nurses at $36.07
- Respiratory therapy technicians at $28.92
Whatever career path you choose, Baltimore is a great place to begin your future--and enrolling in one of the many degree, certificate, or diploma programs is a fantastic place to start.
